Elkhart County Parks Information and Program Guide March - June 2012 Rebuild the Tower campaign update WWII exhibit on display at the museum Bonneyville Mill opens for the season Upcoming Programs
Elkhart County Parks 211 W. Lincoln Ave. Goshen, IN 46526-3280 Phone 574-535-6458 Fax 574-535-6616 TDD 574-535-6420 Website: www.elkhartcountyparks.org Email: info@elkhartcountyparks.org Larry Neff, Director Ronda DeCaire, Superintendent of Operations Scott VanOmmeran Superintendent of Parks Our Mission The Elkhart County Parks Department mission is to enhance the quality of life, preserve the County s cultural, historical, and natural resources; and provide educational and recreational opportunities. Elkhart County Park Board Larry Andrews, President Jeff Burbrink, Vice-President Karin Frey, Secretary William Wilson Karen Mackowiak John P. Hardy Klaus Mueller Elkhart County Board of Commissioners Terry Rodino, President Mike Yoder, Vice-President Frank Lucchese, Member Elkhart County Council Members David E. Foutz, District 1 Randall Yohn, District 2 Darryl J. Riegsecker, District 3 David L. Hess, District 4 John K. Letherman, At Large Dennis E. Sharkey, At Large David M. Ashe, At Large Friends of the Elkhart County Parks Board Members Jean Lynn Mac Boyer Judy Ferrell Larry Ford Lori Massa Charmane Skillen Don Bontrager Nesting Time A female Killdeer watches cautiously as she sits upon her eggs camouflaged among the rocks. photo by Vincent Massa Administration Office Hours Monday - Friday Closed weekends and County Holidays For all park-related information, shelter reservations or program registration call the Elkhart County Parks Administration office 574-535-6458. Park Hours January, February, November, December March, October April, September May, June, July, August Park hours subject to change without notice. 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. On the Cover: American Dogwood in Bloom Photo by Dottie Kauffmann www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Director s Corner There is a new special exhibit at the Elkhart County, The Homefront; Life in Elkhart County During World War II. It is a wonderful showcase of what the people of Elkhart County were doing to support the war effort. There are posters, photos, artifacts, and other materials depicting our combined local support of our nation at war. It made me realize that our strong sense of nationalism during World War II had filtered down to our county, city/towns, and even neighborhoods. What caught my attention with the WW II exhibit was the gathering of material from various cities and towns of Elkhart County. This appeared to be a shared exhibit throughout our county. When the outcome is as good as this exhibit it is rewarding and creates a sense of pride in the accomplishment. This working together for a common goal is what I believe contributes and sustains a healthy sense of place. When the Ox Bow Tower was burned we witnessed a strong negative reaction to that event. Many people were outraged at the vandalism and made commitments to rebuild the Tower. They considered the Tower an icon of Ox Bow Park, an important element in the landscape of Elkhart County. Generations of park users had traditions and fond memories associated with the Tower. They felt that an ingredient that makes up their sense of place was being destroyed. Consequently, due to the over 5,000 responses to rebuild the Tower, we began a campaign to Raise the Tower. At this point we have raised over $19,000 plus another $42,000 that may be used toward the Tower Fund. This is a start but more donated materials, volunteers, and money will be needed to finish the task. Currently the Ox Bow Elementary School is continuing their Tower Tuesdays that has already contributed over $1,200. We have had and hopefully will continue to have Ox Bow Runs and other community events with donations contributing to the Tower Fund. We feel that our Parks and the efforts such as the Rebuild the Tower contribute to our sense of place. A great place to call home. Larry Neff, Park Director Park News plan, or the ability to increase budgets (instead we faced budget cuts starting that year). Jerry took this challenge and turned it into something positive by looking at ways to improve what we were already doing with his creative talents and the funds we had left. The first major change was the quarterly Ripple newsletter was transformed into the tri-yearly Currents. The publication is so attractive people often ask if they can buy a copy of it. He also updated and created an environmentally friendly version of the Education Guide to Field Trips for educators which includes an on-line version. Jerry