Summer 2024 Programs and Events - Preservation Parks of Delaware County

PRESERVATION PARKS OF DELAWARE COUNTY PROGRAMS & EVENTS • SUMMER 2024

What’s Inside • Trek New Trails • Antique Tractor Show • Summer Concert Series

Join us this summer to celebrate our 50th anniversary!

Park Hours MARCH - OCTOBER 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily NOVEMBER - FEBRUARY 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily District Office and Mary McCoy Nature Center 2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, Ohio 43074 740-524-8600 Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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

(Nature Center)

Grey tree frog Photo by Donna Braig

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.

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/

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

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.

Cover: Shale Hollow Park

PPDC Park PPDC Future Park 203

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ASHLEY

Ohio to Erie Trail

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

GALLANT FARM

RIVER RUN

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GALLANT WOODS 37

HOGBACK RIDGE

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FUTURE PARK

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DELAWARE

BLUES CREEK 36

HICKORY WOODS

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OSTRANDER

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FUTURE PARK

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NORTH

SYCAMORE RUN EMILY TRAPHAGEN

FUTURE PARK

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FUTURE PARK

DEER HAVEN 257

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SHALE HOLLOW McCAMMON CREEK*

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OHIO

SUNBURY

HOOVER SCENIC TRAILHEAD GALENA 71 3

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SANDEL LEGACY TRAILHEAD

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CHAR-MAR RIDGE

POWELL DUBLIN COLUMBUS

WESTERVILLE

Blues Creek Park 9627 Fontanelle Road Ostrander, 43061

Hogback Ridge Park 2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, 43074

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

Hoover Scenic Trailhead 8405 Plumb Road Galena, 43021

Deer Haven Park 4183 Liberty Road Delaware, 43015

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

Emily Traphagen Park 5094 Seldom Seen Road Powell, 43065

River Run Park 168 Main Road Delaware, 43015

Gallant Farm 2150 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, 43015

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

Gallant Woods Park 2151 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, 43015

Shale Hollow Park 6320 Artesian Run Lewis Center, 43035

Hickory Woods Park 1271 Pollock Road Delaware, 43015

Sycamore Run Park 7341 Olentangy River Road Delaware, OH 43015 PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2024

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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.

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

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.

Scan QR code for all program dates and descriptions or to register. https://preservationparks.recdesk.com

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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2024

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

Hogback Ridge Park

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.

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2024

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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

Deer Haven 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.

Shale Hollow Park

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June 3 June 17 June 24 July 1 July 22 July 29 Aug. 12

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2024

Shale Hollow Park Char-Mar Ridge Park Hogback Ridge Park Gallant Woods Park Emily Traphagen Park Blues Creek Park Hickory Woods 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 difference.

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 July 19 Aug. 9

Blues Creek Park Hickory Woods Park Char-Mar Ridge Park

McCammon Creek 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.

Emily Traphagen Park

June 23 July 7 Aug. 4

McCammon Creek Park Emily Traphagen Park Deer Haven Park

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OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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

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

Adrianna Sokach at community event, Program Coordinator 1993-2004

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 staff manages over 2000 acres, offers 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.

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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2024

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

PRESERVATION PARKS 50TH ANNIVERSARY ADVENTURE Sunday, June 30, 1 - 4 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, All Ages

50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA Thursday, June 27, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Swan Lake Event Center Ages 21+

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.

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 Charlotte Gallant with tree saplings, 1980s

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

Park staff, 2008

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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.

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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2024

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! OUTTA SIGHT SPONSORS - $2,500

FLOWER POWER SPONSORS - $1,000 Epcon Communities Philip Ulery CFP®, Edward Jones OhioHealth Darcy & Jeff 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.

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2024

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ADVENTURE 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 Jeff ’s Bicycle Repair from Prospect, Ohio.

One adaptive Lectric Trike will also be available.

ADVENTURE RUN

Archery

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 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.

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

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.

Adventure Run

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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2024

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

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

Birding & Boating

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.

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 offers 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.

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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.

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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.

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2024

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 different astronomy themed activities set up for you to enjoy!

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2024

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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 offer a presentation about bees. Then venture into the garden to discover and identify different species!

Purple Coneflower

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

Photo by Joan Pearse

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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.

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2024

ARTS MODEL RAILROADERS OPEN HOUSE

ARTISTS SERIES

Sundays, Deer Haven Park

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.

June 23: Birds of Prey 1 - 3 p.m. Ages 10+ Register by June 16 Our partners from Ohio Nature Education will offer 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 offer 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

ohionature.org

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2024

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GALLANT FARM The 1930s-era Gallant Farm offers 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

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

July 12 The Northern Migration

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

Beloved

by Toni Morrison

July 26 The Day the Banks Went Broke Aug. 9 School Memories

Gallant Farm

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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 different 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

Gallant Farm

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.

Gallant Farm

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

Antique Tractor Show Gallant Farm

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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 Little Adventurers Shale Hollow Park

Wednesday, Aug. 7 Blues Creek Park: Fish Saturday, Aug. 24 Char-Mar Ridge Park: Mammals

Little Adventurers Shale Hollow Park

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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2024

Little Adventurers Shale Hollow Park

SUMMER CONCERTS

The Big Badd Gallant Woods Park

Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Gallant Woods Park, All Ages BLUE CATS

THE BIG BADD

July 11 Blues, Rock 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s

July 25 Pop, Rock, & 2000’s Funk

DELAWARE COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND

Z-SHARP BIG BAND Aug. 1 Big Band

July 18 Big Band, 60’s & so much more!

SPITTIN’ IMAGE

Aug. 8 Comedy Duo 70’s & 80’s Tunes Presented by

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Printed on post-consumer recycled paper, using soy-based inks

Special exhibit coming to Shale Hollow Park Memorial Day - Labor Day.

Look for special programs and activities all year.

FAR OUT

Join us in 2024 for our theme . . .

2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, Ohio 43074 preservationparks.com