E-Magazine - Summer 2015

Vigo County

Parks & Recreation Summer 2015 | Vol 2 Iss 1

CONTACT US!

Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department Vigo County Government Building 155 Oak Street Terre Haute, IN 47807 www.VigoCounty.in.gov Phone (812) 462-3392 | Fax (812) 232-2862 Find us on

MAPLE SYRUP SALES The sugar house is in operation during Maple Surgain’ Days (generally in February annually and dependent on the weather). Approximately 2,500 maple trees are tapped throughout the park. Sap is collected and routed to an authentic log cabin where maple syrup is produced, bottled, and sold. Maple syrup and maple cream can also be purchased in the Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Office.

STAFF Kara Kish, MPA, CPRE, CPSI Adam Grossman Amber Slaughterbeck Julia Farr

Superintendent Asst. Superintendent Natural Resource Programmer Administrative Assistant

Shawn Bunch

Maintenance Specialist

Anthony Coletti

Maintenance Specialist

Stanley Gilbert

Maintenance Specialist

Richard Noe

Maintenance Specialist

Mark Wiggins

Maintenance Specialist

Matthew Bauer

Communication Specialist

The Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department features 2,700 acres of beautiful land, water, trails, wetlands, and wildlife refuge. The dedicated staff of VCPRD strive to provide park patrons with the ability to enjoy the natural scenery, shelters, play spaces, and trails with expert planning and care of the land. Our environmental educational programs and special events engage visitors through hands-on learning centered around history, nature, and conservation. The county parks offer a unique experience throughout the year.

From the Superintendent On behalf of the Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department, I would like to warmly invite and welcome you to experience your Vigo County parks. With 2,700 acres of open space, woodlands, prairies, wetlands, historical sites, and lakes, the Vigo County parks have something to offer to everyone! Parks provide a unique and serene setting for family reunions, weddings, birthday parties and other special occasions. Parks provide opportunities for health and fitness on our vast system of trails. Parks provide for preservation and protection of the natural landscape and wildlife. Parks provide an outlet for fun, relaxation, exploration, and the ability to recreate exactly the way you would like. So “Take It Outside” and experience your Vigo County parks.

Inside this magazine, you will find all the information you need to make your next visit to a Vigo County park a success. I hope that you and your family will take advantage of the wonderful array of programs coordinated by our Natural Resource Programmer. The Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department takes great pride in ensuring that your experience at the parks is one that you will remember. Our dedicated and committed staff are here to serve you!

Thank you, and see you in the Parks!

Visit us today!

Kara Kish, Superintendent (812) 462-3392

www.VigoCounty.in.gov

RENTALS Log Barn (Indoor)

Fowler Park Monday - Thursday $90 Friday - Sunday & Holidays $120

Shelters (Outdoor)

Fowler, Prairie Creek & Hawthorn Park Monday - Thursday $25 Friday - Sunday & Holidays $50

Church & Labyrinth

Fowler & Hawthorn Park Monday - Thursday $30 Friday - Sunday & Holidays $50

View the informational pamphlet for rentals by clicking here.

For more information concerning shelter rentals please contact Julia Farr at Julia.Farr@VigoCounty.in.gov.

Looking for a place to get away?

WE HAVE CAMPING! The Vigo County campgrounds at Fowler, Hawthorn, & Prairie Creek Parks are open May 1st-October 15th.

For more information please call us at (812) 462-3392 or view the informational pamphlets by visiting www.VigoCounty.in.gov.

Campground Features Modern Campsites w/ Electricity Primitive Style Camping

Restrooms

Shower Houses

Dump Stations

WEDDINGS Vigo County Parks offers unique settings for any wedding, large or small.

The Fowler Park Log Church in the Pioneer Village provides intimacy, warmth and charm in a rustic environment. Continue your festivities in the Fowler Park Log Barn or a large outdoor shelter.

Interested in having an outdoor wedding? Surround yourself in a rose garden at Hawthorn Park’s Smith Labyrinth; the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.

The Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to host your special day in one of these featured locations or at your favorite spot in the park any time throughout the year.

(812) 462-3392

www.VigoCounty.in.gov

ACTIVITIES

Children must be accompanied by an adult * Free!

