ASHLAND WOODS
RECREATION OVERSEER HANDBOOK
“There fore , si nce we a re su r r o u nde d by s o gr e a t a clo u d o f witne s se s , let us a l so la y a si d e e ve ry w e igh t, a nd s in wh ich clings s o clo s e ly , a n d l e t us run with e nd ur a nce th e r a ce th a t is s e t be f o r e u s , ” H EB R EW S 1 2: 1
INTRODUCTION What is a RECREATION OVERSEER?
The Recreation Overseer is responsible for knowing about and overseeing the use of all the items available for recreational purposes, both indoor and outdoor. This Overseer should know how to enjoy and use all items properly and safely. In addition, they will need to make themselves available at the right times to help setup an activity, instruct the saints adequately if needed, and in some cases, to oversee an activity. After any use of the recreation items during your event, as well as at the end of the event, the overseer will be ultimately responsible for returning all recreational items to their correct locations and storing them properly, so they will be available for the next group to use. PLANNING YOUR EVENT When planning for your event, it is suggested that you consider: - the PURPOSE of your event, - the TIMES that recreation will occur, - the AGES of those attending your event, - the expected WEATHER, and other factors such as these that can help you to plan for activities that are realistic and helpful. You may consider planning some activities with the Health Care Overseer that can be beneficial to the saints during the event, as well as for their health in the long run. For example, if your meetings are long, the saints
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may appreciate a simple exercise/stretching session. Some may enjoy an organized and Overseer led “nature walk”. The ideas are endless and dependent on your personal investment in planning. The responsibilities of this serving category relate to recreational activities at each of the houses but these responsibilities increase with the Ashland Woods property. The Huntington House has fewer recreational opportunities on site even though the community opportunities remain the same. When groups use the Huntington House alone, if any attendants want to visit the Ashland Woods property either for recreation or for “just looking,” they should contact the group coordinators of the groups staying at Ashland Woods and check with them first to get permission (and vice versa). In most cases it will probably be ok, but there may be special situations or times that would be better than others so consideration and mutual coordination is important. THE ORIENTATION MEETING The Orientation Meeting for the Recreation Overseer is extremely important. That will be the time when all planned recreation activities are reviewed, current weather conditions are assessed for the event, and any adjustments or changes can be made. Many details which are not possible to cover in this Handbook are discussed in the Orientation and questions that you may have will be answered specifically with application for your event. Please make this a priority in your arrival plans.
RESPONSIBILITIES For any and all of the listed recreational items in this handbook, the Recreation Overseer will be responsible for the following:
1. Letting the saints know what recreation opportunities are available, both indoor and outdoor. 2. Knowing where the equipment for all activities is stored. 3. Setting up equipment in the properly designated areas. 4. *IMPORTANT* Making sure that all equipment is used correctly. Instruction for certain activities is often needed, and it is the responsibility of the Overseer to give this instruction. 5. Making sure that all equipment is returned to its proper storage location after any use. 6. Reporting any equipment items that are lost, missing, or damaged, to Ben Shumway or Tim Miller for repair or replacement.
