Download - Summer Lovin
Summer Lovin’
And much more!
Lakeside camping for the whole family
Community field re-ceives renovations and improvements
2
Parks Max Meadows Community Field Community field receives renova ons and improvements
Margaret C. Ager Recrea on Park Installed in a Breeze! Rural Retreat Lake Disc Golf Course construc on, grand opening
Recrea on Rural Retreat Lake and Campground Outdoor Recrea on and Tips Lakeside Camping for the whole family Successful summer bird watching
Wythe County Recrea on Areas
Sports Booster lis ngs
Football and cheer deadlines
2012 Summer Programs and Events
Con
tents
3
Thank you for reading the 2012 Summer E‐zine from the Wythe County Parks and Recrea on Department. Inside you’ll find all of the fun summer ac vi es you can experience in Wythe County. In addi on, you’ll find informa on about summer sports, library programs, and more. Look for the next edi on of this e‐zine in fall 2012!
Contacts
4
Parks and Recrea on Gary Cody Director of Parks, Recrea on and Tourism (276) 223—6065 [email protected] Tina Brown Recrea on Specialist—Rural Retreat Lake (276) 223—6022 [email protected] Sco y Vaught Recrea on Specialist—Sports (276) 223—6092 [email protected] Public Informa on Jenna Coleman Public Informa on Officer and Grant Coordinator [email protected] (276) 223—6037 Wythe County Offices 340 South Sixth Street Wytheville, Va 24382 (276) 223—6020
Con
tents
Welcome to Summer Lovin’
Welcome to Wythe County Parks and Recrea on’s first edi on of its online seasonal magazine. Summer Lovin’ is filled with informa on about upcoming events, summer programs and more. Wythe County Parks and Rec‐rea on believes the great outdoors is one of our greatest assets. Rural Retreat Lake and Campground offers a scenic view with fishing, camping, swimming and our new disc golf course. There are countless indoor and outdoor ac vi es to experience in Wythe County this summer. Enjoy the bright
rays, warm weather and fun in the sun. See what you can get I involved in this summer with our department and love summer!
5
Gary Cody, Wythe County Parks and Recrea-tion Director.
Max Meadows Community Field
Community field receives renova ons and improvements
and refurbishing flower beds. The staff spent the day tending the soil and brightening the park with purples, reds and whites. In April, the department, with assistance from the Building and Grounds Department, worked to update the park even further.
Max Meadows Community Field has seen many changes over the past several month thanks to the Wythe County Parks and Recrea on Department and the Wythe County Building and Grounds Department. First, the field received a new sign, welcoming visitors through its gates and displaying the Park and Recrea ons Department’s logo. In early spring, the department be‐gan its park beau fica on project. The project included plan ng flowers
Max Meadows Community Field
6
The Building and Grounds Department replaced wooden liners in many flowers beds at the site. In addi on, the department worked to lay grass seed in front of the field’s restrooms. The Parks and Recrea on Department worked to lay topsoil on the baseball fields to prepared them for the summer season. With these renova‐ons the Parks and
Recrea on Department hopes to be er engage the community the park serves. Max Meadows Community Field is located at 148 Max Meadows Rd., Max Meadows.
The park has full restroom facili es (men and women), a paved walking track, two‐baseball/so ball diamonds, a stage, a concession stand, a Veteran’s memorial,
Park
s
horseshoe pits and parking. For informa on including field and amenity reserva ons, visit www.wytheco.org or contact the Wythe County Parks and Recrea on Department (see page 4 for contact informa on.)
7
Margret C. Ager Park Margret C. Ager Park
Margaret C. Ager Recrea on Park has seen many changes over the past few years. Now, the park will have a few new addi ons added. Wythe County was awarded $350,000 in grant funding from the Wythe Bland Founda on for the
addi on of athle c fields to the property. The fields will serve as space for area sports such as soccer and football. Construc on of the field is set to begin soon and is planned to be completed by the end of the year 2012.
8
Park
s
and Campground, the 9‐Hole Disc Golf, would not have been possible without the sponsorships from our nine businesses and individuals,” said Gary Cody, Wythe County Parks and Recrea on Director. “We appreciate the dona ons to make the disc golf course come to life.” Each sponsor has its logo displayed at a specific hole. Sponsors for the course include: Hole # 1 – Wytheville Rotary Club Hole #2 – Blue Ridge Chiropractor Hole #3 – BB&T Hole #4 – Wythe Co. Community Hospital Hole #5 – Dr. Jerry Lowry and Family Hole #6 – Rural Retreat Electric and Pumping Hole #7 – Wythe Eye Associates Hole #8 ‐ Wythe Physicians for Women, Dr. Elizabeth Fox Hole # 9 ‐ United Country – Anders Realty & Auc on The public can view the layout of the course by visi ng the Wythe County website at www.wytheco.org. The department is also holding an Introduc‐on to Disc Golf Class on June 14 at 6
p.m. For more informa on on the disc golf course or the introductory class being offered, contact Cody at (276) 223‐6065.