Movie in the Ballpark: The Perfect Game * Saturday, May 30

MAY Yoga in the Park Every Sunday, May 17 - August 9

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Hawthorn Park: Beach Ages 15+ $2 per person (cash only, please) Learn basic yoga movements to rejuvenate your mind and body with Instructor, Melissa Grinslade. Bring a mat or blanket for yoga on the beach. All skill levels are welcome.

Movie in the Park: The NeverEnding Story * Friday, May 29

Concession Sales begin at 7:30 p.m.

Fowler Park: Shelter A lawn All Ages Bring a blanket for a movie under the stars. Popcorn, candy, drinks, & glow bracelets will be available for purchase.

Blindfold Birding * Saturday, May 30

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Vigo County Public Library: Main Branch All Ages How many common birds can you identify…blindfolded? Join VCPRD’s Natural Resource Programmer for an introduction to identifying birds by their songs. After the class, we’ll venture outside to test our new skills. This program is suitable for individuals of all abilities.

Registration Required by 5/27/15

(812) 462-3392

Activities begin at 7:00 p.m.

West Terre Haute Little League Ballpark All Ages Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department and the Vigo County Public Library are joining together for “Super Saturday Summer Reading Kickoff”. The Lemon Brothers Band will perform and many outdoor activities will be provided before the movie. You won’t want to miss the fun!

JUNE Party with the Stars! * Friday, June 5th

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Terre Haute South High School’s Allen Memorial Planetarium 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Fowler Park: Shelter A All Ages Gather at the Allen Memorial Planetarium for a summer star program presented by Terre Haute South’s Holly Hudson about constellations, stars, and other celestial events for the summer. Afterwards, caravan to Fowler Park’s Shelter A for an hour of stargazing with telescopes.

Rain date: Saturday, June 6th. Registration Required by 6/4/15

www.VigoCounty.in.gov

Movie in the Park: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial * Friday, June 5

Concession Sales begin at 8:30 p.m.

Fowler Park: Shelter A lawn All Ages Bring a blanket for a movie under the stars. Popcorn, candy, drinks, & glow bracelets will be available for purchase.

National Trails Day: Wetland Hike * Saturday, June 6

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Wabashiki Fish & Wildlife Area: Dewey Point All Ages Wetlands provide crucial habitat in the great web of life. Join VCPRD’s Natural Resource Programmer to learn how you can help our local wetlands thrive. Make sure to bring your camera for a chance to capture a photograph of River Otters, Bald Eagles, White-tailed Deer, and many more wetland resident species. Questions about the trail will be answered during the hike. Registration Required by 6/5/15

Flag Day: Pallet Flag Workshop Sunday, June 14

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Fowler Park: Log Barn Ages 13+ (Under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult) $15 per person Create a rustic American Flag out of re-purposed wood pallets to hang in your home. All materials will be provided. Wear clothing that can get messy. Min. 10/ Max. 25. Registration Required by 6/11/15

Kids Day at the Market * Saturday, June 20

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Downtown Farmers Market: Clabber Girl Visit the market to pick up local produce and bring the kiddos for a fun filled day of free activities. Stop by our VCPRD booth to make bubble blowers out of household items.

Wild About Wetlands Day Camp * Monday - Friday, June 22 - 26

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Vigo County Public Library: West Branch Registration Required by 6/19/15 Ages 13 - 17 Explore our local Wabashiki wetlands through hands-on learning and earn an INPAWS Native Plant Wizard patch. During this week-long camp, your teen will learn how to use binoculars, read field guides, identify native plants and animals, survival skills and more. Every day will be spent outdoors! This program has a maximum of 15 participants.

Creepy Crawly Fest Saturday, June 27

JULY DIY West - Camping * Tuesday, July 7 & 14

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Vigo County Public Library: West Branch Ages 6+ Join the Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department and the West Branch of the Vigo County Public Library to tackle some heroic topics on Tuesday afternoons in July. On these dates, “Camping”: Set up a shelter, pack a backpack, cook on a campfire & make S’mores. All school age heroes invited! Regestration not required.

