Ages 18 and up
Wednesdays, March 12 – October 29
Join Up and Running trail leaders as you enjoy running on natural trails. This running group is for experienced runners and includes meadows, trails and hills. Meet at the Normandy Entrance (501 Normandy Ridge Rd.) of Grant Park or the Smith Entrance (2230 E. Centerville Station Rd.) of Bill Yeck Park. Please check online schedule for locations each week. Sign up once for the entire year!
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
Crafts with Nature – All Things Green
Ages 18 months – 4 years with adult companion
We will complete crafts with nature/sensory themes, read stories, play games and take short hikes in the park. The theme for March is ‘All Things Green’. This program is limited to one adult companion per registrant. Backpacks and front carriers are appropriate if your child is not walking. Strollers are not recommended at parks with natural terrain.
Registration deadline: Thursday, March 13
Loose Parts Play Family Workshop
All ages
Loose parts play theory offers the idea that adding ambiguous objects to a play space sparks creativity and learning through play in young children. Join Meredith Florkey of Ohio Naturally to learn about the benefits of unstructured outdoor play and the implementation of loose parts to enhance your young child’s experience.
Registration deadline: Thursday, March 13
Conservation Crew: Vernal Pool Construction
Ages 12 – 18
Shovels ready! We will be designing, learning about and digging a vernal pool meadow. A pair of work gloves and clothing/boots that can get muddy are recommended.
Registration deadline: Monday, March 17
Spring Equinox Celebration
All ages
Welcome the spring season with a brand new family event! We will have a variety of flower-themed activities, including story time and crafts. Participants will receive native wildflower seeds to take home and plant in their gardens.
Registration is requested. Registered participants will receive a cancellation notice if necessary due to inclement weather. No pets, please.
Preschool Nature Series: Make a Map
Ages 3 – 5 with adult companion
We will explore the park and learn what it takes to make a map. Then in family groups, you will get to make your very own park or yard map. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, March 18
Glass Fusing: Wind Dancers
Ages 16 and up
Kick off the spring season with this glass fusing class. Kathy Woodruff from Busy Beaver will lead participants through the basics of glass fusing. Create three 3″ squares that will be hooked together with mirrors in between to capture the spring breeze!
Registration deadline: Sunday, March 16
Living Wall Art with Now and Zen
Ages 12 and up
Join local business Now and Zen Terrariums to create a one-of-a-kind 8″ x 10″ wall art project with live air plants. You will select from a variety of unique embellishments that reflect your style and vibe to add to your piece!
Registration deadline: Thursday, March 13
Watercolor Hanging Plants Class
Ages 18 and up
Spring is right around the corner! Let’s celebrate with something green! We will create hanging plant-themed watercolor paintings using basic brush and watercolor techniques. We will use studio materials. Leave the class with your finished painting. All skill levels are welcome! This class is best for participants at a beginner to intermediate level.
Registration deadline: Friday, March 14
Outdoor Photography Scavenger Hunt
All ages
A fun event for the whole family! Participants will explore the park through a photography scavenger hunt. Following the scavenger hunt, families will share photos with one another and the team with the most items found on the list will receive a prize! All families need to bring a device to take photos, preferably one that has a screen to view the photos. Cell phone cameras are acceptable! One registration per family.
Registration deadline: Monday, March 17
Dancing Woodcocks
Ages 8 and up
We will head out at dusk to search for the American Woodcock and observe their spectacular dance! This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Monday, March 24
Spring Into Archery
Ages 8 – 15
We will learn the basics of archery and put the skills learned to practice. Participants will compete against each other in friendly competition. No experience is required. All equipment is provided.
Registration deadline: Thursday, March 20
Pickleball League Any Doubles My Teen & Me
Ages 12 – 17 plus family member over 21
Sundays, March 30 – May 4
Join a Park District pickleball league and play pickleball in the parks this spring! All leagues are 6 weeks long. Six Franklin X-40 pickleballs per team are included and can be picked up from Park District Headquarters prior to league play. This for-fun league is open to any doubles teams (men’s, women’s, or mixed doubles) comprised of a teen and their parent/guardian or other close family member over the age of 21.
Registration deadline: Sunday, March 16
Pickleball League Any Doubles Intermediate A
Ages 18 and up
Mondays, March 31 – May 5
Join a Park District pickleball league and play pickleball in the parks this summer! All leagues are 6 weeks long. Six Franklin X-40 pickleballs per team are included and can be picked up from Park District Headquarters prior to league play. This for-fun league is open to any doubles teams (men’s, women’s or mixed doubles) at the intermediate level.
Registration deadline: Sunday, March 16
Beginner Pickleball Lessons – April
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays, April 1 – April 22
Join Certified Pickleball Trainer James Lawson to develop the introductory skills to level up your pickleball game. James is a licensed and certified instructor with a current DUPR rating of 5.23. This 4-week lesson is designed for the beginner player looking to develop basic skills to move up to a more competitive level of play.
Registration deadline: Friday, March 28