For More Information Contact:
Dutchess County Parks
845-298-4600
Poughkeepsie… Residents of all ages looking for fun and educational things to do this winter can look forward to the full lineup of programing at Dutchess County Parks. Popular sessions will return this year, including indoor archery, virtual Base Camp, Senior Park Prints, and Walk Around Wednesdays. The Nordic Cross Country ski outings are scheduled again in 2024 and new to the lineup are Intro to Self-Defense workshops and Friday Night Pickleball sessions. Registration for all programs opens Wednesday, January 3rd and can be found at Dutchessny.gov/parks.
Weekend Public Archery sessions will begin Saturday, January 13 at Bowdoin Park. The program consists of five classes, held on Saturdays, with various time slots offered. The sessions, each an hour long, are designed for individuals ages 9 and up with any level of archery experience. Basic hands-on archery skills are taught, as well as bow and arrow safety. Cost is $70 per person and includes all five classes and equipment. Limited to 20 participants per time slot. Register at www.DutchessNY.gov/ParksEducation.
Time Slots
Virtual Base Camp returns on Wednesday, January 11. This free, online nature discovery program will run five weeks, sharing new, virtual content each Wednesday for visitors to explore and discover nature online. The program is open to all to participate at dutchessny.gov/basecamp. Registration is not required.
Senior Park Prints Art Series will be held in collaboration with Dutchess County Office for the Aging. This free series is for older adults and will be offered at various locations throughout Dutchess County. All supplies will be provided, and participants will be able to take their nature masterpieces home. Limited to 12 participants per class and registration is required by calling 845-486-2555.
Walk Around Wednesdays will offer short distance walks of approximately 1-1.5 miles, led by Assistant Park Director Serge Nalywayko. This 5-week program will be held from noon-1pm on Wednesdays at various Dutchess County Park locations. Walks are free, but registration is required and are weather dependent. To register, call 845-298-4600.
Rail Trail Nordic Ski Weekend will be offered if there is snow for novice and intermediate cross-country skiers. Gatherings are free and will be held from 9-11am. The program will include skiing along moderately groomed paths and distances will depend on skiers’ level of experience. This program is held in partnership with Hudson Valley Ski Club and the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association. To register, call 845-298-4600. Participants should bring their own equipment and dress appropriately for weather conditions. The event may be cancelled due to weather or trail conditions; call the Parks Hotline at 845-298-4602 for event status.
Intro to Self Defense workshops will be offered for adults on Tuesday, February 6 at 1pm and Tuesday, February 20 at 6pm in the Bowdoin Park auditorium. During these 90-minute workshops, adults will learn from skilled Ju-jitsu facilitators the basics of self-defense and proper stretching techniques that focus on improving one’s overall wellbeing. Classes are free, but registration is required. To register, call 845-298-4600.
Friday Night Pickleball Under the Lights at Quiet Cove will take place on Friday, February 2 and Friday, February 23 from 4-9:30pm. Bundle up and come play some nighttime pickleball. All courts will be illuminated for play and firepits will be lit nearby for attendees and players to keep warm. To register visit playtimescheduler.com. In the event of inclement weather such as fog, rain or snow, these sessions will be held on Friday, February 9th or Friday, March 1st.
Additionally, group weekday Archery and Junior Survival sessions are available by appointment and reservations can be made by calling 845-298-4602. Updates on winter sledding at Bowdoin Park will be shared on the Dutchess County Parks hotline 845-298-2607 and Facebook page.
To learn more about Dutchess County Parks, visit dutchessny.gov/parks.
