Now Accepting Snowmobile Applications – Observatory Park to host 2nd winter of snowmobiling, by permit only
As part of its mission statement to provide outdoor recreational experiences to residents of every age, every ability and at all times of the year, Geauga Park District is excited to be accepting applications to enjoy snowmobiling this winter at Observatory Park.
Snowmobiling will be allowed this winter only in Observatory Park, which is open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., by permit only, on trails marked with snowmobiling signage.
As part of a new partnership with Geauga Park District, the Ohio State Snowmobiling Association (OSSA) will also be tracking park trails with their snowmobiles and grooming equipment. The presence of these tracks will let park patrons know conditions are right for snowmobiling.
To ensure safety for all, other activities will be excluded on these trails. However, with 19 open parks and 77 trails totaling more than 64 miles, Geauga Park District still offers something for everyone in terms of winter activities, including free snowshoe borrowing at The West Woods, cross country skiing, winter hiking and The West Woods’ Bird in the Hand Feeding Station.
Forty snowmobiling permits were issued last winter at Observatory Park, which was the first year for this activity in the parks, Executive Director John Oros said.
“At a recent meeting with the members of the OSSA, I noticed a bumper sticker which read ‘Snowmobilers are Environmentalists, Too,’” he said. “When I inquired with the snowmobiling community as to what they meant by that, they explained their passion for protecting the rural landscape.
“Without parks and rural areas, we don’t have trails. The OSSA is thankful to Geauga Park District for starting a snowmobile program in 2016, and we are grateful to be able to bring a new audience of people out this winter to enjoy Observatory Park.”
To obtain an application for a snowmobiling permit, please visit GeaugaParkDistrict.org and scroll down to the yellow Bulletin Board.
For those interested ages 10 and older, the OSSA will also hold a free snowmobile safety class on Sunday, January 8, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Observatory Park’s Robert McCullough Science Center. Visit the OSSA online at SnowMobileOhio.com for information on how to register.
Bring Some Light Into the Longest Night – Hugely popular solstice tradition returns to The West Woods
Among the longest-running programs Geauga Park District hosts, in its 27th year, the Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk is the kind of charming event that fast becomes a tradition for families.
- What: Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk
- When: Wednesday, December 21st – 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Where: The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road (Route 87), Russell Twp.
Visitors begin the year’s longest evening indoors with hot cider and cookies homemade by volunteers, as well as sing-along opportunities with the accomplished Pilgrim Brass Choir, which has contributed traditional holiday music all 27 years of the program.
Then head outdoors in volunteer-led groups of 40 to 50 to explore the roots of our modern holiday celebrations, derived from ancient civilizations that saw the winter solstice differently than we do.
Expect to encounter five exciting stations to educate and entertain you about the celebration of the longest night of the year, past and present. Cultures featured during the walk’s luminary-lit stations will include the origin of the Christmas tree; the Druids and their origins of mistletoe and holly; the astronomical significance of the science behind the solstice; and the Northern Barbarians and how they saw the solstice as the annual theft of the sun by the Frost Giants.
This program, held at Swine Creek Reservation for 14 years and The Rookery for seven, made its debut at The West Woods in 2010. Roughly 15 staff members and 40 volunteers make it happen annually, and with good reason – it regularly attracts about 400 people.
The last group will be sent onto the path at 9:00 p.m. Due to limited parking, carpooling is highly recommended; overflow parking will be at ASM International, 9639 Kinsman Road (Route 87), where a shuttle will offer prompt transport to the Nature Center.
The Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk is free for all ages but only wheelchair/stroller accessible indoors. Registration is not required. With questions, just call 440-279-0894.
Grandparents in the Park – Experience wildlife wonders at The West Woods with family
Grandparents and grandchildren, here’s some special time set aside just for you – explore Nature in the comfy West Woods Nature Center with our interactive habitat exhibit and a fun game of wildlife bingo!
- What: Grandparents in the Park: Wildlife Wonders
- When: Thursday, December 29th – 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Where: The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road (Rt. 87), Russell Twp.
Since 2004, Geauga Park District has offered special programming during all major school breaks, providing great incentive to get out into the parks.
Participants are asked to bring a snack to share, and we will provide the beverages and activities to enjoy. Registration is required at GeaugaParkDistrict.org or 440-286-9516. The nature center is fully wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Geauga Park District is online at GeaugaParkDistrict.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
