Find your adventure in Geauga Park District this spring – from going on a real-life snipe hunt to exploring Ansel’s Cave to learn to canoe and kayak or running (or walking) your first 5K!
Here are our offerings for June 2019. You may also view these programs and events published on our new website, www.geaugaparkdistrict.org, beginning the morning of March 20, and in our quarterly Park Explorer newsletter, which is mailed to every Geauga County household and available from all in-county libraries.
Horseback Trail Ride (Walk, Trot & Canter) – Sunday, June 2nd from 10:00 a.m. – Noon at Holbrook Hollows
Bring your own horse to enjoy the spring woodlands from a seat in the saddle on this naturalist-led trail ride at a faster pace walk, trot and canter. Must trailer your own horse. Helmets recommended. Please bring a shovel to clean up after your horse in the parking lot. May register for both trail rides with a lunch break between. Registration required.
Horseback Trail Ride (Walk Only) – Sunday, June 2nd from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Holbrook Hollows
Bring your own horse to enjoy the spring woodlands from a seat in the saddle on this naturalist-led trail ride at a leisurely walk-only pace. Must trailer your own horse. Helmets recommended. Please bring a shovel to clean up after your horse in the parking lot. May register for both trail rides with a lunch break between. Registration required.
Jungle Bird Canoe Safari – Sunday, June 2nd from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Eldon Russell Park
Canoe the Upper Cuyahoga River to view Baltimore Orioles, vireos, flycatchers, cuckoos and colorful warblers including the rare Prothonotary Warbler. Must have canoeing experience. Bring binoculars. Ages 10+ with adult. Registration required by phone starting May 25th. Nature’s Not to Be Missed.
Geauga Walkers: Summer Picnic – Tuesday, June 4th from Noon – 2:30 p.m. at Frohring Meadows, Katydid Shelter
Join other active seniors for this annual picnic: a short hike at noon, followed by a potluck picnic at 1:00 p.m. Bring a dish to share. Call Geauga Senior Center for full schedule: 440-279-2126.
Asteroid Search – Friday, June 7th from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Observatory Park
Celebrate “Asteroid Month” by learning how to join the search for potentially dangerous asteroids. Protect your planet! Program followed by night sky viewing until 11 PM if weather permits. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Basic Learn to Kayak – Saturday, June 8th from 9:00 a.m. – Noon at Bass Lake Preserve
Learn basic kayak-handling techniques for safe kayaking on flat water. Ages 10+ with adult. Registration required starting May 25th.
Basic Learn to Canoe – Saturday, June 8th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Bass Lake Preserve, Grounds
Learn basic canoe-handling techniques for safe canoeing on flat water. Ages 10+ with adult. Registration required by phone starting May 25th.
Nights Out in the Parks: Jayson & the Mean Eyed Cats in Concert – Saturday, June 8th from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Big Creek Park Amphitheater
Enjoy a mixture of high-energy rockabilly with some country and blues thrown in for good measure! Refreshments served. Held inside if inclement weather. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Nassau Night Sky Viewing – Saturday, June 8th from 9:00 p.m. – Midnight at Observatory Park, Nassau Astronomical Station
Observe the wonders of the night sky using this facility’s giant research-grade telescope! If weather prevents sky viewing, join us for a planetarium presentation in the McCullough Science Center instead. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Caveman Crawl 5K Trail Run & 1-Mile Fun Walk – Sunday, June 9th from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at The West Woods – Fee: $20 advance, $25 Race Day
Experience this one-of-a-kind 5K trail run through the wooded hills of The West Woods, now in its ninth year. Caveman and cavewoman costumes encouraged! Online registration available at; paper registration forms can also be found on that website and at The West Woods Nature Center or Big Creek Park’s Meyer Center. Day-of registration 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., costume contest 8:30 a.m., 5K run/walk at 9:00 a.m.. Course is primarily well graded dirt and gravel with minimal pavement running. Unique awards for winning runners and most creative costumes. Walkers welcome! Proceeds benefit the Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure.
Welton’s Gorge Backcountry Ravine Exploration – Sunday, June 9th from 9:00 a.m. – Noon & 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Welton’s Gorge in Burton Township
Venture into the rocky woodland ravines of this preserve to discover deep rock ledges, cool streams, salamanders and other stream life. Wear sturdy shoes with good traction for slippery stream bottoms, steep grades and off-trail obstacles like downed trees and stream crossings. Held rain or shine. Registration required; directions provided upon registration.
Timbertots: Forest Explorer (Ages 3-5 w/adult) – Sunday, June 9th from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at B Benner Metzenbaum Park
Explore forest life to discover the amazing things that call a forest home. Program outdoors, so dress accordingly. Steep hill; strollers not recommended. Registration required.
Adventure Day Camp (Youth entering grades 5-7) – Monday, June 10th from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at The West Woods – Fee: $150 ($175 out of county)
Are you ready for an adventure!? If so, join our Adventure Day Camp for an exciting week of exploring, hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, sending rockets high into the sky and more! Begin and end each day at The West Woods Nature Center. Transportation provided to other park locations for various activities facilitated by highly qualified staff. Schedules, waivers and other details sent at a later date. Camp waiver required for each participant. Bring lunch, water and a raincoat in a backpack each day. Other equipment included in the registration fee. Financial assistance available; please call for details. Registration required.
Timbertots: Forest Explorer (Ages 3-5 w/adult) – Tuesday, June 11th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Claridon Woodlands, Judge Lester Taylor Lodge
Explore forest life to discover the amazing things that call a forest home. Program outdoors, so dress accordingly. Steep hill; strollers not recommended. Registration required.
Scout Day: BSA Astronomy Merit Badge Workshop – Wednesday, June 12th, from 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. at Observatory Park
Geauga Park District is pleased to offer the BSA Astronomy Merit Badge at this International Dark Sky Park. Pre-work will be required for certain requirements. An astronomy Merit Badge Counselor will be on site. Registration required; more information will be emailed upon registration. Wheelchair accessible.
Veterans Picnic – Friday, June 14th from 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Holbrook Hollows
Geauga Park District celebrates our veterans on Flag Day with a special picnic to say thank you for serving our country! Veterans and a guest are welcome to enjoy food and fun at this new park. Registration required. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Authorized Access Hike: Wildlife of the Landfill – Saturday, June 15the from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Waste Management’s Closed Lake County Landfill
Back by popular demand! Take this opportunity to explore the grasslands and wetlands of a restored landfill to see how the former solid waste site protects and is naturally re-claimed by an amazing diversity of animals and plants. To cover the large area we will carpool to reach some locations. Registration required; directions will be sent prior to program.
Nassau Astronomy Night with CVAS – Saturday, June 15th from 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. at Observatory Park, Nassau Astronomical Station
Join members of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society to take in the wonders of the night sky using our newly restored telescope! Stop in to discover this amazing facility and all it has to offer. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