9
Installed in a Breeze! Rural Retreat Lake Disc Golf Course grand opening
The Rural Retreat Lake and Campground Disc Golf Course is officially open for visitors to enjoy. The Wythe County Parks and Recrea on Department held the course’s grand opening on June 1, 2012. Disc golf is one of the fastest growing recrea on sports in the country. The sport takes the childhood game of “Frisbee” and places it on a course focused on accuracy. The course begins near the entrance of the park. It then curves its way through trees and up hills to give players the ul mate obstacle experience. The course is aimed to a ract players of all skill levels and ages. Present at the grand opening were the course’s sponsors, without whom the course may never have been built. “The new addi on to Rural Retreat Lake
Rural Retreat Lake and Campground Rural Retreat Lake and Campground
10
Recreation
11
Rural Retreat Lake and Campground is one of Wythe County’s many summer fun a rac ons. The property comes complete with a campstore, volleyball nets, trout pound, fishing lake, pool and more. During Mother’s Day weekend, Rural Retreat Campground welcomed its first group of campers for the 2012 season. The pool season officially opened the last weekend of May, Memorial Day weekend. Regular hours for the pool began Friday, May 25 as follows: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. ‐7 p.m. and Sunday 1 ‐6 p.m. Pool par es available a er hours, Friday‐Sunday only.
Returning events for the sum‐mer season will include the annual Fourth of July Celebra‐on and Kid’s Fishing Day.
New this summer will be Wythe County Parks and Recrea on Hike for Hounds/Meow Meander.
12
Outdoor Recreation
From their campsite beside the lake, campers can do many ac vi es like fishing, hiking, hun ng, swimming or photographing nature. While just at the campsite, campers are able to delight in simple ac vi es like pitching their tent, making a campfire, sleeping under a tree and cooking. For that enjoyable weekend star ng the minute you arrive, it is good to have these ps in mind: 1. Plan ahead . Be sure to make reserva ons at least 10 days before. Talk to the Park Rangers to obtain maps of the lake. 2. Know the water before going. Determine the lake’s makeup and the kinds of fish that thrives in that area before you head off in order to carry along the right fishing tackle. 3. Bait. It is very imprac cal to carry
minnows on your lake camping trip and at mes are not permi ed by law. 4. Food. As bed me approaches, keep the lake campsite zone free of food clu er. Pack your food in sealed plas c bags and put everything inside a covered food pack and hang it high over a tree limb. 5. Create a “fire ring” for your camp‐fire. ‐ Clear the forest floor of moss and
Lakeside Camping for the whole family
Recreation
13
n Tips and Tricks dead leaves by scraping everything un l there is soil. ‐Create a ring of rocks in an open place, away from your tent. Make the ring larger compared to the fire that you will be building. ‐Have some space around your fire. 6. Know how to administer First Aid as well as keep a kit handy always. In cases of emergency, you should know “what to do”. When you are properly trained for first aid, you can save lives. In a first aid class, you learndifferent ways of properly handling and re‐ac ng in different emergency situa ons. 7. Clean up a er your mess! Always make certain that all your trash is put in the right containers. ‐ Clean the campsite before leaving and check that fires are ex nguished completely, leaving everything as it was. Lakeside camping is a great family outdoor ac vity that should be properly planned so that everyone will really enjoy what you all came for! Have fun!
