WINTER FUN IN THE PARKS

Cross country skiing is a popular activity when snow conditions are good at CAM-PLEX Park. The ski trails follow some existing walking trails along the pines, wander throughout the arboretum area, and extend into the open fields of the park for a wonderful variety of winter scenery.

Vehicle parking and restrooms are available near Shelter #1. Several of the picnic shelters are protected from the wind by trees and provide an excellent opportunity for a winter picnic or get-together. The WPA Building is also available for rent if groups would like a warm place to gather.

Playgrounds are available in nearly all of the neighborhood and community parks. Benches have been installed in the play area, so parents can be close by to supervise their children while playing and to enjoy the opportunity to interact with their children. Snow and ice make playground equipment very slippery so please use caution when letting children play on the equipment. Winter temperatures also make the play surface harder than normal so be aware that playground surfaces will not be as soft.

For some, the most enjoyable way to enjoy their outdoor experience is with their fourlegged pal. It is advisable to have leash handy while walking your dog in the park. Pet waste bags are available in Lasting Legacy Park, Bicentennial Park and CAM-PLEX Park. Please clean up after your pets and deposit the waste in a trash can or dumpster. Your thoughtfulness in cleaning up after your pet keeps the park nicer and makes the next person’s visit to the park more enjoyable.

Arbor Day without a tree to plant would be like springtime without birds singing. Periodic dry periods plague our region from time to time and we have realized that in this dry climate drought periods are something that we must learn to live with. Planting trees is not discouraged during dry periods because of the many benefits that trees provide to parks and the community.

Please consider planting a tree on Arbor Day or working with a civic group or school group to improve the community we call home. The last Monday in April is Wyoming Arbor Day and plans are underway in Gillette and Wright for a tree planting celebration.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is now.”