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WINTER VENTURE OUT
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Welcome to Vashon Park District! We hope you will join us in our winter activities and venture into your beautiful parks. Join us for our annual Open House at the historic Point Robinson Light Station, where the breathtaking views and maritime history come to life. Get ready to embark on a magical journey aboard the Polar Express during our special holiday showing at the iconic Vashon Theatre. Join us on our Saturday Ski Bus to the Summit at Snoqualmie. Drop in to one of our free sports programs. These are just a few highlights from our winter activities – a season filled with joy, community, and unforgettable memories. Come together with friends and family to celebrate the spirit of the holidays with Vashon Park District!
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Annual Drop-In Thanksgiving Soccer A reason to eat more pie. We are excited to invite all soccer lovers to burn off some extra calories at our annual Thanksgiving Day All Ages Soccer games at VHS Stadium Field.
Embrace the spirit of community, competition, and camaraderie as we come together for free drop-in games from 10 am to 12 pm. Whether you‘re a seasoned player or a casual participant, all skill levels and ages are welcome. It‘s a perfect opportunity to burn off those pre-feast calories and share the joy of the beautiful game with friends, family, and fellow Islanders. Grab your cleats, dust off your soccer ball, and join us on the field for a morning of funfilled matches. Let‘s make this Thanksgiving memorable with the sport we love - Soccer.
VHS Stadium 9600 SW 204th St. Vashon, WA 98070
December
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12/1/23 The Polar Express All aboard Vashon Park District‘s Polar Express! Join us for a magical evening at the iconic Vashon Theatre as we present a FREE showing of the beloved holiday classic. Bring the whole family for a journey to the North Pole filled with wonder and festive joy. It‘s a heartwarming experience that will leave you believing in the magic of the season. Don‘t miss this enchanting ride on the Polar Express.
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Santa will visit Quarters A from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
12/3/23 Point Robinson Open House The Keepers of Point Robinson and Vashon Park District welcome islanders to the annual open house at Point Robinson Light Station on Sunday, Dec. 3, from noon – 4 p.m. Santa will be at Quarters A from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. to greet kids of all ages, sizes, and demeanor. Visitors can tour the lighthouse with Captain Joe Wubbold, U.S.C.G. (ret.), and enjoy hors d‘oeuvres, and sugary treats in Quarters A. The Ship’s Store will be open to sate those with nautical-themed gift needs.
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OSCAR THE BIRD KING Vashon Island‘s Newest Monarch
With much fanfare, Oscar the Bird His eyes seem to follow you. Is he King arrived late this summer to judging us? Vashon Park District‘s Point Robinson Park on Murray Island. Yes. Maybe. Dambo‘s wants us all to be stewards of the land, and The Islanders and visitors alike stand in Bird King is his mighty messenger. awe beneath the King. He is one of the six trolls meticulously crafted The artist is quoted as saying that and strategically placed across the ”In nature, there is no landfill. NaPacific Northwest by Danish artist ture is circular, everything has a Thomas Dambo, as part of his “Way meaning and everything is recycled.” of The Bird King“ project. Dambo‘s All of his trolls are made from recycportfolio is impressive, with over led materials - mostly pallets and re100 troll sculptures discreetly placed purposed wood. worldwide in outdoor settings. Dambo‘s six Northwest trolls can Inspired by the tales of Scandinavian be found hiding in Portland, Bainfolklore, where trolls are often depic- bridge Island, Issaquah, Ballard, and ted as colossal and solitary creatures West Seattle. residing atop mountains or deep within dense forests, Dambo‘s artis- You can find Thomas Dambo‘s troll tic creations infuse a fresh vitality map at https://trollmap.com/ into these legendary beings. Among the half-dozen trolls residing in the local landscape, The Bird King reigns supreme. He is as imposing as he is majestic: Perched in the forest at upper Point Robinson, he stands more than 20 feet tall. With sunlight filtering through the trees, it‘s almost surreal looking at him as he points to you.
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Looking for an easy family hike? Visit Oscar! Our Thomas Dambo troll can be found at Point Robinson Lighthouse, located at 3705 SW Point Robinson Park.
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Vashon Park District Drop-In Programs As winter descends upon Vashon Island, the Vashon Park District is offering several free dropin programs that cater to diverse interests and ages. From the meteorical rise in pickleball popularity to the camaraderie of co-ed soccer, ultimate frisbee‘s aerial exploits, and the precision of co-ed basketball, the winter landscape is full of activities to get you moving. For you seniors, we just added Senior Tai Chi to the mix. Tai Chi brings a mindful exercise option to our golden Islanders seeking a different pace in December.