Camping Check List
Shelter __Tent __Ground cloth/tarp __Extra stakes __Shade tarp/poles/rope/stakes __Axe or hammer __Mat for tent entrance __Dust pan/brush
Bedding __Sleeping bag __Sheets/blankets __Pillow __Air ma ress/sleeping pad/cot/tarp __Air pump __Repair kit for air ma ress __U lity bags for storage
Cooking
__Large water jug & water bucket __Coolers/ice __Thermos __Matches/lighter __Charcoal/firewood/buddy burner __Fire starters/newspaper __Plates & bowls/paper plates & bowls __Silverware/plas c silverware __Heavy‐duty aluminum foil __Paper towels __Trash bags __Dish soap __Cooking oil/Pam spray __Containers for food storage __Cook utensils‐spatula, knife, spoon __Tongs __Can opener/bo le opener __Mugs/paper cups __Ziplock bags
14
Outdoor Recreation
During summer, birds seem to dis‐appear so birdwatching doesn’t seem like a very frui ul ac‐vity, but a persis‐
tent birdwatcher can s ll be re‐warded by some wonderful, yet flee ng sights. Wythe County offers a variety of bird watching venues including Rural Retreat Lake and Campground, Big Survey and more. Birds don’t really abandon us in sum‐mer. This is the me when they have just started breeding and once that’s completed, their feathers begin to molt. During mol ng, their feathers are not as strong, so they stay in their nests to avoid predators. It is also during this me when food like grain, fruit and berries begin to ripen.
Birds like song thrushes and blackbirds move out to where natural food is present and so are less interested in the readily available food that people leave for them.
In farmlands, birds fly to the grainfields to eat the grain just before harvest me. This temporary evacua on makes people think that birds have disappeared totally, when in fact they have just gone out to eat. In the ci es, finches and sparrows can be found on the ground where they might be feas ng on weed seeds. Birds like ts leave their nests a er their chicks fledge and then spend me perched high in the trees,
where people normally don’t see them. Birds return to their usual places when frost begins to appear in autumn.
Successful summer bird watching
Recreation
15
n Tips and Tricks A lot of birdwatchers miss the singing during summer. Birds sing in spring and in the early days of summer to defend their territory. It is also the me to a ract a mate.
In June, the chicks leave the nest so the adults no longer need to protect their territory and we no longer hear them sing. To find birds in summer, an avid birdwatcher will need keen eyes. For some birds, there’s no need to look far – bluebirds, swallows, robins and house wrens make their homes quite comfortably among us. To find where a bird makes its nest, observe where it flies with the nes ng materials. Leave items like yarn, pieces of cloth or co on in your yard for them to pick up. It is also important to know what
birds can be found in your locality and where they make their nests. A responsible birdwatcher knows that he is there to observe only and enjoy the birds while le ng them be. Most birds nest in late May or early June. Some of them may have their homes in the ground or on shrubs so be careful when you walk about since you might disturb them unnecessarily and scare them away. There seems to be fewer birds in summer, but with a li le pa ence and some skill, birdwatching can s ll be enjoyed.
16
Wythe County ReTrails Virginia Highlands Trail – assessable from Rte. 21 or Collins Cove Rd. Iron Mountain Trail – assessable from Rte. 21 Comer’s Rock Trail – assessable from Rte. 21 Rural Retreat Lake Trail – assessable from Lake Rd., Rural Retreat Crawfish or Appalachian Trail – assessable from Strawberry Rd. Seven Sister’s Trail – assessable from Krenning Rd. from Rte. 52 Big Survey Management Area Trails (Tower Rocks or High Rocks) – assess‐able from Rte. 21 or Broadway Rd. – Note: Need Access Permit to hike or a valid fishing, hun ng or boat registra on Chestnut Knob Trail – assessable from Collins Cove Rd. Ewing Mountain Trail – assessable from Collins Cove Rd. Crystal Springs Recrea on Area Trails – assessable from Pump Hollow Rd.
New River Trail – assessable from New River State Park, Foster Falls Rd., Rte. 94‐Ivanhoe or Aus nville Rd. Boat Ramp access Rural Retreat Lake New River State Park Rte. 94, Ivanhoe, New River bridge Aus nville Rd., New Riv‐er bridge
BoaRive
Recreation
17
ecreation Areas Crystal Springs Recrea on Area
New River Trail, Aus nville
t ramp Aus nville Road, New er Bridge
18
Sports Information
Football & Cheer 2012 Season
Deadlines
The Football and Cheerleading 2012 season is right around the corner! Deadlines for the two sports are August 1, 2012. For more informa on contact Wythe County Parks and Rec‐rea on or your local booster club. For football informa on, contact Sco y Vaught at (276) 223‐6092 or sco y.vaught @wytheco.org. For cheerleading informa on, contact Tina Brown at (276) 223‐6022, (276) 686‐4331 or na.brown @wytheco.org.
Note: Registra on fees for 2012 sports will be taken through the Wythe County Parks and Recrea on Depart-ment rather your booster club.
