There is something for everyone in Geauga Park District this fall – from three weekends of horse-drawn wagon rides at Swine Creek Reservation, to a fishing introduction with Cleveland Indians perfect game pitcher Len Barker, to a boutique of holiday decor and gifts, to hiking with Santa and Buddy the Elf and a newly reformatted winter solstice celebration!
Here are our offerings for October 2017:
- Geauga Walkers
Tuesday, October 3, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve
Tuesday, October 17, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Big Creek Park, Tupelo Pond Parking Lot
Tuesday, October 31, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Headwaters Park, Route 608 Entrance
Join other active seniors on weekly hikes typically 1½ miles long. A naturalist leads hikes held in Park District parks. Call Geauga Senior Center for full schedule, 440-279-2137.
- Astrotots: Rockets
Wednesday, October 4th, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 7th, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Observatory Park, Robert McCullough Science Center
Have a “blast” at this basic, kid-friendly rocketry program! Make and take home a rocket to launch your child’s imagination into space, and safely assist and watch a model rocket launch. Wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
- Full Moon: The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
Wednesday, October 4th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Observatory Park, Robert McCullough Science Center
Celebrate China’s moon-viewing festival, learn the history of this holiday in a planetarium presentation, then watch the full moon rise using park telescopes, weather permitting. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
- Fall Color Canoe Float
Saturday, October 7th, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve
Enjoy the autumn color of the shoreline forest and wetlands as well as the wildlife that call Lake Kelso home. Canoeing ability/experience required. Ages 10+; must be 12 and up to paddle. Phone registration begins September 29. Registration required.
- Hound Hike: The West Woods
Saturday, October 7th, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at The West Woods
Explore the trails of The West Woods with your dog! Walkers who do not have dogs are still welcome to attend. Bring dog towels, a water bowl, poop scoop and bags for dog clean-up. One dog per handler, who must be able to fully control dog. Dog on leash at all times (8 ft max). Dog must be non-aggressive to people and other dogs; if altercations or incidents occur, or dog(s) exhibit aggressive behavior or excessive barking, owner(s) of problematic dog(s) will be asked to leave. Registration required.
- Senior Day: Fall Wagon Ride
Thursday, October 12th, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Swine Creek Reservation, Woods Edge Shelter
Join us for a naturalist-led wagon ride to enjoy the beautiful colors of fall! The Geauga County Department on Aging and University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center also host a picnic lunch as part of this seasonal special event that marks the end of our outdoor Senior Days until spring. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
- Meet the Artists: Robert Kolcum & Wayne Mazorow
Friday, October 13th, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at The West Woods
Meet watercolor artist Robert Kolcum and photographer Wayne Mazorow and view their stunning collection of nature artwork. Artwork on display through the end of the year. Refreshments served. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
- Make a Sundial
Friday, October 13th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 27th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Observatory Park, Robert McCullough Science Center
Learn how to design and build several kinds of working sundials. Make and keep working paper sundials. We will also provide free plans for building something more elaborate. Followed by night sky viewing until 11 PM using park telescopes, weather permitting. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
- Jump into Fall Days
Saturday, October 14th, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 15th, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Swine Creek Reservation, Woods Edge Shelter
Celebrate autumn with hands-on activities for all ages: free horse-drawn wagon rides, kayaking, fishing, face painting and balloon creations, harvest bounty treats for sale and much more. Wagon rides are first come, first served 1-4 PM. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
- Nassau Night Sky Viewing
Saturday, October 14th, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 21st, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Observatory Park, Nassau Astronomical Station
Observe the wonders of the night sky using the huge Nassau Astronomical Station telescope, weather permitting. If conditions aren’t favorable, join us for a planetarium show in the McCullough Science Center instead. Members of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society will participate on October 21st. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
- Fantastic Fall Fungi
Sunday, October 15th, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at The West Woods
Walt Sturgeon of the Ohio Mushroom Society offers a Powerpoint introduction to the diverse wild mushrooms of Ohio. Mushrooms on display, and please bring mushrooms from your area. A limited participation foray into the field will follow to search for specimens with Walt. Joint program with Native Plant Society. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration required.
- The Sky Tonight Planetarium Show
Sunday, October 15th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 29th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Observatory Park, Robert McCullough Science Center
Join us for a planetarium presentation about what to watch for in the night sky this week. Building open house 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Weather permitting, also get a chance to view the sun using our safe, solar-viewing equipment. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
