summer program guide 2026_web

PROGRAMS & EVENTS • SUMMER 2026

PRESERVATION PARKS MISSION To protect and conserve the natural and historical features of Delaware County and to inspire outdoor exploration and learning.

PARK HOURS

Photo by Keri Coleman

MARCH - OCTOBER Daily, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

NOVEMBER - FEBRUARY Daily, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, Ohio 43074 740-524-8600

The Preservation Parks Foundation supports a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the park district. It raises funds for special projects, including the one room Perfect Schoolhouse at the future Perfect Creek Park, trails, the renovation of Delaware County’s Bicentennial Barn, and a pedestrian bridge at the future Eagle Ridge Park.

Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

(Office)

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

DISTRICT OFFICE AND MARY MCCOY NATURE CENTER

Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

(Nature Center)

https://preservationparks.com/foundation/

VISITOR CENTER AT DEER HAVEN PARK

4183 Liberty Road Delaware, Ohio 43015 740-362-0283

Wed-Mon, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tues, Closed

GALLANT FARM

2150 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, Ohio 43015 740-595-3020

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

The organization’s tax identification number is 832234653. All donations directly support the programs, projects, and services of Preservation Parks of Delaware County.

Tues-Sun, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mon, Closed

YOU’RE INVITED! JUNE 25, 2026

Cover photo: Try It: Paddle at Hickory Woods Park

Join the Preservation Parks Foundation for an evening of fun and fundraising.

Event details on page 12.

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 Area open 3675 E. Orange Road Lewis Center, 43035 Barn Area & East Area opening this summer

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

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 PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2026

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REGISTRATION HOW TO REGISTER

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

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS

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

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. You will receive a confirmation email, then you can register for a program!

Follow us @PreservationParks

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

Scan QR code for all program dates and descriptions or to register. https://preservationparks.recdesk.com 2

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2026

Photo by Shawna Stambaugh

Registration for summer programs opens at noon, Wednesday, May 27.

SUMMER LETTERBOX ADVENTURE, P 4 May 23 - September 7 WHAT LIES BELOW EXHIBIT, P 5 May 23 - September 7 HANDS-ON HISTORY, P 10 Tuesdays, June 2 - August 25 WILD TURTLE WEEK, P 7 June 10 - 15 DECLARATION 1776: THE BIG BANG OF MODERN DEMOCRACY, P 9 July 28 - August 20

MAY

23 Secret Lives of Salamanders, p 5 24 Movie Under the Stars, p 5 25 Hidden Animal Connections, p 5 25 Off-Trail Geology Hike, p 5

JUNE

5 Froggy Fridays, p 6 6 Yoga & Hike, p 6 8 Golden Marathon, p 6 10 Little Adventurers, p 7 10 ¿Qué se Esconde Debajo?, p 5 12 Froggy Fridays, p 6 13 Meet the Turtles, p 7 13 Antique Tractor Show, p 11 13 Model Railroaders Open House, p 7 13 Walk with a Doc, p 8 14 The Bee’s Knees Stitching Circle, p 10 14 Model Railroaders Open House, p 7 19 Summer Night Hikes, p 7 20 Little Adventurers, p 7 20 Art Under the Sun, p 8 22 Golden Marathon, p 6 24 ¿Qué se Esconde Debajo?, p 5 24 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 10 25 WILD about Wandering Gala, p 12 26 Froggy Fridays, p 6 27 Bird Fest, p 8 28 Try It: Electric Bikes, p 8 29 Golden Marathon, p 6

JULY

2 Summer Concerts, p 13 6 Golden Marathon, p 6 8 ¿Qué se Esconde Debajo?, p 5 9 Summer Concerts, p 13 11 Adventure Run, p 8 11 Walk with a Doc, p 8 12 Try It: Archery, p 8 12 The Bee’s Knees Stitching Circle, p 10 15 Little Adventurers, p 7 16 Summer Concerts, p 13 17 Summer Night Hikes, p 7 18 Model Railroaders Open House, p 7 18 Nature Writing Workshop, p 9 19 Try It: Archery, p 8 19 Model Railroaders Open House, p 7 22 ¿Qué se Esconde Debajo?, p 5 23 Summer Concerts, p 13 25 Little Adventurers, p 7 27 Golden Marathon, p 6 29 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 10 30 Summer Concerts, p 13