also began using some of the free forms of advertising that exist with today s technology. A monthly Nature News is e-mailed the first of each month and in addition he encouraged staff to begin using social media for marketing programs. From our annual report to event posters - the materials he has produced have been outstanding. His deep connections with the natural environment allow him to create attractive and inspirational marketing pieces that connect visitors to our parks and programs. The Park Board, Department staff, and the many park patrons that personally know Jerry appreciate his talents and commitment to public service. Staff honored at Annual IPRA Conference This past January Jerry Good, marketing coordinator for the Elkhart County Parks, was honored at the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association conference with the Good to Great award. Jerry has been an asset to our department for almost 23 years. He was the Chief Naturalist for most of those years, but in 2009 Jerry s role changed a bit to allow him to focus on developing materials that connect people to the parks. The challenge with this new administrative position was no funding for a marketing Preservation Recreation Education
Environmental Programs March Nature Nuts: Nocturnal Animals Discover through stories and play, the amazing adaptations of many animals that come out at night, including bats, owls and many others. Space is limited. Date: Tuesday, March 6 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3-5 years old Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Friday, March 2 Location: Corn Husk Dolls Corn husk dolls were very popular with pioneer children and even today they are a favorite among children and adults. Husks from corn were used to form the doll which was adorned with ribbons or pieces of cloth and corn silk for hair. Please join us as we step back in history to recreate this beloved icon. All materials are provided! Please note these dolls are time consuming and smaller children may need assistance so no more than one doll per person please. Only 12 spots available! Date: Saturday, March 10 Time: 9-10:30 a.m. Age: 7 adult Cost: $4/person Pre-register by: Thursday March 8 Location: Owls Join a naturalist as we learn about the different types of owls commonly found throughout Elkhart County. We will also take a short hike to a location within the park where a pair of Barred Owls has been seen for the past number of years in hopes of getting a glimpse. Date: Saturday, March 17 Time: 10 11:30 a.m. Location: Science Sleuths: Owls Learn about owls and their incredible hunting, hiding and regurgitation skills. Every participant will get an owl pellet to dissect and take home. Space is limited. Date: Monday, March 19 Time: 1:30 3 p.m. Age: 6-9 years old Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Friday, March 16 Location: April Nature Nuts: Animal Babies Meet a few LIVE animal babies up close as we learn about their amazing beginnings and transformation into adults. Space is limited. Date: Tuesday, April 10 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3-5 years old Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Thursday, April 5 Location: Science Sleuths: Birds Discover the unique features and amazing behaviors of many of our local birds. Please dress appropriately, as we will be outside for much of the program. Space is limited. Date: Monday, April 16 Time: 1:30 3 p.m. Age: 6-9 years old Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Friday, April 13 Location: Old Fashion Soft Drinks Join us for a PowerPoint presentation and learn about some of our most famous soft drinks, their history and the familiar bottles designs we see today. Make your own cola or experiment with other flavors for a unique taste. All materials will be provided. Date: Saturday April 21 Time: 9:30-11 a.m. Cost: $2/person $5/Family Pre-register by: Thursday, April 19 Location: Baldwin Schoolhouse, Bonneville Mill County Park Earth Day 2012: Celebrate Our Water! Join us at this county wide, collaborative event as we see LIVE reptiles, amphibians and fish from Nature Discovery and the Elkhart City Aquatic Biologist. Continue the fun and learning at over 20 booths with natural resource information and hands-on activities for all ages. