Fw: Broward County Parks Monthly Newsletter - August 2011 Issue

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AUGUST 2011 Newsletter

www.broward.org/parks

Focus on Piccolo Skate Park

Camping Specials Continue

Dog Days of Summer

Horse Camps Almost Over

Better Homes and Gardens

Last Chance To Play Detective

All Aboard!

Featured Creatures

When the Sun Goes Down…

Water Fun for Everyone

TGIFF – Thank Goodness It’s Fun Friday!

Find Fulfillment – Volunteer at a Broward County Park

Quote of the Month

Advisory Board Notice

Special Attractions

Mission Statement

Your Opinion Counts!

SWIM Central Broward County Board of County Commissioners

Focus on Piccolo Skate Park

One of Broward County Parks and Recreation’s two skate parks (the other is at

Quiet Waters Park), the

Piccolo Skate Park opened in August 1999. The newly renovated 35,000-square-foot attraction is one of the park’s many sports facilities, which include a velodrome for competitive cycling, a tennis/racquetball center, and several athletic fields. The skate park, designed by the nationally recognized firm Power Rollers, is open to skateboarders, inline skaters, and BMX bikers, who have specially designated sessions on certain days. The

facility is lighted for night use. With a fenced perimeter and seating areas for spectators, the skate park includes a variety of wooden ramps and skating courses such as spine ramp, half-pipe, mini-ramp, vertical walls, waves,

hip with stairs, wedge and grind boxes, launch ramps and boxes, bridges, and wall rides. The skate park is open daily and operates on a session basis, with up to five sessions available per day. Memberships are $30 for six months, which includes the park’s gate entrance fee when applicable.

Members pay $4 per session or $6 for a full day’s use, while nonmembers pay $8 per session or $14 for the day.

Funding for the $400,000 project was provided by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. For more information, call

Piccolo Park at or the skate park/velodrome complex at (after 3 p.m.).

Camping Specials Continue

If you’re looking for a “staycation†special – a fun, affordable getaway close to home – look no farther than Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. Two camping specials run through October 1 at

the Rent-a-Tent campground, which offers 25 tent sites and two tepee sites. Each site includes a fully set-up canvas platform tent or tepee, equipped with water and electricity, as well as a grill, a picnic table, and a fire ring. The Family Fun Package offers a two-night stay (Fridays and Saturdays only) for four campers for just $55; two more campers can be added at only $2 each per night. The

Escape Special offers a one-night stay (Sundays through Thursdays only) for four campers for only $20, and two additional campers can join you for just $2 each. Neither special applies during holiday weekends. For more information, call

Quiet Waters at . Our four other parks with RV/tent campgrounds – C.B. in Pembroke Pines, Easterlin in Oakland Park, Markham in Sunrise, and T.Y. in Hollywood – are also offering a

Six Months of Savings special through October 31. The special discounted rate is $650 per month of camping, and for the purposes of this promotion, a month is defined as 31 days. Certain other restrictions apply. Contact the park of your choice for additional

information:

C.B. , ;

Easterlin, ;

Markham, ; or

T.Y., .

Dog Days of Summer

The term “dog days†has long been associated with the final days of summer – just the time for kids to hit a Broward County park for a last recreational fling before heading back to school.

Our four water parks –

Paradise Cove at C.B. Park in Pembroke Pines,

Tropical Splash at Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium in Lauderhill,

Splash Adventure at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach, and

Castaway Island at T.Y. Park in Hollywood – are still open daily in August, although hours vary, so call the park of your choice for details. For mountain bikers, there are nearly 10 miles of trails at Markham Park in Sunrise, ranging from novice to intermediate to expert/pro. And Quiet Waters offers 7.1 miles of novice and intermediate

trails. Helmets are always required, and only mountain bikes are permitted on the trails, which are for all ages, although riders under the age of 17 must have written consent from parents/guardians. And don’t forget our two skate parks. The 35,000-square-foot one at Piccolo Park in City

(see story above) is open daily, while the one at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach, which is 20,000 square feet in area, is open on weekends and holidays only. BMX bikers have their own sessions on specific days at both parks. For more information, visit or call the park of your choice:

Piccolo (),

C.B. (),

Central Broward Regional (),

Markham (),

Quiet Waters (), or

T.Y. ().

Horse Camps Almost Over

Three more sessions remain in this year’s

Summer Horse Camp and Junior Horse Camp, both at the Tradewinds Park Stables in Coconut Creek. The camps are for ages 9 through 16 and ages 7 and 8, respectively, and both camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. The final

three sessions will be August 1-4, 8-11, and 15-18. Registration is offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only, at the stables on the north side of the park. Class size is limited and early registration is recommended. Fees must

be paid and a release and waiver of liability signed at registration. Children must provide their own lunches and snacks, and long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Participants should also bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. Fees for both camps are $350 per session, although the final session of Summer Horse Camp, August 15-18, will be offered at a discounted fee of $250 per camper. For more information, call the stables at .