AUGUST

1 Yoga & Hike, p 6 3 Golden Marathon, p 6 6 Summer Concerts, p 13 7 Persied Meteor Campout, p 9 8 Try It: Paddle, p 9 8 Walk with a Doc, p 8 9 The Bee’s Knees Stitching Circle, p 10 12 Little Adventurers, p 7 14 Summer Night Hikes, p 7 15 Model Railroaders Open House, p 7 15 Fun Under a Paper Moon, p 11 16 Model Railroaders Open House, p 7 17 Golden Marathon, p 6 22 Monarchs & More, p 9 26 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 10 29 Little Adventurers, p 7 31 Golden Marathon, p 6

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Summer Letterbox Adventure

The Summer Letterbox Adventure kicks off May 23!

Enjoy an adventure in the parks this summer to uncover the what lies below the surface.

This part geocache, part scavenger hunt journey will guide you through the parks to find the hidden letterboxes.

All information is available at preservationparks.com/programs/letterbox-adventure

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SHALE HOLLOW PARK EXHIBIT

May 23 – August 21, Wednesday - Monday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. CLOSED TUESDAYS August 22 - September 7, Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Nature hides its wonders underground and underwater. Peek beneath the soil to uncover twisting roots, secret tunnels, and the creatures that call them home. Then dip below the water’s surface to explore a bustling world of tiny life—where aquatic insects, larvae, and microscopic organisms reveal the health and history of our streams and ponds. From decomposers in the dirt to invertebrates in the shallows, What Lies Below uncovers the unseen ecosystems that support all life above.

OPENING WEEKEND SECRET LIVES OF SALAMANDERS

Saturday, May 23, 1 - 4 p.m.

Shale Hollow Park, All Ages Explore the hidden world of salamanders at our exhibit! Meet live salamanders and a special guest to learn how these secretive animals live underground and why they’re important to healthy ecosystems.

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS: JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH

Sunday, May 24, 8 p.m.

Shale Hollow Park, All Ages Movie rated PG A scientist journeys beneath the Earth to find his missing brother in this 2008 Jules Verne adaptation starring Brendan Fraser.

Enjoy the What Lies Below exhibit and free popcorn before the movie starts at 9 p.m.

Bring the family, lawn chairs, and blankets.

HIDDEN ANIMAL CONNECTIONS

Monday, May 25, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Shale Hollow Park, All Ages Visit our new exhibit, What Lies Below, and explore animals’ connections to the underground world with live animals from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!

OFF-TRAIL GEOLOGY HIKE

Monday, May 25, 1 p.m.

Shale Hollow Park, Ages 8+ Meet in the shelter house to begin a journey that started millions of years ago.

Be ready to jump in the creek and learn about geology along the way. Hike takes place through the creek and over rough terrain.

¿HABLAS ESPAÑOL?

Ven a Shale Hollow Park el segundo o cuarto miércoles del mes para explorar ¿Qué se Esconde Debajo? Abierto 10 am – 4 pm. Conoce a Saundra, una empleada de Preservation Parks que habla Español.

10 y 24 de junio 8 y 22 de julio

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PARK PROGRAMS FROGGY FRIDAYS WITH FROGWATCH USA

Fridays, 9 p.m.

June 5, 12, & 26 Gallant Woods Park, Ages 8+ Accompany FrogWatch USA expert Amy Torrey-Rinehart to listen for frogs calling in the wetlands. Learn to identify various species and how to record them in the FrogWatch database as a citizen scientist.

Meet at the shelter house.

Weather Dependent

YOGA & HIKE

Saturdays, 10 a.m., Ages 15+ Never tried yoga? Want to experience yoga in a beautiful park? First come first serve for space and equipment.

A naturalist led hike is open to all.