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Date: Sunday, April 22 Time: 2 5 p.m. Cost: $2/person suggested donation Location: Elkhart County Frogs From Tadpoles to Toads and Spring Peepers to Bullfrogs we will explore the wonderful world of FROGS. Spring is a great time to discover frogs. At this program we will hunt, find, hold and release some of our four legged amphibian friends. We will learn all about frogs and their important roll in nature. Date: Saturday, April 28 Time: 6 p.m. Location: Briar Patch Shelter, Bonneyville Mill County Park www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Environmental Programs May Nature Nuts Frogs From Tadpoles to Toads and Spring Peepers to Bullfrogs we will explore the wonderful world of FROGS. Spring is a great time to go frog hunting. At this program we will hunt, find, hold and release some of our four legged amphibian friends. We will learn all about frogs and their important roll in nature. Date: Tuesday, May 1 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3 5 years old Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Friday, April 27 Location: DeFries Gardens Spring Plant Exchange Add some new color to your garden by bringing your excess plants and seeds and trading them with others. Plants can include perennials, bulbs, shrubs and small trees. Each plant must be rooted in soil and in a container; and all plants must be in healthy condition. There is no limit to how many plants you can bring. Date: Saturday, May 5 Time: 1 p.m. Location: DeFries Gardens in River Preserve County Park, C.R. 46, 1.25 miles east of New Paris, Indiana Birds and Blooms at Cobus Creek County Park Enjoy a guided tour through Cobus Creek County Park. Enjoy the spring wildflowers in bloom and the beauty and song of the birds. Bring your binoculars and field guides if available. Date: Saturday, May 12 Time: 10 a.m. Location: Cobus Creek Shelter, Cobus Creek County Park Wild Edibles Hey grandma what s for supper? Fried dandelions and wild leek, stinging nettle soup to wet your beak. Some cattail muffins, sassafras tea you ll like, Come for the food, stay for the hike! Did you know Dandelions are one of the most nutritious of all plants? Sample grandma s way of cooking and taste the difference! Date: Sunday, May 13 Time: 2 3 p.m Cost: $3/person or $10/family Pre-register by: Thursday, May 10 Location: Black Maple Shelter, Hoosier Riverwatch Workshop Become involved with our local rivers and streams as an official Hoosier Riverwatch volunteer by attending this day of informative lecture and streamside, hands-on water monitoring training and practice. Visit www.hoosierriverwatch.com for more information on the Hoosier Riverwatch program. No prior experience needed. Date: Saturday, May 19 Time: 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Age: 18 and older Preregister by: Friday, May 4 Location: Baldwin Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park Science Sleuths Geology Exploring rocks can be fun and informative. At this program we will find out some very interesting things about rocks using some super scientific techniques. We ll learn about rock classification. We ll make some pet rocks to take home and we ll also do some gold/gem panning. Date: Monday, May 21 Time: 1:30 3 p.m. Ages: 6 9 years old Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Friday, May 18 Location: June Annual Fishing Contest: Try Some Fishing with Our Equipment! This event is part of the annual Free Fishing Weekend which allows residents of Indiana to fish without holding a state fishing license. There will be prizes awarded to adults and children in several categories. Contest registration runs 8 10 a.m. Contest awards will begin promptly at 2 p.m. Fishing poles and instruction will be available for kids from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Baintertown Park parking lot in the River Preserve County Park. Date: Saturday, June 2 Time: 8 a.m. 2 p.m. Preregister by: For fishing contest only before June 2 by calling 574-535-6458 or on June 2 at Baintertown Park between 8 10 a.m. Location: Baintertown Park, River Preserve County Park Preservation Recreation Education
Environmental Programs Nature Nuts: Ants Learn all about what ants like to eat, where they go when they march in a line and how strong they really are. We will also have an ant snack and a story. Space is limited. Date: Tuesday, June 5 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3-5 years old Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Friday, June 1 Location: In the Garden Juried Art Competition and Show Enjoy the beauty of the Calendar Garden surrounded by a palette of blooms and an exhibit of fine art by regional artists. The Goshen, Painters Guild and the Elkhart County Parks, hosts of the show, will exhibit paintings created by artists from all over the Michiana area. Surrounding the garden, the art will be displayed in tents and theme buildings providing a comfortable viewing experience. The garden will be filled with the sounds of musicians as they perform under