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, and Youth Park Palette as well as new offerings such as Senior Park Prints, Walk Around Wednesdays, and Rail Trail cross country ski outings. The complete parks schedule and registration info can be found at Dutchessny.gov/parks.
Weekend Public Archery sessions will begin Saturday, January 14 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 $60 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, virtual nature discovery program will run six weeks, sharing new 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.
Youth Park Palette for ages 10-18 will be held at Bowdoin Park from 3:30-5pm in Pavilion 5. These classes take students through a step-by-step learning opportunity to create nature themed paintings. Students can choose one workshop or take all three. Cost is $12 (includes all supplies) per session. Limited to 12 participants per session. Register at www.DutchessNY.gov/ParksEducation.
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 include 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 on Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12 from 9-11am. Gatherings are free, but registration is required. The program, designed for novice and intermediate cross-country skiers, 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, North East Community Center and 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.
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 and ice skating 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 www.DutchessNY.gov/Parks
