Emagazine 2016 Winter & Spring

Vigo County

Parks & Recreation Winter & Spring 2016 | Vol 3 Iss 2

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 Naturalist

From the Superintendent

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.

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 nature 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

Children must be accompanied by an adult * Free!

ACTIVITIES

MARCH

FEBRUARY Painting & Pie February 18, March 10, 17 & 24

6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Grand Traverse Pie Company Ages 4+ $25 Ages 4 - 12 ~ $35 Ages 12+ Paint beautifully during this step-by-step class led by instructor Robyn Michelle. All skill levels are welcome. “Painting & Pie” class series runs until March 2016. Sign up early as space is limited.

Min. 4/Max. 20. Registration Required 2 Days Before.

Wild Photography * Thursday, March 3

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Vigo County Public Library: Main Branch All Ages Join us in welcoming photographer, Daniel Griggs, for an evening slideshow featuring landscapes, plants, geology, and wildlife. Enjoy snacks and drinks while listening to the adventures of a traveling photographer before the Digital Age. Min. 10/Max. 40. Registration Required by 3/2/16.

Party with the Stars! * Friday, March 4

Pancake Breakfast Saturday - Sunday, February 20 - 21

8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Fowler Park: Log Barn All Ages $5 per plate, Ages 6 and under $2 per plate Our 29th annual Pancake Breakfast menu includes pancakes, sausage patties, Prairie Creek Park maple syrup and a drink. Gluten free pancakes and sugar free syrup will be available while supplies last.

Maple syrup will be available for purchase during breakfast. Tour our Sugar Cabin to see how we boil the sugar down.

Sap into Syrup Workshop * Saturday, February 27

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

Fowler Park: Log Barn All Ages Learn about the history of maple syrup, equipment options, and how we operate our sugar bush. Hot drinks and snacks will be provided. VCPRD Maple Syrup will be available to taste and purchase.

Min. 15/Max. 50. Registration Required by 2/19/16

(812) 462-3392

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Terre Haute South High School’s Allen Memorial Planetarium All Ages Gather at the Allen Memorial Planetarium for a star program presented by Terre Haute South’s Holly Hudson about constellations, stars, and other celestial events. Afterwards, create star charts and Big Dipper finders to take home.

Min. 15/Max. 60. Registration Required by 3/2/16.

Dog Bone Hunt Saturday, March 19

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Prairie Creek Park: Baseball Field All Ages Dry pet food donation required Celebrate Easter with your “best friend” during our Dog Bone Hunt.

Fill up your basket as you search our field for dog treats. Participate in our Bunny Costume Contest at 2:00 p.m. to win some great prizes.

All participants must bring a dry pet food donation to be donated to the Terre Haute Humane Society. Dogs must be on a leash.

www.VigoCounty.in.gov

Cabin Fever Hike * Sunday, March 20

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

Fowler Park: Brentlinger Shelter All Ages Brush off those winter blues. Today’s the first day of spring! Join our Naturalist for a moderate hike through our woods to search for waking wildlife. Warm up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate after the hike. Registration Required by 3/18/16.

APRIL Nature Tales * April 6 & 13, May 4 & 11, June 1 & 8

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Vigo County Public Library: Main/West Branch Ages 2-10 Take a break from your busy day for a nature themed storytime.

Create a fun, easy craft to take home. The first Nature Tales a month will be at the Main Branch and the second will be at the West Branch.

Min. 5/Max. 20. Registration Required 2 Days Before

Community Read: Shakespeare’s Gardens * Thursday, April 14

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Vigo County Public Library: Meeting Room C All Ages Shakespeare’s plays and poems abound with flowers and gardens.

Join VCPRD as we visit the beauty of planting your own Shakespeare garden. Discussion includes garden design, plant uses, and wildlife benefits. Advanced Master Gardener, Marilyn Miller, will elaborate on plant selections and showcase flowers from the Apple House.

Participate in our Rose Raffle for a chance to win!

Spring Wildflower Hike * Saturday, April 16

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

Prairie Creek Park: Elliott Woods Trailhead All Ages Join special guest, Dr. Peter Scott, to learn native spring wildflower species in our nature preserve. Elliott Woods trail level of difficulty is moderate and hilly. Participants will receive a wildflower identification checklist. Registration Required by 4/15/16.

Invasive Removal Work Day * Saturday, April 23

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Prairie Creek Park: Elliott Woods Trailhead All Ages Invasive alien plant species are threatening biodiversity everywhere!

Join us to remove several alien plant species to save our nature preserve. Water, gloves and tools will be provided. Eradicators should bring a sack lunch.

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

MAY Dolly, Mommy & Me Spring Tea Party Saturday, May 7

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Fowler Park: Log Barn Ages 4 - 12 $20 per Mom/Daughter, $5 additional daughter Bring your daughter(s) and favorite dolly for an afternoon tea with Mommy. Decorate your own tiara, bake & decorate cookies, create jewelry and play dress-up.

Min. 15/Max. 30. Registration Required by 5/2/16.

Yoga in the Park Every Sunday, May 8 - October 2nd

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

Hawthorn Park: Labyrinth 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 Labyrinth. All skill levels are welcome.

Migratory Bird Treaty Centennial Discussion * Wednesday, May 18

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

Vigo County Public Library: West Branch All Ages Migratory birds add beauty, sound and color to our natural world.

Join VCPRD’s Naturalist, Amber Slaughterbeck, to learn about the Migratory Bird Treaty, signed August 16th, 1916. Discussion will include Centennial goals and potential partnerships, as well as opportunities for engagement in conservation.

Min. 5/Max. 30. Registration Required by 5/17/16.

Summer in the Village * Saturday, May 18

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

Fowler Park: Pioneer Village All Ages Every third Saturday, May - September, visit with our pioneers in the village cabins to learn about 19th century skills and daily life. If you’re interested in volunteering in our Pioneer Village, join us for our Volunteer Open House June 18th to learn how you can begin interpreting pioneer life.

Midwest Bird Fest * Saturday, May 21

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Hawthorn Park: Burkeybyle Shelter & Amphitheater All Ages Learn all about our feathered friends during this fun, educational festival. Activities include hikes, bird house building, special guest presentations, and a live raptor show.

Check out the Activities page on our website for a full list of programs, like us on Facebook for the newest updates and information! 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