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ACTIVITIES AT A ASHLAND WOODS OUTSIDE: 1. Volleyball – the court setup is behind the Fellowship Center Great Room 2. Basketball – on the cement pad in front of the Log Garage. Balls are kept on the Log House front porch. 3. Football – in the front yards of the Fellowship Center or the Log House 4. Soccer – with nets in the front yard of the Fellowship Center, the Log House, or on the septic leach field of the Fellowship Center. 5. Bocce – any lawn area 6. Frisbee – any lawn area 7. Corn Hole – any lawn area. But if behind the Fellowship Center, place the boards between the patio and the swing-set. Log house – front yard in front of the porch. 8. Row Boat - on Ashland Woods pond - see watercraft safety 9. Canoes – on Ashland Woods pond - see watercraft safety 10. Pedal Boat – on Ashland Woods pond 11. Fishing – Ashland Woods pond. Huntington House pond. Findley State Park lake (fishing license needed) 12. Pond Swimming - in the Ashland Woods pond only (see instructions p.12) 13. Pool Swimming - in the Huntington House pool only (see p.13). No swimming in the HH pond. 14. Hiking on the woods trails 15. Hiking in the nearby community 16. Gazebo - for relaxation 17. Tree House – behind the Fellowship Center 18. Swing Set – behind the Fellowship Center 19. Bonfires (see p.10) – specified areas - Roasting sticks are available to enjoy toasted marshmallows and/or hotdogs 20. Other Places (in the community) - (see p. 7) ASHLAND WOODS INSIDE: 1. Books to read (bring your own) 2. Board Games / Card Games (bring your own)
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SHLAND WOODS
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ACTIVITIES AT
HUNTINGTON HOUSE 1
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HUNTINGTON HOUSE OUTSIDE
HUNTINGTON HOUSE INDOOR
1. Pool Swimming (see p.13) 2. Corn Hole - set up in backyard 3. Backyard Games - as space allows 4. Fishing (see notes on p. 11) 5. Back Deck and Patio - for relaxation and enjoyment
1. Ping-Pong – two tables – basement of Huntington House 2. Board Games/Playing Cards (bring your own)
PLACES IN
THE COMMUNITY HUNTINGTON PARK BALL DIAMONDS ~10 min. drive (located at township center off of Rt. 58)
HUNTINGTON PARK BASKETBALL COURTS ~10 min. drive (located at township center off of Rt. 58)
WELLINGTON COURTHOUSE INDOOR GYMNASIUM ~15 min. drive (must be rented ahead of time; gym shoes are required) 440-647-3827
FINDLEY STATE PARK ~15 min. drive (boat rental (93 acre lake), camping (275 campsites), swimming, hiking, bike trails, fishing with license, picnic areas, etc.) 216-647-4490
RUSTIC LAKES CAMPGROUN DS ~5 min. drive New London Eastern Rd. & Hawley Rd. (swimming, fishing, etc.) 216-647-3804
LOCAL FARM MARKETS & ROADSIDE STANDS (on Rt. 58 south of Rt 224)
OBERLIN COLLEGE & CHARLES FINNEY MEMORIAL CHAPEL ~30 min. drive (beautiful campus; local restuarants and coffee shops)
CLAREMAR TWIN LAKES CAMPING ~10 min. drive (500+ campsites, swimming, fishing, and boating, activities for kids and adults) 440-647-3318
SPLASH ZONE OBERLIN POOL AND WATERPARK ~30 min. drive ($8 per person) 440-774-5059
AMISH COUNTRY ~1 hr. (check out visitamishcountry.com for ideas, places, and events)
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LAWN GAMES VOLLEYBALL Set-up of net must be requested in advance of your event. Whenever the grass in the yard behind the Fellowship Center is too soft from too much rain, volleyball will NOT be set up there and recreational games should not be played in that area.
BASKETBALL Court is located on the cement pad in front of the Log House Garage. Balls are stored on the Log House front porch.
FRISBEE/FOOTBALL Games can be played on the front lawns of the Fellowship Center, the Log House, and the backyard of the Huntington House.
SOCCER Nets can be set up in front of the Fellowshp Center, the Log home, or in the septic leach field.
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CORNHOLE/BOCCE Games can be played on any lawn area. Suggested areas are behind the Fellowship Center between the patio and the swing-set and in the front yard in front of the Log House porch.
RELAXED ENJOYMENT
GAZEBO The gazebo at the Ashland Woods pond and woods area can be enjoyed at any time of the year. It is glassed in for cold weather use and screened for warm weather usage. There is seating provided for 10 people, so it can also function as a small group fellowship area.
In warm weather the windows can be unlocked and opened. They must be closed when leaving the gazebo unoccupied though. The Recreation Overseer must check the gazebo regularly to make sure that windows are not left opened in inclement weather. In cold weather the gazebo can still be enjoyed, especially on sunny days. The sunshine will warm the inside quite nicely. The gazebo can also be thoroughly enjoyed at night.
EXERCISE ACTIVITIES For more low-key exercise options, consider taking walks around the pond or doing some early morning stretching.
STAR GAZING The countryside is the best place to view the starry sky. Areas to star gaze include any lawn area and the Ashland Woods dock.
CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA For all ages. If children are using these areas, adult supervision is required.
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EXPERIENCING THE OUTDOORS Roasting sticks are available to enjoy toasted marshmallows and/or hotdogs
BONFIRES There are designated spots at each house where a “bonfire” or “campfire” is permitted. The exact locations, firewood supply, and the details for building, controlling, and extinguishing a fire safely will all be discussed at the Orientation Meeting. Whenever the wind is deemed too strong or if the weather forecast is calling for strong winds, campfires will not be allowed. The Recreation Overseer will need to keep abreast of current weather conditions if this is in their plans. It is strongly recommended that any plans for a fire be communicated with Ben Shumway several days in advance of your event.
