It's spring once again and summer is looming on the horizon! As the "battle of the blades" begins, new foliage has reappeared, and spring wildflowers have mysteriously popped up from the ground, folks are eager to get outside. Areas within the Hancock Park District are a favorite place for many to visit. Visitors enjoy perusing the landscape to check out what has reappeared after a long winter season that seemed to want to hang on forever. Spring is a natural time for everyone to be outside; temperatures are more desirable and comfortable, and those pesky mosquitoes have not made an appearance yet. Warmer temperatures and sunny days mean busy times around HPD.
The summer seasonal guide is now available on-line or can be picked up at the HPD office or other enclosed facilities, Hancock County Welcome Center, and The Cube. This issue covers the months of June thru August and it is packed with something for everyone. Several canoe workshops and float trips are scheduled at the Riverside Landing Boat Rental Concession, Wee Ones and Discovery Stories for little ones, and there is even something for "Rover". Our 2nd Annual Dogpawlooza is set to take place Saturday, July 12. Registration forms to enter your "best friend" will be available on-line. Pick up a copy today.
June means Summer Day Camps at HPD. The 2008 season will feature three Summer Day Camps with different topics and interests for kids of all ages to help keep young minds learning during their respite from their normal school schedule. Camps include: June 17 & 18 - Budding Naturalist Camp for kids ages 6-8 who enjoy nature based activities to open the mind; Pioneer Camp for youngsters ages 9-12 who want to learn more about early Hancock County history; June 24-26 - Junior Naturalist Camp for kids ages 8-12 will take place for those older children who want a more in depth outdoor experience. Registration and medical forms are all on-line to download at your convenience. Make your reservation early - space is very limited to ensure a quality experience for all campers. All campers are conducted by HPD's professional programming staff members.
New this year is Conservation Stewardship Days, a new program for young adults between the ages of 13-15, who are too old for summer camps, but have an interest in helping the environment. Three sessions, consisting of two consecutive Thursdays, will be held beginning June 19. Each day learning and stewardship activities will be integrated in a hands-on approach with river monitoring, trail maintenance and habitat management.
The 57th season of Riverside Summer Concert Series begins June 18 with the Millstream Singers. Eight consecutive Wednesday evening concerts beginning at 7:30pm will take place at the Allen P. Dudley Band Shell and Dick Daugherty Plaza in Findlay's Riverside Park. Other concert dates include: June 25 - Night Jazz, July 2, 9 & 16 - Findlay Civic Concert Band, July 23 - Fostoria Lake Plains Barbershop Chorus, July 30 - Napoleon Community Band and August 6 - Findlay Civic Jazz. All concerts remain free to concert goers due to the generosity of many local businesses.
Check out all the details of HPD events and happenings on-line at www.HancockParks.com or call the office at 419-425-PARK/7275. "Discover Your Hancock Parks," you'll be glad you did.