the canopy of the Summer Pavilion throughout the day. Food for a garden style lunch will also be for sale. For those wishing to enter the Juried Art Show, please contact Donna Arnold at 574-831-6828 or e-mail artschool@bnin.net. Entries will be accepted on May 18. Date: Saturday, June 9 Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: $3/adults, children 12 and under/free Location: DeFries Gardens in River Preserve County Park, C.R. 46, 1.25 miles east of New Paris, Indiana Science Sleuths: Wild Edibles Learn to identify and taste many delicious and nutritious, edible plants in the park. Come hungry as the smorgasbord of nature unveils itself as we hike. Space is limited. Date: Monday, June 11 Time: 1:30 3 p.m. Age: 6-9 years old Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Friday, June 8 Location: 13th Annual Pumpkinvine Bike Ride Bring the entire family out for this fun, annual bike ride to benefit the Pumpkinvine Trail. For more information, visit the website at http://www.pumpkinvine.org Date: Saturday, June 16 Location: Two starting locations : Abshire Park - 1302 E. Lincoln Ave., Goshen, IN Shipshewana Flea Market - 345 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana, IN Nature Explorer Day Camp Young explorers are invited to experience the forest, wetlands and prairie through games and other exciting activities such as shelter-building, hikes and swamp tromps. Campers will get to meet LIVE animals from each of these habitats as we learn together this week. Date: Monday, June 25 Wednesday, June 27 Time: 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Age: 7-9 years old Cost: $30 per camper Preregister by: Friday, June 15 Location: Introduction and Intermediate Archery Classes Are you interested in learning a new sport? Are you looking for a fun family activity? Have you shot a bow and arrow and would like to learn to shoot better? Maybe your new to the sport of archery and have some questions about how to shoot and how to choose equipment. A licensed instructor will be hosting archery classes, beginning Monday, June 25. Classes will be offered in 5 one-hour sessions. Topics will include: archery safety, basic shooting form, choosing and maintaining equipment and more! All equipment (bows, arrows, armguards, tabs and targets) will be provided! Maximum class size of 12. Date: Monday - Friday, June 25-29 Time: Introduction, 9:30-11 a.m., Intermediate, 1-2:30 p.m. Age: 8 years - adult Cost: $50 for the first child, $20 per additional child (immediate family) $60 for the first adult, $30 per additional adult (immediate family) $150 for a family of 4 (immediate family members only) Preregister by: Location: Ox Bow Archery Range, Annebelle Hydrangea and Big Sky Sunrise Echinacea in bloom in the Calendar Garden. www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday March 1 2 3 Nature Nuts: Nocturnal Animals 9:30 11 a.m. Corn Husk Dolls 9-10:30 a.m. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10th Annual Authors and Artists Bazaar 1 5 p.m. Elkhart Co. Owls 10 11:30 a.m. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Science Sleuths: Owls 1:30 3 p.m. Vernal Equinox WWII Cinema 7 8:30 pm Elkhart County Historical Museum 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Palm Sunday Remembrance 2 4 p.m. Elkhart Co. April Spring Break History Days 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Elkhart Co. 3 Spring Break History Days 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Elkhart Co. 4 Spring Break History Days 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Elkhart Co. 5 6 7 Nature Nuts: Animal Babies 9:30 11 a.m. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Science Sleuths: Birds 1:30 3 p.m. Growing a Victory Garden 7-8 p.m. Elkhart Co. Old Fashion Soft Drinks 9:30-11 a.m. Baldwin Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Earth Day 2012: Celebrate Our Water! 2 5 p.m. Elkhart Co. Look for Bluebirds at the River Preserve Frogs 6 p.m. Briar Patch Shelter, Bonneyville Mill County Park 22 23 24 25 28 29 30