Co-Ed Soccer
Wednesday nights & Saturday mornings
Women‘s Soccer:
Wednesdays nights Soccer fields become the canvas for community connections with the co-ed and women‘s soccer programs. Free drop-in sessions invite Islanders to share their love for the sport, showcasing skills, and fostering camaraderie through spirited matches on the pitch.
Photo courtesy of Jessica Kennan
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Ultimate Frisbee: Monday Nights
With the Vashon Park District‘s free drop-in sessions, Islanders can engage in this high-energy sport, combining strategy, skill, and a dash of daring as frisbees soar through the winter air.
Co-Ed Basketball: The Vashon
Park District, cognizant of the diverse interests on the island, ensures that the court remains a place where both seasoned players and newcomers feel at home.
Senior Tai Chi: Starts December 6th!
At the intersection of mindfulness and motion, the Senior Tai Chi program brings a sense of calm to the winter season. A collaborative effort between the Vashon Senior Center and Vashon Park District, this free drop-in class is designed to address the ills of aging by focusing on muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. In a testament to the Vashon Park District‘s commitment to fostering community well-being, these free drop-in programs invite Islanders to embrace the winter chill with open arms. Lace-up your sneakers, grab a paddle or a frisbee, and join in the communal warmth that these programs provide. For more information, visit vashonparks.org or contact the park district directly at (206) 463-9602. We encourage you to venture out. Have an idea for a drop-in program? Vashon Park District is interested in hearing from you! Send your suggestions to ewyatt@vashonparks.org
Visit www.vashonparks.org for drop-in session details.
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FACTOIDS: Source: Pickleheads.com
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States with an estimated 36.5 million players. The game has grown an average rate of 158.6% over the last three years. The pickleball paddle market was estimated to be over $150 million in 2021. Vashon Park District has had over 2000 drop-ins to play pickleball since the start of the program.
McMurray Gym 9329 SW Cemetery Road Vashon, WA 98070
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Pickleball Washington‘s pickleball craze is taking hold on Vashon Island, and Vashon Park District‘s free drop-in pickleball program is adding to the racket. With games scheduled on Sunday mornings, as well as Wednesday and Thursday nights, the initiative is not only introducing Islanders to the joys of pickleball but also shedding light on the fascinating history of this rapidly growing sport. Pickleball, often described as a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has become a sensation across the country. What began as a backyard game in 1965 has evolved into a widely popular sport, known for its easyto-learn nature and engaging, fast-paced matches. Today, Vashon Island is witnessing a surge in interest, with the free drop-in program at the Vashon Park District playing a pivotal role in the sport‘s local ascent. Sunday mornings offer a relaxed and social setting for pickleball enthusiasts to gather and enjoy the game. Wednesday and Thursday nights provide the perfect opportunity for Islanders to engage in some friendly competition and stay active during the week. The inclusive nature of the drop-in program ensures that players of all levels, from novices to seasoned competitors, can come together to share in the excitement.
adaptability of pickleball as a year-round sport. For those eager to join the pickleball craze but lacking equipment, worry not. The Vashon Park District provides paddles and balls for players to borrow, removing barriers to entry and making the sport accessible to all. For more information about the free drop-in pickleball program, interested individuals can reach out to Vashon Park District‘s Eric Wyatt at ewyatt@vashonparks.org. Wyatt is more than happy to answer queries and provide details about how Islanders can get involved in the pickleball action. As Vashon Island embraces the pickleball phenomenon, the Vashon Park District remains committed to fostering community engagement, promoting physical activity, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the thrill of pickleball. Additional drop-in games are available during summer months at the VHS tennis courts.
As winter descends upon the island, the Vashon Park District is keeping the pickleball spirit alive with games moving indoors to the McMurray gym. This strategic move ensures that Islanders can continue to play and stay active even when the weather turns chilly, underscoring the
Pickleball was created by Bainbridge Islanders Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell in 1965.
FREE DROP-IN SESSIONS
Day
Time
Facility
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Sunday
6:15 PM - 8:30 PM 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
VHS Courts VHS Courts CES Gym VHS Courts VHS Courts VHS Courts
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WE HAVE A BUBBLE! Don‘t let the cold weather stop you this winter - our pool is a tropical 84 degrees.
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Ages 12 & under require an adult AT the pool Ages 8 & under require an adult IN the pool Ages 6 & under require an adult within arm‘s reach Deep Water Tests are REQUIRED for ages 14 & under
POOL - 9526 SW 204 St. 206-463-3787
========= Family Swim Pricing $7.35 for the first person. $2.10 for each additional family member. 3&under are free Applies to FAMILY members ONLY. Friends/Neighbors not included.
