Parks and Recreation News

April 20, 2017 by Staff Report

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

For more information on these programs, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit them online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

Just For Seniors

Senior Days series are co-presented by Geauga Park District, the Geauga County Department on Aging and University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center. Both days are free, but registration is required.

Birdwatching is April 27, from 8-11 a.m. at The Rookery. The group will take a walk to share birding basics for all skill levels, then head into Great Blue Heron Lodge for a pancake breakfast.

Fishing is June 15, from 9 a.m. to noon at Beartown Lakes Reservation. Join for more pancakes followed by a morning of angling and trying to catch “the big one” with park district staff.

Geauga Walkers hikes are Tuesdays, from 1-2:30 p.m. at The Rookery on April 25; Headwaters Park on May 9; The West Woods’ Affelder House on May 23; and Frohring Meadows on June 20. A summer picnic edition will also be hosted at The West Woods on June 6, with a naturalist-led hike at noon followed by a potluck picnic at 1 p.m. Registration is not required.

Get Going With The Caveman

Geauga Park District’s seventh annual Caveman Crawl 5K trail run and 1-mile fun walk takes place June 11 at the West Woods in Russell Township.

All ages are welcome, and all funds raised benefit the Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure, which funds youth programming in the parks including summer camps for youth entering grades 5 through 10. Also, wear prehistoric garb for a chance to win a special handcrafted Best Costume award in the youth or adult category.

Race time is 9 a.m.; costume judging begins at 8:30 a.m.; and free food and awards follow the race.

Find more information, applications and online registration at bit.ly/gpdcaveman. Early sign-up guarantees a race T-shirt and cheaper fee of $20.

Perfect Occasion Costumes and Magic in Middlefield is offering 15 percent off retail merchandise and 20 percent off rentals for Caveman Crawl costumes.

Take A Day Trip

See new things in nature with a GPD naturalist as a guide. Registration is required.

Magee Marsh Birding Van Trip

April 24 or May 10, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Join for a trip to witness the spring spectacle of bird migration along the shores of Lake Erie. The May 10 trip also marks International Migratory Bird Day. Bring binoculars, bird guide, water and sack lunch. Fee is $10 or $25 for out of county residents. Meet at The West Woods.

Lake Erie Bluffs Birding Van Trip

May 20, 6:45-10:30 a.m.

Bring binoculars, spotting scopes and cameras to explore this unique habitat for spring migrants. Meet at The West Woods. Those who don’t want to ride in the van can join at the Bluffs at 7:30 a.m.

Bird House Van Tour

June 17, 9 a.m. to noon.

A tour to look in on nesting bluebirds, tree swallows, purple martins, house wrens and others attracted to bird houses. Meet at Burton Square’s Gazebo.

Call For Artists: Nature Arts Festival

Geauga Park District welcomes exhibitors of wildlife/Nature-inspired artwork to apply for space in its 26th annual Nature Arts Festival at Big Creek Park in Chardon and co-marketed with the Chardon Square Arts Festival to attract maximum attendance to both events.

Both events are Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a free 5-minute Lolly the Trolley ride connecting them. Exhibitor information can be found at bit.ly/gpdspecial or at The West Woods Nature Center, open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Applicants must submit at least four images of their artwork, including one of their display. Spaces are available indoors and outdoors. Wildlife artwork will be given preference over artwork depicting domestic animals.

Deadline for entries is May 1, at which time initial jurying will take place. Additional applicants will be accepted and juried as space allows.

Questions? Contact Teresa Runion, special events coordinator, at trunion@geaugaparkdistrict.org or 440-279-0882.