GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT
For more information, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geauga
parkdistrict.org.
What To Do? Snowshoe!
A free snowshoe borrowing program is debuting at The West Woods. Registration is preferred; any snowshoes not reserved are available on first-come, first-served basis. Borrowers must be 18 or older to check out a pair; an adult must accompany anyone younger. No one under 10 may use the snowshoes due to weight.
Snowshoes may not leave The West Woods except for registered programs. Registrants must sign a waiver form and leave a driver’s license as a security deposit. Borrowing can take place any time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and last up to two hours. At least a few inches of snow on the ground is needed, and the deeper the snow, the better.
Those who need extra guidance may register to attend the Learn to Snowshoe program on Jan. 10, either from 10 a.m. to noon at Big Creek Park or 2-4 p.m. at Orchard Hills Park. An instructor will teach the basics of snowshoeing: clothing, equipment and technique. Outdoor instruction and a snowshoe hike will follow an indoor presentation. Borrow a pair or bring a pair of your own!
For more guided snowshoe experiences this winter, visit http://bit.ly/gpdsscall2015 to get one’s name on the call list for special snowshoe programs that will be “called into action” anytime now through March 1 whenever the snow conditions are right for snowshoeing.
Winter Fun Day
Winter Fun Day is Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Orchard Hills Park, 11340 Caves Road in Chester Township.
Hot cocoa, family time on a sled, catching snowflakes, skiing and enjoying the crisp air by an outdoor fire are all things visitors can do in one day at Orchard Hills Park.
The program features sledding, snowshoe exploration of the park for those 10 and older, activities and crafts, such as making birdseed ornaments from the birdseed bar and painting with ice. Nora the Explorer hosts wildlife detective training at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Games will include a “snow snake” race, or sliding painted wooden poles on ice or snow; looking at snowflakes under a microscope; and catching a snow crystal card. At the heated lodge, volunteers will also tend a cozy fire with warm drinks, snacks and refreshments. Please bring a packed lunch and stay awhile.
If there is no snow, naturalists will have alternate activities planned as well.
The Connect with Community-themed program includes a food drive to collect nonperishable items and help re-stock Geauga Hunger Task Force after the holidays.
Registration is not required. Activities will utilize both the main Orchard Hills lodge and the shelter at the base of the sledding hill.
Connect With Your Parks
Geauga Park District wants people to feel closer to understanding their connection with nature and acknowledging the bounty they allow themselves to enjoy through their continued support.
The park district wants people to connect with the parks, and as an incentive, the park district is trying a new spin on promotions that will get people excited about 2015. Each month will have a theme connecting visitors with all the great things about the Geauga Park District. Look for the Connect logo in the Voices of Nature newsletter or search for Connect programs on the park district website to see what is planned this winter.
Kicking it off are January’s Connect with Community-themed programs, which all include food drives to help restock Geauga Hunger Task Force after the holidays. Bring nonperishable food items to feel the connection. Then, get more details about February’s Connect with Winter and March’s Connect with Tradition themes from the newsletter or website.
Each Connect theme applies to fun and relaxation, including campfires and s’mores, feeding the birds, snowshoes, sledding, snowmen, snowball fights, ice fishing and winter camping.
The park district is also debuting its Connect Winter Photo Contest, where the prize is a free pint of real maple syrup, plus much attention on its social media. This season, the park district is looking for pictures taken in Geauga Park District that feature community, winter or tradition, and yes, selfies are welcome. Post one’s photos to the park district’s Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram. Submissions will be added to the Facebook page March 24, and the two that receive the most likes by the last day of the month win.