CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio -- Are you ready for adventure? Geauga Park District offers a thrilling high ropes course 32 feet in the treetops at Claridon Woodlands. You can reserve your hour to climb online. Admission is free for Geauga residents with a proof of residency ID. Out of county residents pay $20. Fees must be paid by credit card online or onsite at the check-in. To learn ages and weight restrictions and safety guidelines visit geaugaparkdistrict.org/activity/high-ropes-course at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org/ropes-boats-schedules.
Also at Claridon Woodlands park is a 12-foot boulder wall to climb offering 900-square-feet of climbing fun featuring new routes for 2024. With at least two weeks’ prior notice, Thursdays can also be reserved by outside camp or corporate groups with variable schedules based on group needs. Contact Trevor at [email protected] or 440-226-2548 for more information.
If you are looking for adventure on water, GPD has kayaks and canoes available Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to borrow at Headwaters Park. Geauga County residents may head out on the East Branch Reservoir on a borrowed canoe or kayak for up to two hours or a paddleboat for one hour free of charge with their photo ID. Out of county residents are charged a fee onsite by credit card but may still borrow a watercraft. The cost is $10 for an adult, $7 for a child, $14 for a tandem kayak or canoe and $18 for paddleboats. Availability is on a first-come-first-served basis. Provided life vests must be worn at all times. Dogs are not permitted on the watercraft. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact geaugaparkdistrict.org for more information.
Pack Walk at Pinecrest: Let your pooch take you for a walk 9 a.m. each Friday through Aug. 9 around Pinecrest in Orange Village. You can meet other pups and their dog parents while enjoying the walkabout in Pinecrest. Who will lead the pack? The first one of the season on July 12 was led by Chris Ramsay of Shaker Hound Academy.
Stop and smell the flowers: The Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland invite you to their “Summer to Remember” small standard flower show 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 19 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at the Geauga West Public Library. The flower show features exhibits from club members including floral design, cut and container grown horticulture. It offers a great venue to learn about flowers. The library is located at 13445 Chillicothe Rd. in Chester Township.
Catch a concert: The Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce offers a free outdoor concert 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 18 with Rubber Soul-The Tribute performing at Riverside Park in Chagrin Falls. The concert is part of the Simple Summer Nights Concert series. Contact cvcc.org.
Dragons and a full moon: Explore the wetland habitat near the Minnow Pond at Beartown Lakes 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21 to hunt for dragonflies. Learn about their interesting behaviors and try your hand at catching some. Nets will be provided. Bring your binoculars, camera, sunscreen and water. Leave the flip-flops at home and wear sturdy walking shoes. Then, from 9:30-10:30 p.m. Sunday night, head out to Observatory Park for a naturalist-led hike of 1.5 miles over level terrain to experience nature at night, look for fireflies and the rising full moon, weather permitting. Contact geaugaparkdistrict.org or call 440-286-9516.
Spend a day in Pittsburgh: The Geauga YMCA is hosting a one-day bus trip to the Steel City Wednesday, Aug. 21. The bus departs 8:15 a.m. with a stop at the Bicycle Heaven Museum and Shop, the world’s largest bicycle museum, before visiting the Fort Pitt Block House. Built in 1764, it was part of one of the largest and most elaborate British forts during the French and Indian War. Lunch is at the Grand Concourse in the restored Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station with stained-glass vaulted ceilings and marble columns. After lunch take a trolley sightseeing tour of the city with a guide pointing out landmarks. The tour includes a stop at the Duquesne Incline for a one-way ride before catching the bus back to the Geauga YMCA. The cost is $165 for members and $175 for nonmembers. Contact Diane Gorom at [email protected].
Save the date: The Foundation for Geauga Parks is holding its annual Twilight Soiree fundraiser Thursday, Sept. 12 at the scenic Fowler’s Mill Golf Course, 13095 Rockhaven Rd. in Chester Township. The venue will be indoors and out with music, interactive displays, food and beverages, auctions and night sky viewing. Ticket and sponsorship information is at https://bit.ly/FGPTwilightSoiree.
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