June 6 August 1

Gallant Farm Granary Gallant Farm Granary

GOLDEN MARATHON

Presented by SourcePoint, Ages 55+ Get moving this summer with SourcePoint’s Golden Marathon outdoor hikers! We hike and walk, rain or shine! Register at MySourcePoint.org/ec or with customer service. Meet at locations listed, bring your own water, and be prepared for the weather and terrain.

Mondays, 9:30 a.m.

June 8 Shale Hollow Park June 22 Char-Mar Ridge Park June 29 Hogback Ridge Park July 6 Gallant Woods Park July 27 Emily Traphagen Park August 3 Blues Creek Park August 17 Hickory Woods Park August 31 Char-Mar Ridge Park

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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2026

LITTLE ADVENTURERS: SUMMER

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Ages 5 & Under Explore and get comfortable in 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.

Wednesday, June 10: Turtles Deer Haven Park Saturday, June 20: Underground Char-Mar Ridge Park Wednesday, July 15: Farm Life Gallant Farm Saturday, July 25: Camouflage & Colors Blues Creek Park

MODEL RAILROADERS OPEN HOUSE

Wednesday, August 12: Raptors Gallant Woods 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.

Saturday, August 29: Butterflies Deer Haven Park

WILD TURTLE WEEK

June 10 – 15, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, All Ages Come “shellebrate” the wild and wonderful things about turtles at the Visitor Center all week with activities, displays, and more!

Visit our ambassador turtles and learn why it’s important to keep wild things wild.

Ohio Wildlife Center will be joining the festivities on Saturday, June 13, 1 - 3 p.m.

MEET THE TURTLES

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

June 13, July 18, August 15 Sundays, 12 - 4 p.m.

June 14, July 19, August 16

SUMMER NIGHT HIKES

Saturday, June 13, 1 - 3 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, All Ages Celebrate Wild Turtle Week with us! Meet our special guests from the Ohio Wildlife Center, see live turtles up close, and explore a turtle display to learn about these amazing reptiles and how to protect them.

Fridays, Ages 8+ Discover how animals use their senses to survive at night, then test yours! Listen for owls, watch for lightning bugs, smell the night air, and stargaze on this flashlightfree adventure.

June 19, 8:30 p.m.

Blues Creek Park July 17, 9 p.m.

Shale Hollow Park August 14, 9 p.m.

Emily Traphagen Park

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WALK WITH A DOC

Presented by SourcePoint Saturdays, 10 a.m.

June 13, July 11, & August 8 Char-Mar Ridge Park, All Ages Join us for Walk with a Doc – a free community walking program! Each event is led by a local healthcare provider and is open to people of all ages and abilities.

This program allows participants to safely take a walk, learn about current health topics, and meet new people. We hope to see you on our next walk.

ART UNDER THE SUN

Saturday, June 20, 1 - 3 p.m.

Shale Hollow Park, All Ages Create your own brilliant blue sunprint using natural specimens and light-sensitive paper. Explore science and art as we harness the power of the sun to reveal what lies below.

BIRD FEST

Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, All ages Start the day with a guided bird hike at 10 a.m. Then celebrate birds with free coffee, crafts, and other fun activities! Check out the aviary and meet LIVE birds from Ohio Nature Education.

First 30 people get a free Preservation Parks mug!

TRY IT: ARCHERY

Deer Haven Park, Ages 8+ Register by July 5, $15 per person 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.

Sunday, July 12 Session 1: 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Session 2: 12:30 – 2 p.m.

Sunday, July 19 Session 1: 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Session 2: 12:30 – 2 p.m.

ADVENTURE RUN

Saturday, July 11, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Gallant Woods Park, Ages 7+ Register by July 6 Get in to nature-literally! Tackle mud pits, obstacles, and a slip-and-slide on this family friendly, two-mile adventure run on the Gallant Woods primitive trail. No strollers or pets. Be ready to get wet and muddy.

TRY IT: ELECTRIC BIKES

Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sandel Legacy Trailhead, Ages 18+ Drop in and try out one of 12 different style electric bicycles including a Velotric Triker and Lectric XP adaptive bike from Jeff’s Bicycle Repair from Prospect, Ohio.

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PERSEID METEOR SHOWER CAMPOUT

Friday, August 7, 7 p.m. thru Saturday, August 8, 9 a.m.

