Summer 2024 Programs and Events - Preservation Parks of Delaware County

Park Hours

MARCH - OCTOBER

8 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily

NOVEMBER - FEBRUARY

8 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily

District O ce and Mary McCoy Nature Center

2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, Ohio 43074

740-524-8600

Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (O ce)

Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Nature Center)

Visitor Center at Deer Haven Park

4183 Liberty Road

Delaware, Ohio 43015

740-362-0283 Daily, 12 - 5 p.m.

Gallant Farm

2150 Buttermilk Hill Road

Delaware, Ohio 43015

740-595-3020

MAY - AUGUST

Mon, Closed

Tue-Sat, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun, 12 - 5 p.m.

SEPTEMBER - APRIL

Mon.-Wed., Closed Thu-Sun, 12 - 5 p.m.

The Preservation Parks Foundation supports a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the park district and raises funds for special projects including the Deer Haven aviary, trails, and renovation of Delaware County’s Bicentennial Barn.

You can make your secure, online contribution today or anytime here.

https://preservationparks.com/foundation/

The Preservation Parks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization as designated by the IRS. Gifts to PPF are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The organization’s tax identification number is 83-2234653. All donations to PPF will directly support the programs, projects, and services of Preservation Parks of Delaware County.

Grey tree frog

Photo by Donna Braig

Blues Creek Park 9627 Fontanelle Road Ostrander, 43061

Char-Mar Ridge Park 7741 Lewis Center Road Westerville, 43082

Deer Haven Park 4183 Liberty Road Delaware, 43015

Emily Traphagen Park 5094 Seldom Seen Road Powell, 43065

Gallant Farm 2150 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, 43015

Gallant Woods Park 2151 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, 43015

Hickory Woods Park 1271 Pollock Road Delaware, 43015

PPDC Future Park

Ohio to Erie Trail

* The McCammon Creek Park trail north of Orange Road is currently open. More sections will open over several years.

Hogback Ridge Park 2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, 43074

Hoover Scenic Trailhead 8405 Plumb Road Galena, 43021

McCammon Creek Park - North section open Parking at Orange Friends Church 3467 E. Orange Rd, Lewis Center

River Run Park 168 Main Road Delaware, 43015

Sandel Legacy Trailhead 168 S. Vernon St. Sunbury, 43074

Shale Hollow Park 6320 Artesian Run Lewis Center, 43035

Sycamore Run Park 7341 Olentangy River Road Delaware, OH 43015

McCAMMON

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

HOW TO REGISTER

Some programs have a fee and/or require advance registration. Watch for programs with the following symbols:

To register for a program, visit https://preservationparks.recdesk.com

First time users: Click “CREATE ACCOUNT” and complete the questions to set up your FREE account.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Outdoor Connections Department at (740) 524-8600 x 103 or register@preservationparks.com.

Preservation Parks turns 50 years old in 2024. Look for this icon: which indicates birthday celebration activities will be part of the program.

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS

Join us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest park district updates.

Registration for summer programs opens at noon, Wednesday, May 15.

Summer Letterbox Adventure May 25 - Sept. 1

Far Out Summer Exhibit May 25 - Sept. 2

50th Anniversary Gala June 27

50th Anniversary Adventure June 30

Scan QR code for all program dates and descriptions or to register.

https://preservationparks.recdesk.com

For complete descriptions of all our programs or to register, visit https://preservationparks.recdesk.com

May 25 - Sept. 1

Enjoy an adventure in the parks this summer to uncover out-of-this-world facts about space and the world around you. This part geocache, part scavenger hunt journey will guide you through the parks to find the hidden letterboxes. Discover 4 or more boxes to receive a prize. Register at a Delaware area library or learn more and register at https://preservationparks.com/programs/letterbox-adventure.