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday May Nature Nuts Frogs 9:30 11 a.m. Bonneyville Mill is open for the season DeFries Gardens Spring Plant Exchange 1 p.m. DeFries Gardens, River Preserve County Park 1 2 3 4 5 Birds and Blooms 10 a.m. Cobus Creek Shelter, Cobus Creek County Park 6 7 8 9 10 11 Historic Pumpkinvine Bike Tour 10 a.m. TBA 12 Wild Edibles 2 3 p.m. Black Maple Shelter, 13 14 15 16 Historic Craft Workshop: Reverse Glass Painting Time: 7-9 p.m. Location: Elkhart Co. 17 18 Hoosier Riverwatch Workshop 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Baldwin Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park Bonneyville Millers Base Ball Vintage Base Ball 2 p.m. Chapel Field, Ox Bow Park 19 Foraging Skills Workshop 2-4 p.m. Fisherman s Camp Shelter, Science Sleuths Geology 1:30 3 p.m. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday June The Elkhart County Home: Then and Now 6:30-8 p.m. 1 Annual Fishing Contest / Try Some Fishing with Our Equipment! 8 a.m. 2 p.m. Baintertown Park, River Preserve County Park 2 3 4 Nature Nuts: Ants 9:30 11 a.m. 5 6 Walking Tour of Bristol 6 & 7:30 p.m. (2 sessions to choose from) Downtown Bristol 7 8 In the Garden Juried Art Competition and Show 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. DeFries Gardens, River Preserve County Park 9 Science Sleuths: Wild Edibles 1:30 3 p.m. Civil War Day Camp 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Elkhart Co. 10 11 Civil War Day Camp 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Elkhart Co. 12 Civil War Day Camp 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Elkhart Co. 13 14 15 13th Annual Pumpkinvine Bike Ride Pumpkinvine Nature Trail 16 Summer Solstice 18 19 20 21 22 23 Nature Explorer Day Camp 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Archery Classes 9:30-11 a.m., 1-2:30 p.m. Ox Bow Archery Range, 24 26 25 27 Nature Explorer Day Camp 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Archery Classes 9:30-11 a.m., 1-2:30 p.m. Ox Bow Archery Range, 26 28 Nature Explorer Day Camp 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Archery Classes 9:30-11 a.m., 1-2:30 p.m. Ox Bow Archery Range, 27 Archery Classes 9:30-11 a.m., 1-2:30 p.m. Ox Bow Archery Range, 28 Archery Classes 9:30-11 a.m., 1-2:30 p.m. Ox Bow Archery Range, 29 Bonneyville Millers Vintage Base Ball Time: 1 p.m. Chapel Field, 30
Historical Programs March 10th Annual Authors and Artists Bazaar Purchase original work by over 40 Michiana authors and artists. You ll find gifts for your friends, art for your home, and a book for your night stand. Date: Sunday, March 11 Time: 1 5 p.m. Location: Elkhart County WWII Cinema Movies reflected and influenced the wartime mood of the populace. Watch clips of popular WWII movies for a glimpse into what cinema can tell us about the war. Date: Thursday, March 22 Time: 7 8:30 p.m. Location: Elkhart County April Palm Sunday Remembrance Forty-seven years ago the Palm Sunday tornados ripped through Elkhart County. Spend the afternoon remembering this important event by listening to speakers and sharing memories. Date: Sunday, April 1 Time: 2 4 p.m. Location: Elkhart County Spring Break History Days Drop in and visit the museum during your spring break! The museum will be offering a different craft or activity each day. Date: Tuesday - Thursday, April 3-5 Time: 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Cost: $1/person per day Location: Elkhart County Growing a Victory Garden The WWII concept of a Victory Garden is seeing a resurgence as more and more people are growing their own food to save money and eat healthier. Hear a brief history of Victory Gardens and then learn how to grow your own garden using tips from Ben Hartman of Clay Bottom Farm in Goshen, Indiana. Date: Thursday, April 19 Time: 7-8 p.m. Cost: $1/person Location: Elkhart County May Historic Pumpkinvine Bike Tour Join Museum Director Matt Schuld on a historic bike ride on the Pumpkinvine Trail. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you ride along stopping periodically to hear the about some of the sites you pass. Date: Saturday, May 12 Time: 10 a.m. Location: TBA Historic Craft Workshop: Reverse Glass Painting Learn how to make the popular folk art tradition of reverse glass painting. We provide the supplies and instruction, you provide the creativity. Date: Thursday, May 17 Time: 7-9 p.m. Cost: $5/person Preregister by: Wednesday, May 16. Call 574-848-4322 Location: Elkhart County Bonneyville Millers Vintage Base Ball Come enjoy an afternoon of base ball as the Bonneyville Millers take on the Mississinewa Silver Heels on Chapel Field. Bring the family and a picnic basket full of goodies and enjoy the game. Date: Saturday, May 19 Time: 2 p.m. Cost: Gate Fee $2 per vehicle Location: Chapel Field, Preservation Recreation Education