Blues Creek Park, All Ages Register by July 25 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!

Photo by Fritz Guth

EVOCATIVE NATURE WRITING WORKSHOP

Saturday, July 18, 1:30 – 4 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 16+ Register by July 10, $25 per person Capture the imagination with poetry and narrative nonfiction. Writer and poet Jarod K. Anderson will lead participants through discussion and writing exercises focused on building compelling poetry and prose to connect readers with the natural world. Topics include bringing nature home to a personal context, the power of concrete imagery, and imaginative metaphor.

DECLARATION 1776: THE BIG BANG OF MODERN DEMOCRACY

July 28 – August 20 Tuesday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Bicentennial Barn, All Ages Explore how the Declaration of Independence’s revolutionary idea that “all men are created equal” has inspired Americans and people worldwide in their pursuit of equality and self-determination.

TRY-IT: PADDLE WITH PRESERVATION PARKS

Saturday, August 8, 9 a.m.

Alum Creek Reservoir Howard Road Boat Launch Register by July 20 Try kayaking or paddleboarding while observing birds, turtles, dragonflies and more as you quietly kayak the shoreline of Alum Creek. Bring your own human powered boat or rent directly from Hughes Outdoors for a fee. See online calendar for more details. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

MONARCHS & MORE

Saturday, Aug 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, All Ages This festival will showcase the flora and fauna of Ohio with activities, crafts, and monarch tagging at 11:00am.

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GALLANT FARM Join us this season for programs and events for all ages that will make you step back in time almost 100 years—without leaving 2026!

Gallant Farm Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Closed Monday

THE BEES KNEES STITCHING CIRCLE

Sunday, June 14, 1 – 3 p.m.

Sunday, July 12, 1 - 3 p.m.

Sunday, August 9, 1 - 3 p.m.

Gallant Farm, Ages 12+ Join us for a modern twist on the knitting circles popular in the 1930s. Bring your own knit, crochet, or other fiber project for a relaxing “crafternoon” stitching and chatting.

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 that were popular during the Great Depression and WWII years, or books focusing on those time periods.

Wednesday, June 24, 6:30 p.m.

The Antidote by Karen Russell Wednesday, July 29, 6:30 p.m.

The Greatest Sentence Ever Written by Walter Isaacson Wednesday, August 26, 6:30 p.m.

Running With Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero by Christopher McDougall

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HANDS-ON HISTORY AT GALLANT FARM

Tuesdays, June 2 - August 25 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Step back into the 1930s with hands-on chores, old-fashioned games, and historic crafts. Each Tuesday brings a new theme and engaging activities for children and families.

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2026

ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW

Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Step into the past and witness a stunning display of history on wheels. Marvel at meticulously restored tractors and relive the agricultural heritage that shaped our landscape. Tractor parade at 12 p.m.

Weather dependent

FUN UNDER A PAPER MOON

Saturday, August 15, 12 - 4 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Traveling carnivals and the circus were popular entertainment during the Great Depression. Come to the farm and play traditional games for prizes. Then pose with your loved ones on our “Paper Moon” for a unique keepsake of the day.

Photo by Lacey Stevens

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WILD about wandering Gala Fundraiser

June 25, 2026 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Africa Event Center, Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

Join your friends for a night of food and fun supporting the mission of Preservation Parks of Delaware County.

Buy your tickets now!

Put on your cocktail party attire (trekking flair optional) and come to the party!

For more information, use the QR code to visit the Preservation Parks Foundation website, or go to https://preservationparks.com/foundation.

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SUMMER CONCERTS Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Gallant Woods Park, All Ages

122nd Army Band

OSU Alumni Band

Just Jazz Live

The Joint Rockers

Roscommon Sessions

Sensational Soul Brothers

July 23 Big Band

July 2 Patriotic Big Band

July 30 Rock & Blues

July 9 Jazz, Motown, Pop

July 16 Irish Band

August 6 Blues Brothers Tribute Sponsored by

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Join us for the McCammon Creek Park and Bicentennial Barn grand opening celebration this summer! Check out our newsletter, social media, and website for details.

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