Hogback Ridge Park

SUMMER SERIES

SHELTER HOUSE YOGA & HIKE

9 a.m., Ages 18+

Bend and stretch outside at a shelter house or on the grass. Let the summer breezes quiet your mind. Then let’s hike! Come as you are, all abilities and bodies welcome. Mats available to borrow.

Saturday, June 1

Emily Traphagen Park

Saturday, July 6

Blues Creek Park

Friday, July 19

Gallant Woods Park

Saturday, August 3

Shale Hollow Park

GOLDEN MARATHON

Presented by SourcePoint Mondays, 9 a.m., Ages 55+

Get moving this summer with SourcePoint’s Golden Marathon outdoor hikers. We hike in all weather! Register at MySourcePoint.org/ec. Meet at locations listed, bring your own water, and be prepared for the weather and terrain.

June 3

Shale Hollow Park

June 17 Char-Mar Ridge Park

June 24 Hogback Ridge Park

July 1

July 22

July 29

Aug. 12

Gallant Woods Park

Emily Traphagen Park

Blues Creek Park

Hickory Woods Park

Shale Hollow Park

Deer Haven Park

For complete descriptions of all our programs or to register, visit https://preservationparks.recdesk.com

SUSTAINABILITY SERIES

Thursdays, 6 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 16+

Learn how to live with nature in mind. Reduce your waste, discover eco-friendly products, and uncover ways you can make tiny adjustments at home that can make a big di erence.

June 20: Native Gardens, Composting, & Rain Barrels

July 11: Food Wrappers, Plastic Reduction, & Cleaning Supplies

Aug. 15: Fabric Alternatives & Personal Hygiene

SUMMER NIGHT HIKE

Fridays, 8:30 p.m., Ages 8+

How do some animals live in darkness? Come learn how animals navigate the dark while using your senses to experience what it’s like to be nocturnal.

June 21 Blues Creek Park

July 19 Hickory Woods Park Aug. 9 Char-Mar Ridge Park

TREK YOUR NEW TRAILS

Sundays, 10 a.m., All Ages

Discover your parks! Hike with a naturalist on some of the newest trails in the Park District, while learning a bit of park history. Trekking poles and binoculars are available, first come first serve. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

June 23 McCammon Creek Park

July 7 Emily Traphagen Park

Aug. 4 Deer Haven Park

Emily Traphagen Park

McCammon Creek Park

OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

As we celebrate 50 years, we are thankful for the park district pioneers who set the groundwork for a thriving and still growing park district that sees thousands of visitors every year. Our dedicated sta manages over 2000 acres, o ers a variety of programs, and is committed to protecting and conserving the natural and historic features of Delaware County and inspiring outdoor exploration and learning. We hope you can join us in the care of nature and community for a sustainable future.

Be sure to visit our website for anniversary themed programs, monthly blog posts, and a full timeline of our Park District. Look for this icon which indicates birthday celebration activities will be part of the program.

Rita Au at Conger Elementary School, Executive Director 1989-2014

Adrianna Sokach at community event, Program Coordinator 1993-2004

Park sta and volunteer cleaning up the garden at Deer Haven Park, 2008

For complete descriptions of all our programs or to register, visit https://preservationparks.recdesk.com

50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Thursday, June 27, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Swan Lake Event Center Ages 21+

Celebrate Preservation Parks’ 50th Anniversary and help support your parks at a gala fundraiser hosted by The Preservation Parks Foundation. Honor founders and recognize park accomplishments as you enjoy fun, food, drinks, and decadent desserts.

Hosted by

Visit preservationparks.com/foundation or scan QR code for tickets and more details.

PRESERVATION PARKS 50TH ANNIVERSARY ADVENTURE

Sunday, June 30, 1 - 4 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, All Ages Adventure activities await when you celebrate Preservation Parks’ 50th Anniversary! Hike the brand new primitive trail, add to the time capsule, explore wetland and forest wonders, visit with live raptors from Ohio Nature Education, learn about park history, and enjoy cake and ice cream.