Historical Programs June The Elkhart County Home: Then and Now Learn the history of the Elkhart County Home through photos and stories. A walking tour of the old Elkhart County Home property will also be a part of the program. Date: Friday, June 1 Time: 6:30-8 p.m. Location: Walking Tour of Bristol Take a guided tour of historic downtown Bristol, Indiana. Date: Thursday, June 7 Time: 6 & 7:30 p.m. (2 sessions to choose from) Cost: $1/person Preregister by: Thursday, June 7 Call 574-848-4322. Location: Downtown Bristol, IN Civil War Day Camp Enlist in the Union Army and experience life as a soldier. You will make hard tack, participate in drilling exercises, sew a housewife, learn about Civil War medicine, set up camp, and more! Date: Monday Wednesday, June 11-13 Time: 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Age: Children entering 4-6 grade Cost: $30/child Preregister by: Thursday, June 7 Call 574-848-4322 Location: Elkhart County Dusty Miller Kid s Club Join the Miller at Bonneyville Mill to explore millstones. We will find out what kind of stone was used, how they work and find out what is a millstone dress. Space is limited to 10 youth. Date: Tuesday, June 19 Time: 1 2:30 p.m. Age: 3rd and 4th grade level Cost: $5/person Preregister by: Monday, June 18, by 1 p.m. Call 574-535-6458 Location: Bonneyville Mill, Bonneyville Mill County Park Bonneyville Millers Vintage Base Ball The Huntington Hill Toppers travel to to take on the Bonneyville Millers. The Hill Toppers play a good match and may even serenade the cranks with a rousing rendition of Goober Peas. Date: Saturday, June 30 Time: 1 p.m. Cost: Gate Fee $2 per vehicle Location: Chapel Field, www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Parks Bonneyville Mill Park 53373 C.R. 131 Bristol, IN Park Information Regional history and natural beauty can be found at Bonneyville Mill County Park. The park s 223 acres form a perfect background for the picturesque Bonneyville Mill. Seven miles of hiking trails provide nature enthusiasts a chance to view wildlife and wildflowers. The Little Elkhart River offers anglers a variety of fish throughout the season. In winter, cross-country skiers can enjoy miles of challenging terrain and beautiful scenery. The park s two sledding hills provide hours of winter fun for the whole family. Picnic tables throughout the park are available for use. Five open-air and one semienclosed shelter can be rented for family gatherings, group activities and company events. The Baldwin One Room School, located within the park, is a reconstructed turn-of-the century school house. The Elkhart County Park Foundation Community Room in the lower level can be reserved and includes a small kitchen, restrooms, tables, chairs and a wood-burning fireplace. Ox Bow Park 23033 C.R. 45 Goshen, IN Located on the banks of the Elkhart River, Ox Bow Park s 200 acres is a reflection of Elkhart County s natural beauty. The park provides four seasons of outdoor activity. Seven open and one enclosed shelter are available for picnicking and rentals. Volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and playgrounds can be found throughout the park. Other features include a paved bike trail, archery range, athletic fields, canoe launch, open-air chapel and an 18-hole disc golf course. During the winter, groomed trails for cross-country skiing, two sledding hills and a warming house offer hours of snow-filled fun. Cobus Creek Park 30680 C.R. 8 Elkhart, IN Cobus Creek County Park s 84 acres contains a variety of natural habitats including meadows, woods and wetlands. Cobus Creek, a cold water trout stream, runs through the property providing beautiful views and fishing opportunities. Hard-packed and natural surface hiking trails lead visitors through the park and around the five-acre pond. An open-air shelter is available for rent which includes a catering kitchen with sink, counter space, cabinets and a roll-top window with serving counter. The shelter has electricity, picnic tables, charcoal grill and a fireplace. Wood for the fireplace is not provided. The shelter is handicapped accessible. The park features a fishing access structure, playground and a sensory garden filled with the sweet scents, sights, sounds, tastes and textures of nature. River Preserve Park 67380 C.R. 29 New Paris, IN Located on the Elkhart River, the River Preserve is a perfect spot to discover the natural beauty of Elkhart County s rural countryside. The park covers over 1,000 acres with access sites along its length. Miles of hiking trails will take you along canals, past the dams and foundations of early milling and hydroelectric operations. Rich in wildlife, it is listed as an Indiana Wildlife Viewing Area. The park provides visitors excellent opportunities for picnicking, fishing, canoeing, hiking and nature study. Two open-air shelters are available for rent. Both shelters offer picnic tables, charcoal grills, open areas for recreation, accessible latrines, drinking fountains, fishing and small boat access. Preservation Recreation Education