Campfire Cooking Class Saturday, July 11

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Fowler Park: Log Barn $25 Ages 10+ $15 Ages 10 & under Learn gourmet campfire cooking techniques with Chef Mandy Shook and taste each prepared dish. Payment due with registration (cash or check only). Min. 10/ Max. 15. Registration Required by 07/6/15

Bird Seed Bags Saturday, July 18

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Fowler Park: Log Barn Ages 13+ (Under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult) $15 per bag Bird seed bags are often tossed out with the trash. During this workshop, learn how to re-purpose feed, seed and produce bags into functional, sturdy tote bags. All materials will be provided; however, you are welcome to bring your own bag to sew. Min. 5/Max. 10. Registration Required by 7/16/15

DIY West - Be a Botanist * Tuesday, July 21

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Vigo County Public Library: West Branch Ages 6+ Join the Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department and the West Branch of the Vigo County Public Library to tackle some heroic topics on Tuesday afternoons this summer at the West Branch. On these dates, “Be a Botanist”: Identify, dissect and create a local plant guide.

All school age heroes invited! Registration Not Required

PROGRAM REGISTRATION

12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Hawthorn Park: Dogwood Shelter All Ages $5 per car donation Arachnids, insects, and snakes…oh my! Let’s celebrate our creepy crawlies today with live animal shows, crafts, face painting and more.

(812) 462-3392

Call our office at (812) 462-3392 Monday- Friday, 8am-12pm & 1-4pm or email the Natural Resource Programmer at Amber.Slaughterbeck@VigoCounty.in.gov

www.VigoCounty.in.gov

Fruitridge Ave

Park Ave

150

nno

nL

63

n

41

150

150

West Terre Haute

40

40

Wabash River

LEE FIELDS PARK

E Old Maple Ave

MARKLE MILL PARK

40

7th St

Haythorn St

Hunt Rd

Ga

Mill Dam Rd

VIGO COUNTY PARKS MAP

North Terre Haute

HAWTHORN PARK 40

SOUTH 7th ST PARK

Terre Haute

63 Elliot Woods

Trueblood Place

70

70

41

W French Drive

46 Prairieton

41

FOWLER PARK PRAIRIE CREEK PARK

Hotel Rd

63

63

E Oregon Church Rd

Prairie Creek

41

GEORGE & IDA SMITH PARK

(812) 462-3392

www.VigoCounty.in.gov

Bono Rd

Trueblood Pl

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AMENITIES Fowler Park

462.8

Hawthorn Park

256.7

Prairie Creek Park

282.7

George & Ida Smith Park

.05

Lee Fields

7.8

Markle Mill Park

8

South 7th St. Park

1

For more information about the county parks, please contact the Vigo County Parks & Recreation Department at (812) 462-3392 or visit our website at www.VigoCounty.in.gov.

ADDRESSES Fowler Park - 3000 E. Oregon Church Road Hawthorn Park - 6067 E. Old Maple Road Prairie Creek Park - 3230 W. French Drive George & Ida Smith Park - State Road 63, Prairieton Lee Fields - 979 Gannon Road, WTH Markle Mill Park - Park Ave. & Mill Dam Road South 7th St. Park - S. 7th Street, WTH

DIRECTIONS Fowler Park (from Interstate 70 & US 41) Travel south 7 miles on US 41. Turn left (east) onto E. Oregon Church Road. Travel 0.6 miles.

Turn left into the park entrance.

Hawthorn Park (from Interstate 70 & Indiana 46) Travel north 3 miles on Indiana 46 and turn right (east) onto US 40. Travel 1 mile east to the first traffic light. Turn left (north) and drive 0.6 miles. Turn left (west) onto E. Old Maple Avenue.

Travel 0.6 miles. Turn left into the park entrance.

Prairie Creek Park (from Interstate 70 & US 41) Travel south 10 miles on US 41. Turn right (west) onto W. French Drive. Travel 4 miles.

Turn left into the park entrance.

(812) 462-3392

www.VigoCounty.in.gov

Vigo County Parks and Recreation Department Vigo County Government Building 155 Oak St. Terre Haute, IN 47807

otos! h p r u o se y a c w o h S

Our park patrons take the best photos of our parks. We would love to see what pictures you have taken, displaying the beautiful environment around you. Please send images in JPEG or PDF format along with your name, number, & address.

To submit your photo: Please email image to Amber.Slaughterbeck@VigoCounty.in.gov