Booster Club Contact 2012
BLAND: Stacy Grady 1559 East Blue Grass Trail Bland, VA 24315 (276) 688-4234
JACKSON: Ross “Wayne” Viers 581 Scratch Gravel Road Max Meadows, VA 24360 (276) 699-1529
RURAL RETREAT: Mike Burkentine 4078 Cedar Springs Road Rural Retreat, VA 24368 (276) 686-4057 (276) 724-0406
SHEFFEY: Jason Sark 204 Grandview Dr. Max Meadows, VA 23460 (276) 699-6304
SPEEDWELL: Traci Roberts 341 Farmview Road Crockett, VA 24323 (276) 686-5473
Sp
orts
19
Program
s & E
vents
Sports Programs & Events
Basic Dog Obedience Does your dog need to learn the basic commands to be a safe and well mannered pet? THIS is the class for YOU & your DOG !!! For dogs 9 weeks & up & all their human fami‐ly Instructor: Kris n Forbes Wednesdays, Star ng June 20th at Ager Park 6‐7pm each day for 7 weeks FEE: $75/per dog. Call 223‐6022 to register Maxi‐mum in class: 8 dogs. Deadline: June 15 Sponsored by Wythe Co. Park and Rec.
Introduc on to Disc Golf Learn how to play disc golf on the new Disc Golf Course at Rural Retreat Lake and Campground Fee: $10 and includes a Disc June 14th, 6pm Call 223‐6022 to sign up! Deadline to register: June 12th
Rural Retreat Lake Fes val and Fire-works July 4, 3 p.m.—fes vi es start, 10 p.m. fireworks. Fes vi es include live bands, face pain ng, children’s games and cra s, numerous vendors set up, swimming at pool, food sales, and much more.
20
Hawaiian Pool Day at RR Lake Swimming Pool
June 15, 4 p.m.—7 p.m. Free hotdogs, chips, and drink. Music, games, and prize give‐aways.
Nature Camp July 16—20 Beagle Ridge Herb Farm & Rural Retreat Lake Campground Park 8:30 a.m.‐5:30 p.m.; Ages 8‐12 year olds. Sign Up Deadline—June 22; $65 per child .Minimum of 12 par ci‐pants—Maximum of 15 par ci‐pants (2nd class will be scheduled if lots of interest!) Drop off 7:30—8 a.m./Pick‐up 5:30—6 p.m. Shu le provided daily from Wytheville. Kids will learn more about the environment (geology, wildlife, trees, bugs, etc.) while engaged in fun games, cra s, special guest appearance by Eric Harold, a well‐known Falconry Trainer. Bus trips to Crystal Springs Recrea on Area, New River Trail State Park, and other exci ng local parks.
Wythe Co. Parks and Rec. Partnering with Chautauqua Fes val 2 p.m., June 19 Learning Tree Project with Gary Cody, Wythe Co. Parks & Recrea ons pre‐registered required by contac ng Wythe Art Council (276‐228‐6855) or stop by Haller House June 11‐15, 10 a.m‐5:30 p.m, ages 5‐12, limit 25.
11 a.m., June 20, Intro to Marco Invertbras with Gary Cody, Wythe Co. Parks & Recrea ons: Find Out What's in Your Pond? pre‐registered required by calling Wythe Art Council (228‐6855) or stop by Haller House June 11‐15, 10
Wythe County Parks and Recreati
21
Program
s & E
vents
a.m.‐5:30 p.m, ages 9‐15, limit 20. 2 p.m., June 20, Animal Tracks Presenta on with Gary Cody, Wythe Co. Parks & Recrea ons, pre‐registered required by calling 228‐6855 or stop by Haller House June 11‐15, 10 a.m.‐5:30 p.m., ages 5‐12, limit 25.
Art Camp July 23—27—Rural Retreat Pentecostal Holiness Church—8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages 8‐12 year olds; Sign Up Deadline—June 29th; $30 per child. Minimum 12 par cipants—Max 15 par cipants. Drop off 7:30—8 a.m./Pick‐up 12 p.m. Shu le provided daily from Wytheville to class loca on. Learn how to paint using water colors and acrylics, make necklaces, bracelets, scrapbooks, cards and much more. Let your inner ar st show through the teachings of local ar sans.