Charlotte Gallant with tree saplings, 1980s

Park sta , 2008

invites you to the

50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Thursday, June 27, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Swan Lake Event Center

Ages 21+, Cocktail or 70s Celebratory Attire

Celebrate Preservation Parks’ 50th Anniversary and help support your parks at a gala fundraiser hosted by The Preservation Parks Foundation. Honor founders, recognize park accomplishments, and hear from Tom Schmid, President & CEO of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds, as you enjoy fun, food, drinks, and decadent desserts.

Visit preservationparks.com/foundation or scan QR code for tickets and more details.

The Preservation Parks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization as designated by the IRS. Gifts to PPF are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

The organization’s tax identification number is 83-2234653. All donations to PPF will directly support the programs, projects, and services of Preservation Parks of Delaware County.

Epcon Communities

Philip Ulery CFP®, Edward Jones

OhioHealth

Darcy & Je Kaplan

The Columbus Zoo

Beigel Family Giving Fund

Coldwater Consulting

Add your name or logo to this page! Visit preservationparks.com/50th-Anniversary-Gala for event details and sponsorship benefits.

ADVENTURE

TRY IT ARCHERY

Sunday, June 9

9 - 10:30 a.m.

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1 - 2:30 p.m.

3 - 4:30 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 8+

$15 per person, Register by May 26

TRY IT ELECTRIC BIKES

Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

JR Smith Park, Ages 18+

Drop in during listed times to try out one of 12 electric bicycles, provided by Je ’s Bicycle Repair from Prospect, Ohio. One adaptive Lectric Trike will also be available.

ADVENTURE RUN

Saturday, July 13, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Gallant Woods Park, Ages 7+

Register by July 6

Get “in” to nature...literally. Run the Gallant Woods primitive adventure trail while maneuvering through mud pits and conquering both natural and man-made obstacles including a slip and slide down the sledding hill. The run is family friendly and just under 2 miles. No strollers or pets please. Be prepared to get wet and muddy.

Sponsored by

This 90-minute class will introduce you to the basics of archery. Learn how to stand, hold, aim, and shoot. All equipment provided. Program will take place outdoors. Weather dependent.

FLY FISHING 101

Wednesday, June 12, 6 p.m.

Emily Traphagen Park, Ages 18+

Register by June 5

Members of Central Ohio Fly Fishers will teach you the basics of equipment and technique, focusing on casting. Fly rods will be rigged up for practice, or you may bring your own.

Archery

Adventure Run

For complete descriptions of all our programs or to register, visit https://preservationparks.recdesk.com

FLY FISHING 102

Wednesday, July 17, 6 p.m.

Hickory Woods Park, Ages 18+

Register by July 9

Central Ohio Fly Fishers will provide rod combos and flies to try catching fish on a fly! Suited for someone who has basic knowledge of fly casting.

A Partnership with

PADDLE WITH PRESERVATION PARKS

Saturday, July 27, 9 a.m.

Alum Creek Reservoir

Howard Road Boat Launch Ages 18+

Register by July 20

Get a chance to see birds, turtles, dragonflies, and more as you quietly kayak the shoreline of Alum Creek Reservoir. Bring your own human powered boat or rent directly from Hughes Outdoors for a fee. See online calendar for more details.

PADDLE & RESTORE

Sunday, Aug. 11, 3 p.m.

Alum Creek Reservoir

Howard Road Boat Launch Ages 18+

Register by Aug. 4, $20 per person

Registered Yoga Teacher Jen Hegerty RYT 500 o ers a serene paddling excursion in Alum Creek Reservoir’s stunning northern section. Experience nature while doing simple stretches and resting on your boat followed by a guided meditation.

Birding & Boating

SUMMER EXHIBIT

Step into the “Far Out” realm of space at this immersive exhibit. Explore the mysteries of distant planets as you journey through stunning displays and interactive exhibits. Learn about the unique characteristics of each planet, from the scorching heat of Mercury to the icy depths of Neptune. Marvel at constellation patterns and discover their navigational significance. Embark on a journey of discovery and gain a deeper understanding of your place in the universe.