HIKING & WALKING There is a beautiful trail that runs along the back of the property. Entrances are near the tree house and behind the Log House. Along the route you will come to Sunrise Point towards the east and Sunset Ridge towards the west. Watch for poison ivy. There is a shorter trail, the Gazebo Walk, that runs from the entrance at the tree house to the Gazebo. The lane in front of the Log House and Fellowship Center is our private driveway. This is a very enjoyable place to take a walk. BIKING Country road bike riding can be enjoyable and relaxing. Bring your own bike if this is of interest to you. 10
WATERCRAFT SAFETY A. Guidelines for wearing safety vests: Safety vests of various child and adult sizes are available on the Recreation Cart under the back deck of the Fellowship Center and MUST be worn: - When the danger of drowning exists. - Ohio State law requires all children under 12 years of age to wear a vest. - Any person, 12 or older, that does not have adequate swimming skills. Make sure that your vest fits properly. The jacket/vest should fit you snugly with all zippers, straps, ties and snaps correctly secured. With a partner behind you, raise your arms like you are signaling a touchdown in a football game. Have the partner lift the vest by the shoulders. The jacket should come no higher than your chin. If the jacket covers your face or comes off – that’s what will happen in the water. In this case, tighten the straps or use a smaller size. If no properly fitting life vest is available due to fit or other’s usage, then the recreation overseer must become involved to oversee the situation and ensure the safety of all. B. Row Boat, Canoes, and Pedal Boat safety: When getting into or moving the craft, always maintain three points of contact, keeping your weight low and close to the center line. (i.e. 1 hand + 2 feet, or, 1 foot + 2 hands)
Once in boat: - Do NOT stand - Do NOT overload the craft - Do NOT allow horseplay Maximum capacity
Maximum weight
Rowboat
5 people
700 lbs.
Canoe
3 people
600 lbs.
Pedal Boat
4 people
550 lbs.
C. Pedal Boat: The pedal boat is kept covered to prevent it from filling with rain water. The Recreation Overseer will be instructed at the Orientation Meeting how to remove the cover and store it, move the boat into the water, enter and exit the boat safely from shore or from the dock, and how to protect the rudder. Safety guidelines will be covered then as well.
FISHING Fishing is allowed at both the Ashland Woods pond and the Huntington House pond. The following general guidelines should be observed: 1. When “No Fishing” signs are posted, there is a seasonal reason for this, and during this time “No Fishing” should be enforced. 2. Fish that are caught may be eaten or taken home. But NO fish cleaning is allowed in the houses. Fish cleaning is allowed only at the designated area outside. 11
POND SWIMMING S W IMMING IS ALLO W ED IN THE ASHLAND WOODS POND. S W I M M ING IS NO T ALLO W ED IN THE HUNTINGTON HOUSE POND. SWIMMING IN THE ASHLAND WOODS POND Swimming in the Ashland Woods Pond is permitted. The pond at its deepest point is approximately 11’ deep. Surrounding the pond edge is a standing shelf at approximately 4’ deep. The following guidelines should be observed: House bath towels are NOT allowed to be used for swimming. There are “Pond Towels” available for this purpose. They are located on the Recreation Carts. Someone may have brought their own towel from home for this purpose. This is also okay. Entry can be made from any point around the pond, although most swimmers will choose to enter the water at the boat dock on the east side. The pond bottom is thick soft muck. Your feet will be “muddy” after swimming and should be rinsed off thoroughly with the hose before entering any house or boat.
After swimming, entry to the Fellowship Center is ONLY allowed through the basement backdoor entrance. Feet should be rinsed off with the hose before entering the house. If the swimmer is still wet, a shower in that wing can be used for showering, drying off and changing. Clothing should be prepared ahead of time and placed in that area. The gazebo may be used for changing into or out of swimwear. However, it should be noted that while it is only semi-private due to the glass windows, the visibility from the outside to the inside is very low or negligible. Visibility from the inside out though is very clear so while you are inside, the feeling of privacy may not be there.
After swimming, entry to the Fellowship Center is ONLY allowed through the basement backdoor entrance which is located underneath the back deck.
