The Playground Winter 2025-2026

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WINTER 2025-2026

December - February

THE PLAYGROUND PLAYGROUND

DOG PARK DIARIES

A story of community, canines, and companionship

MEET THE PARKS POSSE!

Brand new parks friends!

FROSTY FAMILY FUN

6 ways to enjoy the parks in winter

PARKS PUNCHLINES

All the grin-worthy jokes you can handle

FROSTY FAMILY FUN

Tips for making the most of your local parks this season

1.Explore New Routes

Just go! Don’t be afraid to say “Yes” and get a little uncomfortable on a new adventure. Discover a familiar park’s beauty transformed by snow and ice. Try the loop trail at University Park for a short, picturesque stroll.

2. Wildlife Watching

Observe the unique animals and birds that are active during the winter months. Try Northwest Park for a chance to see deer and other winter wildlife. Don’t forget your camera!

3. Capture The Beauty

Bring a camera or sketchbook to document the picturesque scenery. Try the creek at Westside Park for gorgeous photo opportunities.

4. Go Sledding

Grab your tubes, saucers, or snowboards and head out to the hill at Freedom Park for some winter thrills.

5. Dress For Success

Dress in moisture wicking layers (avoid cotton) for the most enjoyable experience for all. For added warmth, consider purchasing hand warmers and placing them in gloves and boots.

6. Recognize The Signs of Hypothermia

Lengthy exposure to cold can be dangerous. Know the warning signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, drowsiness) and frostbite. Seek immediate medical attention if someone's body temperature falls below 95 degrees.

D G PARK DIARIES

A STORY OF COMMUNITY, CANINES, AND COMPANIONSHIP

In the shade of the large trees at Westside Park, Deb Whetsel relaxed on a bench while her two dogs explored the park freely. “This is my favorite [park] because it’s big and they’ve got a lot of things for the dogs to play on, and they keep it really clean”, she told me as I sat with her. She’s had a dog park membership for several years, and recommends that other dog owners get one as well. “Normally, there’s several dogs here and they run and play. I’ve never seen a fight or anything, and it’s good exercise and good socialization for the dogs.” She mentioned that she loves the variety of amenities at Westside Park, such as the agility course and picnic tables, as well as a playground and shelter house nearby. Deb adopted her dogs from a local rescue and has helped them overcome health challenges from their previous owners. She says that the companionship they provide makes it all worth it. “I felt that they just needed someone to take good care of them.”

Greenwood Parks and Recreation has three unique dog parks, sponsored by Pet Suites, each with their own setting and amenities. University Park has a large fenced area with a shelter, water fountain, and agility course. Freedom Park, the largest of the dog parks, offers two separate areas, a water fountain, and picnic tables. Information and pricing for dog park memberships can be found on page 24 or on our website at greenwood.in.gov.

Freedom Dog Park
Deb Whetsel’s dogs at Westside Dog Park
Deb Whetsel’s dogs at Westside Dog Park

MEET THE PARKS POSSE!

Some new friends have been hanging out in the parks and they’re anxious to meet you! Opie the Possum, Oakley the Squirrel, and Ozzy-B the Bee are ready to bring some fun and adventure to our community. We’re so excited to welcome

them to the parks family, and we want you to be part of the fun too! Be sure to keep your eyes, ears, and tails on our social media channels for new stories, games, and activities featuring our new friends. Whether you’re a night owl like Opie, a whirlwind like Oakley, or a cheerful helper like Ozzy-B, there’s a place for everyone in our growing community!

PARKS PUNCHLINES

What do you call a flower that runs on electricity? A power plant!

Why didn’t the bicycle go to the park? Because it was two-tired!

Why did the kid cross the playground? To get to the other slide!

What did the beaver say to the tree? It’s been nice gnawing you!

What is a tree’s favorite drink? Root Beer!

How do mountains stay warm in winter? They put on their snowcaps!

Tiny Programs

TEENIE TINY TOES DANCE CLASS

Geared for preschoolers, ages 18 months to 4 years old, this class featuresdancing,music,movement, playing with other children and bonding with the caregiver. Caregiverparticipationisrequired.

Cost: $40.00 for November session and$30.00forDecembersession.

ClassDates: November4,11,18,25 December2,9,16

MONTESSORI BEGINNINGS

This Montessori playgroup is for babies and toddlers from birth through two and a half years of age with a caregiver. The group is guided by an instructor in a thoughtfully prepared environment designed to engage the child in discovery.

Cost: $36.00 for each of the November&Decembersessions.

ClassDates: November7,14,21 December5,12,19

OPENSOCCER

Monday 5pm-9pm

Friday 5pm-9pm

Sunday 8am-11am

$6/Res. $8/Non-Res.