SHALE HOLLOW PARK EXHIBIT

MAY 25 – AUG. 18: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

AUG. 24 – SEPT. 1: Saturday and Sunday only, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

LAST DAY: SEPT. 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

OPENING WEEKEND

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS: STAR WARS EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE

Friday, May 24, 8 - 11 p.m.

Gallant Woods Park, All Ages Movies is rated PG

Launch your family to a “Far Out” free outdoor movie. Enjoy the original Star Wars from 1977 written and directed by George Lucas. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy free popcorn and snow cones before the movie starts at 9 p.m.

THE LUNARVETTE VISITS

Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Shale Hollow Park, All Ages Footprints on the moon? Yes! Discover LunarVette, a tribute to the Apollo astronauts. This specially wrapped Corvette shows who went to the moon, how they got there, and where they landed.

For complete descriptions of all our programs or to register, visit https://preservationparks.recdesk.com

CLOSING WEEKEND

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS: HOME

Friday, Aug. 30, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages

Movies is rated G

Come with your family to a “Far Out” free outdoor movie at Gallant Farm. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the animated DreamWorks comedy, Home.

SUN GAZING WITH PERKINS OBSERVATORY

Saturday, Aug. 31, 1 - 3 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, All Ages

Observe our incredible day star, the Sun, through a special telescope! Experience the solar spectacle safely with expert guidance from Don Stevens, Director of Perkins Observatory.

STAR STATIONS

Sunday, Sept. 1, 1 - 3 p.m.

Shale Hollow Park, All Ages

Our partners from Ohio Nature Education will have di erent astronomy themed activities set up for you to enjoy!

NATURE

ASK A MASTER GARDENER

Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages

Enhance your green thumb and start your garden with confidence with tips from experienced gardeners. Visit stations and receive advice on all things gardening in this interactive program.

MEET THE POLLINATORS

Saturday, June 22, 2 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 6+

Buzz on over to the Visitor Center where Carl Gleditsch will o er a presentation about bees. Then venture into the garden to discover and identify di erent species!

WISDOM OF THE WILD

All Ages

Discover nature on a guided hike, where nature is the ultimate teacher, and every step reveals valuable lessons about the world around you.

Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. Char-Mar Ridge Park

Tuesday, July 23, 10:30 a.m. Gallant Woods Park

PERSEID METEOR SHOWER CAMPOUT

Friday, Aug. 9, 7 p.m. - Aug. 10, 9 a.m.

Blues Creek Park, All Ages Register by July 26

Watch for meteors streaking across the sky as you tent camp overnight beyond the city lights. Bring snacks and overnight camping gear. Enjoy a guided night hike and star gazing through a telescope. Space is limited so sign up early.

Purple Coneflower

Photo by Joan Pearse

ARTS

MODEL RAILROADERS OPEN HOUSE

Sandel Legacy Trail Depot, All Ages

Stop by model railroad open houses during these summer weekends. Members of the model railway group will share the history of railroads in America.

Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

June 15, July 20, & Aug. 17

Sundays, 12 - 4 p.m.

June 16, July 21, & Aug. 18

PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE PHOTO CONTEST

The 2024 contest is open for submissions! Visit our website to view all contest rules and to see last year’s winners.

ARTISTS SERIES

Sundays, Deer Haven Park

June 23: Birds of Prey

1 - 3 p.m. Ages 10+

Register by June 16

Our partners from Ohio Nature Education will o er a unique opportunity to sketch, draw, photograph, or paint live birds of prey in a relaxed setting. Bring your preferred art medium.

July 21: Opossums

1 - 3 p.m. Ages 10+

Register by July 14, $40 per person

Ohio Nature Education and Shawnna Sue from Crooked Door Studio o er a unique painting opportunity. Shawnna Sue will lead you in an opossum-themed painting while Ohio Nature Education shares one of their ambassador opossums. Space limited.

