By Staff
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - St. joseph County Parks' winter activities for 2005-2006 are scheduled to begin after Christmas.
Listed below are all of the activities being offered.
Winter Innertubing
St. Joseph County Parks offer two innertubing hills. "Innertubing is a safe alternative to sledding," Brooke Artley, Manager of Leisure Services for St. Joseph County Parks said.
"The St. Joseph County Parks began offering innertubing in 1968, and we currently offer two man-made innertubing hills, complete with warming areas and concessions," she adds. Snow conditions permitting, the innertubing hills open the day after Christmas.
Innertubing hills are located at St. Patrick's County Park in South Bend and Ferrettie Baugo Creek County Park in Osceola.
Innertubing hills are open and supervised daily, Dec. 26-Jan. 8, and weekends only Jan. 14-Feb. 26, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., snow conditions permitting.
The cost is $3 per person plus gate fee. Innertubes are provided as available and sleds and toboggans are not allowed. Private tubing parties are also available at both innertube hills Wednesday through Sunday. Call the appropriate location to make your reservation today.
For more information regarding innertubing at St. Joseph County Parks please call St. Patrick's County Park at 574-277-4828 or Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park at 574-674-9765.
Snow Shoe Rental
Snow shoe rental is available at Ferrettie Baugo Creek County Park in Osceola daily, December 26-January 8, and weekends only January 14-February 26. Snow conditions permitting, rental is available from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The cost for rental is $3 per person plus gate fee. Parental signature required for renters age 16 and under. Equipment is due in by 5 p.m. (additional fee applies for late return). Call 574-674-9765 for more information.
Public Tubing and Snowshoe Nights
St. Joseph County Parks offer several nights of innertubing and snowshoeing for the public from 6-9pm, snow conditions permitting. Public nights are offered at Ferrettie Baugo Creek County Park on Fridays, Jan. 13 and 27, and Feb. 10 and 24.
The fee for the program is $3 per person. Concessions and a warm fire at Baugo Station are available. Innertubes are provided as available. Sleds and toboggans are not permitted. Not recommended for children 3 years of age or younger. Call 574-674-9765 for more information.
Cross-Country Skiing at St. Patrick's
Cross-country ski rental is available at St. Patrick's County Park in South Bend, daily Dec. 26-Jan. 8, and Wednesday through Sunday, Jan. 11-Feb. 26, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., snow conditions permitting.
The cost is $3 per adult trail fee, $2 per youth trail fee (ages 12 and under), plus gate fee. The $10 ski equipment rental fee is good for a two hour maximum. Rental includes skis, boots and poles. Parental signature required for renters age 16 and under. All equipment is due in by 5 p.m. (additional fee applies for late return).
Trails are groomed throughout the week. St. Patrick's and Madeline Bertrand County Parks are joining together to offer a uni-trail pass. Daily trail passes purchased at either park will be honored at both parks. For more information regarding cross-country skiing at St. Patrick's County Park call 574-277-4828.
Cocoa and Candlelight Ski Nights
St. Patrick's County Park offers nighttime skiing by the light of glowing luminaries at the Cocoa and Candlelight Ski nights. Snow conditions permitting, Cocoa and Candlelight ski nights are scheduled for Fridays, Jan. 20 and Feb. 3 and 17 from 6-9 p.m.
The program includes groomed trails with luminaries to the historic Manion Cabin where a fireplace and beverages await. The cost for the program is $4 per person and includes one beverage. Ski rental is available at $10 for two hours. For more information call St. Patrick's County Park at 574-277-4828.