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POOL SWIMMING I F Y O U I NT END T O U S E T H E POOL AT THE HUNTINGTON HOUSE, CHEC K F I R S T W IT H T H E G R OU P COORDINATOR AND/OR THE HUNTINGTO N H O US E H O S T T O S EE IF IT IS PERMISSIBLE DURING YOUR EVENT . Please observe the following guidelines: 1. Do NOT use room towels. Use ONLY the special towels provided for swimming. They can be found in the wall cabinet in the basement bathroom. After swimming, keep your towel in your bedroom for re-use. When finished, put your used towel in the proper laundry basket. 2. Before entering the pool water, remove the floating chemical container from the water. Set it by the railing on the deck and after everyone is out of the water, set the container back in the water. Do not open it. 3. No one is allowed to sit on furniture in the house with a wet swimsuit. 4. When possible, use the basement bathroom for drying and changing clothes. Wet swimsuits and towels can be dried on the pool clothesline.
WATER SAFETY * The pool water is approximately 4 ft. deep. Children whose face is under 4 ft. tall MUST be with a parent.
* Children 12 years old and younger MUST be accompanied and supervised by an adult. * NO jumping or diving in the pool. * NO running on the deck. * Do not play with any pool equipment, such as the skimmer net, the vacuum pole, the pool thermometer, or the floating chemical container. * NO food or drink allowed in the pool. It is allowed on the deck.
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PRECAUTIONS AREAS OF POISON IVY TO BE AVOIDED: Poison Ivy is prevalent along the woods edges and can be observed in places along the woods trails and at destination points. Extra caution should be used when walking in these places. If someone at your event suspects that they have been exposed to poison ivy by direct contact of leaves or vines with their skin, they should contact the Health Overseer as soon as possible after such contact. The Health Overseer will instruct them as to what procedure they should quickly follow to eliminate or minimize a possible rash. They should also let you as the Recreation Overseer know about their exposure in order to monitor them and to warn others to avoid that particular area.
POND (DURING WINTER) Whenever ICE is covering either pond at the Huntington House or Ashland Woods, the guests must be told clearly that NO ONE is to walk on any ice, no matter how thick they may think it is. “KEEP OFF THE ICE” signs mean just that.
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RECREATION CARTS The Recreation Carts are home to the majority of the equipment accompanying the many recreational activities available at Ashland Woods. These three carts are seasonally located and stored underneath the back deck of the Fellowship Center.
CART A
- Cornhole boards and bean bags - Bocce ball set - Grill cooking utensils - Grill cleaning supplies - Kindling for bonfires - Fire Starter Paper for bonfires - Lighters - Roasting sticks for marshmallows/hot dogs - Game cones/field markers
CART B
- Fishing rods (12) - Tackle boxes - Fishing nets (4) - Buckets (5) - Fish-cleaning table - Sunscreen/bug spray
CART C
- Adult life-vests (6) - Child life-vests (8) - Towels (for pond swimming) - Volleyball net - Frisbees (11) - Game balls (footballs, soccer balls, volley balls) - Toy balls (nurf balls, small basketballs, playballs for kids)
T HE F O LLO WING AR EAS OF RECREA T I ON HA VE DET A I L ED I N S T R U CT IO N/ INF O R MATIO N SHEET S AVAI L ABL E AT T HE ORI EN T A T I ON M E ETING , AND THER EAFT ER, ON T HE RECREA T I ON CART S: - B o n f i r e D e tails -
-Pois on Iv y Tu t oria l-
- F i s h i ng Tack le U s age Ins tru c t ion s-
-Ga me R u les-
-Tra il Ma p s -
-Commu n it y “Th in gs t o Do”15
THE CONCLUSION OF YOUR EVENT
1. Make sure ALL recreational items are returned to their proper locations. Make sure life vests are stored correctly, boat oars and paddles are with their vessels, balls are returned to their proper locations, etc. 2. Clean the gazebo and close and lock the windows. 3. Check ALL outdoor areas used for recreation for clothing, lost items, trash on the ground, water bottles, etc. This includes the basketball court, the boat dock, gazebo, woods trails and destination points, ball fields, swing sets, treehouse, etc. Make sure that all recreational items belonging to the saints in your group are returned to them before they leave. 4. If your group had a bonfire, make sure that the fire location is safely secured. 5. Communicate directly with Ben Shumway via text, email, or phone, if any items are broken or missing.