OPENPICKLEBALL

Tuesday 8am-12pm

Wednesday 8am-12pm

Thursday 8am-12pm

Early Bird Pickleball: $5.00 Per Day

Friday 5pm-9pm

$6/Res. $8/Non-Res.

OPENBASKETBALL

Monday 5pm-9pm

Tuesday 5pm-9pm

Thursday 5pm-9pm

$6/Res. $8/Non-Res.

OPENVOLLEYBALL

Wednesday 5pm-9pm

$6/Res. $8/Non-Res.

TOTSONTHETURF

Tues/Wed/Thurs 9am-12pm

$5 per child

BATTINGCAGES

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 4pm-9pm

Saturday and Sunday 8am-12pm

Fitness Classes

STEPfitness

Sports

TINY

Spring Tiny T-Ball

Registration: Opens January 19

Where: Greenwood Sports Park

Who: Players 4 and 5 years old

When: Mondays/ Wednesdays -- 5:45/6:35 pm

2026 Dates: April 13 – May 13

Fee: $60

Winter Tiny Basketball

Where: Greenwood Fieldhouse

Who: Players 3 and 4 year old

When: Thursdays -- 5:45/6:35 pm

2026 Dates: Jan. 15 – Mar. 12

Fee: $60

YOUTH

Winter Youth Basketball

Where: Greenwood Fieldhouse

Who: Players in kindergarten thru 3rd Grades

When: Tuesdays/Saturdays

2026 Dates: Jan. 10 – March 3

Fee: $70

Winter Indoor Youth Soccer

Season: January 17 - February 28, 2026

Registration Deadline: January 5 (or when leagues fill)

Who: Leagues for Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8.

Where: Greenwood Fieldhouse Fee: $70

Spring Beginner Baseball

Registration: Opens January 19

Where: Greenwood Sports Park Who: Players 6 and 7 years old

When: Mondays/ Wednesdays -- 5:45/6:35 pm

2026 Dates: April 13 – May 13

Fee: $75

Spring Beginner Fast Pitch Softball

Registration: Opens January 19

Where: Greenwood Sports Park Who: Players 6 and 7 years old

When: Mondays/ Wednesdays -- 5:45/6:35 pm

2026 Dates: April 13 – May 13 Fee: $75

ADULT

Spring Adult Slow Pitch Softball

Registration: Opens January 19

Season: April 13 – June 15

Registration Deadline: March 31 (or when leagues fill) We offer leagues for:

Monday Men’s Church Recreation

Monday Men’s Church Semi-Competitive

Wednesday Men’s Recreation

Wednesday Men’s Advanced

Thursday Co-Ed Recreation Team Fee: $700

SPECIAL EVENTS

Dec 6 5-8 PM

This event will be filled with holiday fun including a train ride thru the Amphitheater Lighted Trail powered by Williams Comfort Air to grab your #SelfieswithSanta!

Come inside for some hot cocoa, bounce house, and a holiday craft to take home to remember the magic!

Admission....................$10

Admission w/ Stuffie....$20

*tickets required for ages 1 and older

Lighted Trail Lighted Trail

Beginning December 7 in Amphitheater Park

Beginning December 7 in

Amphitheater Park

Presented by: Presented by:

Feb

6:30-8:00 Feb

6:30-8:00

3

be

3 winners will be selected for each age group.

each age group. Entries must be received by December 14, 2025. Winners announced December 15, 2025. One entry per child.

December 14, 2025. Winners announced December 15, 2025. One entry per child.

Age Groups: Under 4, 5-7, 8-10

Age Groups: Under 4, 5-7, 8-10

December 13 9 - 12

Santa Claus is a big fan of Greenwood. Every year, the jolly gift-giver makes time for an appearance. Children 1 year and under are free. This years breakfast will be at the Greenwood Community Center. December 13, 2025 - 2 sessions to choose from 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

$50.00/Table (up to 6 included) Breakfast served by SmokeHouse Catering - 2 pancakes, 2 sausage links, scrambled eggs, and cheesy hash brown casserole. Donut Decorating and Photo OP with Santa!

ChicagoChristmasShopping - Join us on this no-hassle excursion to the Magnificent Mile: one of the most iconic shopping areas in the world. This cosmopolitan, history-packed strip is located along Michigan Avenue and includes department stores, multi-story retail centers, luxury boutiques and brand name retail chains. Ride our deluxe motor coach and be dropped off at the famous Water Tower Place: home of the American Girl Place and the LEGO Store.

Friday,December5,2025 EarlyBirdFee-$75($80afterNovember6)

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