Park Information DeFries Gardens 17477 C.R. 46 New Paris, IN Nestled in the River Preserve County Park, DeFries Gardens is a reminder of our human connection to the environment. This 13-acre site was once a private homestead and hosts an 1880s Victorian-style home surrounded by perennial gardens and woodland plantings. The site also hosts the enchanting Calendar Garden. This one-acre showpiece is a giant circular garden and flowering calendar. Its design features the solstices and equinoxes with unique structures marking each. Native and horticultural plantings follow the seasons throughout the year. A 365-foot circular path marks each day as it leads visitors through seasons of bloom. The site also provides a drinking fountain, modern restroom facilities and a hiking trail. The garden is handicapped accessible. Treasure Island Park 56225 Armor Ave. Elkhart, IN Treasure Island is a four-acre site located west of Elkhart on the St. Joseph River. Treasure Island provides beautiful views of the river and its surrounding environment. Facilities in the park include picnicking, fishing, nature observation and canoe access to the river. Lieber Nature Preserve 51602 C.R. 23 Bristol, IN The preservation of Pipewort Pond and the surrounding property is a partnership with the Indiana Division of Nature Preserves. The preserve features a cranberry bog, wildlife viewing and a variety of Indiana s endangered and threatened plant species. The site is open to the public for hiking and nature study. Pumpkinvine Nature Trail - Abshire Park Access 1302 E. Lincoln Ave Goshen, IN The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is a 17-mile linear park and greenway under development, mainly on the former Pumpkinvine railroad corridor. Over five miles of the trail are complete, featuring both asphalt and packed limestone surfaces suitable for narrow-tired bicycles. The trail is a delight for walkers, runners, roller bladers, cross-country skiers and bikers as they travel through urban areas, small towns and agricultural communities. The countryside along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail includes the third largest Amish community in the United States. A shelter and bathroom facilities are located at Abshire Park. General Shelter Information: Reservations made for Monday thru Friday with the exception of holidays are half price. Shelters not already reserved can be used on a first-come basis. To reserve a shelter, call the park Administration Office, 574-535-6458 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST). Visit www.elkhartcountyparks.org for current prices and descriptions. www.elkhartcountyparks.org
Historical Sites Bonneyville Mill 53373 C.R. 131 Bristol, IN Park Information Working antiquity and picturesque beauty await you at Bonneyville Mill. This water powered mill is the oldest continually operating mill in Indiana, producing quality flour for over 150 years. Historical interpreters are on duty to lead visitors through the daily grind while the massive grist stones vibrate under their feet. While you are there, purchase freshly ground flours and visit the Barn Gift Shop where you will find a variety of unique historical and natural items for sale. Bonneyville Mill is open to the public 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday from May through October. Elkhart County 304 W. Vistula St. Bristol, IN The Elkhart County features over 22,000 artifacts reflecting the county s cultural heritage in its twelve permanent galleries. Temporary or touring exhibits are also frequently hosted. Its research center and genealogy library contain photos, diaries, family records, plat maps, census lists and more to help the researcher discover their past. Over 30 events are hosted annually ranging in topics from genealogy workshops to Jazz concerts. Park Amenities Legend Fishing Hiking Playground Biking Cross-Country Ski Trails Sledding Hills Interpretive Services Nature Study Cobus Creek County Park Treasure Island Lieber Nature Preserve Elkhart County Elkhart Bristol Bonneyville Mill County Park Middlebury Ox Bow County Park Disc Golf Archery Boat Landing Boat Launch Observation Tower Picnic Area Shelter Restrooms Handicapped Accessible Wakarusa Nappanee Goshen Pumpkinvine Nature Trail River Preserve Millersburg DeFries Gardens New Paris Preservation Recreation Education
Friends of the Elkhart County Parks, Inc. 211 W. Lincoln Avenue Goshen, IN 46526-3280 www.elkhartcountyparks.org In the Garden Invitational Juried Art Show Saturday, June 9, 2012 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. DeFries Gardens in the River Preserve 17477 C.R. 46, New Paris, IN Admission: $3.00 / Adults Children 12 and under / Free Photo by: Pam Peterson Presented by: the Goshen Painters Guild & the Elkhart County Parks