Basketball Camp July 17—20 at the Old Recrea on Center—$35 per child Come Join the WCC Wildcats as they teach you the fundamentals of the game. Free T‐Shirt; Minimum 10 par cipants—Maximum 15 per Age Group. July 17 through 18—Boys & Girls 3rd‐6th Grades; Boys 9 a.m.‐ 12 p.m.; Girls 2 ‐5 p.m. July 19 & 20—Boys & Girls 7th‐10th Grades; Boys 9 a.m.—12 p.m.; Girls 2—5 p.m.
ion Summer Programs & Events
22
Wythe County Parks and RecreatSwimming Lessons June & July at the Rural Retreat Lake Campground Pool Lessons are designed for ages 5‐12 year olds while working on their stroke development, fear of the water, front and back floa ng, treading water and different swimming techniques. $40 per person; eight classes. Mornings —1st Ses‐sion June 11—July 5 or 2nd Session July 9—August 2; 10—10:30 a.m.; Mon‐days & Thursdays. Evenings —1st Session July 9– August 2 or 2nd Session August 6—30; 6—6:30 p.m.; Mondays & Thursdays. Deadline to Register ‐ 1 week prior to class. Minimum 6 par cipants—Maximum 10 par cipants.
Water Fitness June through August Rural Retreat Lake Campground Pool Open to all ages. Non‐Swimmer’s welcome. Become more fit by enjoying the water! Fitness in the water reduces the chance of muscle or joint injury. Strengthen your core muscles while ge ng a cardio‐workout. 1st Session: June 12—July 3; 6—6:30 p.m./2nd Session: July 10‐August 1; 10:30 ‐11a.m.
Great American Back Yard Campout/Canoe Overnight June 23‐24, June 23‐ 10am and finishing up campout, June 24‐12p. Wythe County Parks and Recrea on has partnered with New River Trail State Park
23
Program
s & E
vents
tion Summer Programs & Events for a 2 day canoeing campout down the river. The trip will cover 5 miles of the river. Star ng at Aus nville and ending at Foster Falls, Baker Island campground. The program will consist of basic camping and canoeing. Please bring your camping supplies, extra snacks, plenty of water, sun screen, insect repellent, fishing pole, and closed toe shoes. For more informa on and to make a reserva on please contact the park office at (276) 699‐6778. Program fee of $25.00 per person. Children ages 11 and over please. All equipment rentals are included in fee.
How to Prepare for a Backpacking Class Free workshop to learn the necessary prepara ons for a backpacking trip including proper clothing and footwear, nutri on, preparing food in the outdoors, and other essen als to backpack comfortably. July 12th, 6 p.m. FREE Instructor: Gary Cody Register by July 9 by call 223‐6022
Guitar Lessons (Ongoing). Either Max Meadows Fire Dept. ‐ Mondays at 5p or Rural Retreat Pentecostal Church ‐ Tuesdays, 5p. Instructor: Darrell Eads with COMMON GROUND. Lessons cover the basics of strumming chords to tuning your guitar to play songs. For beginners to intermediate skill levels. $30 per month for 4 classes. 45 minute classes. Call 223‐6022 to sign up today!
Zumba Classes Call 223‐6022 if interested. Max Meadows or Rural Retreat classes. Will be formed for August.
Instructors needed: If you or someone you know would be interested is
teaching a Course or Class for Wythe Co. Park and Recrea on, please give us a call or send us an email. An applica on and screening will be required.
24
Wythe CountySummer Progra
Tuesday, June 12 T‐shirt Screen Prin ng at Rural Retreat Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 13 T‐shirt Screen Prin ng & Movie at Wythe County Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Bring a plain, light‐colored t‐shirt and screen print our Summer Reading Pro‐gram logo! Wednesday, June 20 Teddy Bear Fun Day at Chautauqua Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park, Main
Stage, 10:30 a.m. Bring your teddy bear or favorite stuffed animal! Tuesday, June 26 Governor’s School play at Wythe County Public Library, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 27 Ac on Animals at Wythe County Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 28 Crea ng Picture Books at Rural Retreat Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 3 Parade & Ice Cream Party at Wythe County Public Library, 10:30 a.m.
25
Program
s & E
vents
ty Libraries ams & Events
Wednesday, July 11 Mill Mountain Zoo Animal Encounters at Rural Retreat Public Library, 11 a.m. Thursday, July 12 Stories from the Mountains at Wythe County Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 17 Mul cultural Dance Workshop for Teens at Wythe County Public Library , 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 18 Captain Jim at Wythe County Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 23 80s Party for Teens at Wythe County Public Library, 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 24 Picnic Finale at Ru‐ral Retreat Public Library, 12 p.m. Wednesday, July 25 – Picnic Finale for Wythe County Public Library, 12 p.m. (will be held at Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park)
Parks and Recrea on Gary Cody Director of Parks, Recrea on and Tourism (276) 223—6065 [email protected]