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Venture Out Treasure Hunt Coming in March, 2024! Calling all young adventurers! This March, Vashon Park District invites families to embark on a self-guided wildlife scavenger hunt at Point Robinson Park, a perfect opportunity for kids to explore the beauty of nature and learn about the incredible animals native to Washington State. With no registration required, this unstructured event allows families to venture out at their own pace, providing a flexible and enjoyable way to connect with our state‘s diverse wildlife. Event Details: Throughout the month of March, the trails at Point Robinson Park will come alive with pictures showcasing Washington State‘s native animals. These captivating images will serve as guides, encouraging young explorers to keep a keen eye out for real-life counterparts as they wander through the park. No Registration Required: This scavenger hunt is designed to be accessible and stress-free for families. There‘s no need to register in advance – simply show up at Point Robinson Park, pick up a trail map, and let the adventure begin. Explore: This is not an organized event with set start and end times.
Families are encouraged to explore the park at a pace that suits their schedule, making it an ideal outing for a weekend excursion or a spontaneous day of outdoor fun. Venture Out: The scavenger hunt is all about embracing the spirit of adventure and discovery. Venture out with your family, follow the trails, and enjoy the freedom to pause, observe, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Discover Native Wildlife: Spot pictures of bears, Olympic marmots, orcas, and cougars and more strategically placed along the trails. Take the opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures while enjoying the fresh air and scenic views of Point Robinson Park. Maybe Spot a Troll: As an extra element of fun, keep your eyes peeled for signs of the mythical troll that may be lurking in unexpected places. This whimsical addition adds a touch of mystery to your scavenger hunt experience. Educational Opportunity: Use this casual and interactive event as a chance to educate your kids about the importance of wildlife conservation and the unique ecosystems that thrive in Washington State. This self-guided scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to spark curiosity, appreciation for nature, and a love for the diverse wildlife that calls Washington home. Venture Out!
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Explore Vashon Looking to explore Vashon Islands multitude of beautiful trails? We‘ve got you covered. Now in its 6th Edition of the best-selling local guide, “Walks, Trails, and Parks on Vashon Island“ by Ann Spiers, John Gerstle, and Susan Sullivan, celebrating its remarkable 20th Anniversary. This comprehensive guide is not just a map – it‘s an immersive experience into the heart of Vashon Island. Immerse yourself in the island‘s nature, culture, and history as you explore the individual trail descriptions meticulously crafted in this edition. The sturdy guide is designed for convenience, featuring a spiral binding, quality paper, and essential details like an expansive fold-out Vashon map, precise street and parking directions, and key beach and trail access points. Whether you‘re an avid hiker or a nature enthusiast, the trail book makes a unique gift. Available from Vashon Park District and other island retailers. The Vashon Park District‘s Headquarters are located at Ober Park: 17130 Vashon Highway SW |Vashon, WA 98070 Office Hours: M-F 9 am - 4 pm Postal Address: P.O. Box 1608 Vashon, WA 98070 Office Phone: 206-463-9602 Office Email: info@vashonparks.org Emergency Contacts: For maintenance emergencies, call Maintenance Director Shawn Gateman at (206) 550-4507.
SKI BUS to THE SUMMIT AT SNOQUALMIE
Ski with us! Embark on exhilarating Saturday ski and snowboarding adventures with Vashon Park District‘s winter ski bus, catering to both kids and adults bound for the Summit at Snoqualmie. We have six thrilling trips lined up from January 6th to February 12th, offering abundant opportunities to immerse yourself in the stunning Cascade mountains blanketed in winter splendor. Whether you‘re seeking the complete season experience or just a single adventurous ride, we have tailored options for everyone from ages 9 to 99. Act swiftly to secure your spot, as lift tickets and lessons are in high demand and tend to sell out quickly. Don‘t miss the opportunity to carve your way through the snowy slopes – reserve your seat now!
If you‘re enthusiastic about being part of the adventure, express your interest by sending an email to ewyatt@vashonparks.org. Join us and dive into the winter fun!
Interested in being a chaperone? we have an enticing offer! Chaperones receive a complimentary lift ticket on the day of their assignments.
Trips depart from Vashon High School, with an additional stop in West Seattle across from Lincoln Park. Visit our webpage at www.vashonparks.org for details and pricing.
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Islanders - Get 15% off lodging rentals during low season. Stay with us! Send email to info@vashonparks.org Gift certificates available