Aug. 25: Finger Painting

12 - 3 p.m. All Ages

Get ready to have fun and get messy finger painting! Ohio Nature Education will have education ambassadors who’ll try their hand, or paw that is, at painting at 1:00 p.m. Yes, the animals will be painting! The completed artwork will be available for donation that will benefit the birds in the aviary.

A Partnership with

Photo by Riley Baldwin 1st Place Youth, 2023

GALLANT FARM

The 1930s-era Gallant Farm o ers programs for all ages, plus a book club that will get you thinking ... and discussing!

You are invited to visit Gallant Farm this summer and make yourself at home!

PICNIC WITH THE PAST

Summer Evening Oration Series

Fridays, 6:30 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages

Come out to Gallant Farm for an evening with historic interpretation. Bring your picnic meal along with a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a performance from the past.

June 7

Pull Up a Step & Have a Cup of Joe

June 21

Getting By’ With Vernie

July 12

The Northern Migration

July 26

The Day the Banks Went Broke

Aug. 9

School Memories

GALLANT FARM LITERARY & COWPIE SOCIETY

Gallant Farm, Ages 12+

Join us for a lively discussion of each month’s featured book. We typically read titles from or about the Great Depression or WWII years, or books focusing on those themes.

Wednesday, June 26, 6:30 p.m.

A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute

Wednesday, July 31, 6:30 p.m.

The Hobbit, or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien

Wednesday, Aug. 28, 6:30 p.m.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Gallant Farm

Gallant Farm

For complete descriptions of all our programs or to register, visit https://preservationparks.recdesk.com

FARMHOUSE & FEEDSACKS

Chore Day on the Farm

Wednesday, July 17, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Gallant Farm, Ages 12+

Come out and visit di erent work stations around the farm. See what kids were expected to do on the family farm of the past.

AN EVENING UNDER A PAPER MOON

Saturday, Aug. 17, 6 - 8 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages

Before the days of “selfies”, one could get their photo taken at an arcade or carnival. Come to the farm and pose on our ‘paper moon’ and enjoy fun family games and activities.

ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW

Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages

Step into the past and witness a fascinating display of history on wheels. Marvel at meticulously restored tractors and relive the agricultural heritage that shaped our landscapes. If you have a tractor you’d like to show, please email mcreamer@preservationparks.com

Gallant Farm

Antique Tractor Show Gallant Farm

Gallant Farm

FOR THE KIDS

LITTLE ADVENTURERS

SUMMER

SERIES

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Ages 5 & Under

Explore nature with your little ones! Drop in to enjoy informal self-guided stations featuring hands-on activities and crafts! Children must be accompanied by a guardian. Please dress for the weather.

Wednesday, June 12

Gallant Farm: Farm Life

Saturday, June 22

Deer Haven Park: Pollinators

Wednesday, July 10

Gallant Woods Park: Camouflage & Colors

Saturday, July 20

Deer Haven Park: Space

Special Guest

Wednesday, Aug. 7

Blues Creek Park: Fish

Saturday, Aug. 24

Char-Mar Ridge Park: Mammals

Little Adventurers Shale Hollow Park

Little Adventurers Shale Hollow Park

Little Adventurers Shale Hollow Park

SUMMER CONCERTS

Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Gallant Woods Park, All Ages

BLUE CATS

July 11

Blues, Rock 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s

DELAWARE COMMUNITY

CONCERT BAND

July 18

Big Band, 60’s & so much more!

THE BIG BADD

July 25

Pop, Rock, & 2000’s Funk

Z-SHARP BIG BAND

Aug. 1

Big Band

SPITTIN’ IMAGE

Aug. 8

Comedy Duo 70’s & 80’s Tunes

Presented by

The Big Badd Gallant Woods Park