Tradewinds is accessible via

Broward County Transit Route #34.

Better Homes and Gardens

This month Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach continues its

Summer Home Landscape Series 2011 from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, August 4, 11, 18, and 25. This annual series of free lectures – a total of 10 this year – is designed for average homeowners who are interested in adding to the beauty of their homes through

landscaping. Participants will learn ways to save money on their cooling and water bills, attract wildlife, and preserve native vegetation; they’ll improve the appearance of their yards and neighborhoods as well as increase property values. The topics for the August lectures are as follows: “Butterflies in the Garden,†presented by Broward County Extension Education horticultural technician Sandy Granson (August 4); “Yard Hole Makers,â€

presented by University of Florida professor Dr. Bill Kern (August 11); “Vegetable Gardening,†presented by vegetable gardening expert Elaine Faragharson (August 18); and “Designing a NatureScape for Wildlife,†presented by NatureScape Broward outreach coordinator

Guidry (August 25). All classes are held in the nature center’s air-conditioned Hall. The lecture series concludes on September 1. For more information, call

Secret Woods at . The nature center is accessible via

Broward County Transit Route #6.

Last Chance To Play Detective

There’s just one more session of

Nature Detectives, the popular, weeklong summer day camp at Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek. It runs from Monday, August 1, through Friday, August 5, from 9 a.m. to noon daily. Each day campers ages 8 to 11 will focus on a different theme,

as they explore the nature center’s habitats through hands-on experiences, crafts, and other activities. The fee is $75 per camper per week, and preregistration is required. For more information, call

Fern Forest at . The nature center is accessible via

Broward County Transit Routes #31 and #42.

All Aboard!

For one segment of the public – model train enthusiasts – trains have never lost their appeal. And you can share in their sense of excitement every month at Tradewinds Park, where a group of hobbyists

gathers to experience the thrill of running and riding one-eighth-life-size choo-choos. The Tradewinds & Atlantic Railroad club, which operates the

Model Steam Train Rides at Tradewinds, was formed in 1972 as the Southern Division of Florida Live Steamers, whose mission is to educate people about railroading and metalworking. This volunteer group began building a track on the north side of the park

in 1987 and completed the 5,800-foot, standard 7.5-gauge track three years later, after many hours of backbreaking labor. On the third full weekend of each month (August 20 and 21 this month), passengers of all ages can ride the pint-size locomotives. The fare is only $1 per person for all ages, along with the park’s

regular weekend and holiday gate entrance fee of $1.50 per person (children 5 and under free); adults must accompany riders under the age of 10, and pregnant riders are not allowed. The railroad is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, and on average

the trains haul about 1,500 visitors each operating weekend. Club members pay between $10 and $25 per year in dues, depending on membership level. For more information, call

Tradewinds at , visit

www.livesteamers.org, or e-mail

info@....

Featured Creatures

Do you have a youngster ages 5 to 12 who’s curious about the critters that call South Florida home? The

Creature Feature Summer Learning Series at the Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood is designed with such inquisitive kids in mind. The program runs on Wednesdays, August 3, 10, 17, and 24, from 2 to 2:30 p.m. A different creature is covered each week,

and participants will get to make an arts-and-crafts version of the animal to take home with them. The cost is $2/child -- $1 for exhibit hall admission and $1 to donate to the Friends of Anne Kolb volunteer group. For more information, call the nature center at .

Anne Kolb is accessible via

Broward County Transit Route #12.

When the Sun Goes Down…

…the wild things come out. From 8 to 9 p.m. on Friday, August 12, join a park naturalist for a

Full Moon Hike at Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center in Davie. This interpretive hike along the nature trails will focus on what happens when nature shifts gears and the site’s nocturnal wildlife emerges. Watch the moonrise through the oaks while

you listen to stories, myths, and legends about the moon from around the world. The following night, from 8 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, August 13, there will be another Full Moon Hike, this one at

Tree Tops Park in Davie and the adjacent

Pine Island Ridge Natural Area. The same format applies. Both hikes are $3 per person, and preregistration is required. For more information on either hike, call

Long Key at .

Water Fun for Everyone

·

Splash Luau – Fri., August 5, 6-10 p.m. – Splash Adventure at Quiet Waters Park () – $5.50/person, includes splash time, luau games, and a movie. Refreshments available for purchase. Advance ticket purchase

required.

·

Family Fun Night – Fri., August 19, 6-8 p.m. – Castaway Island at T.Y. Park () – This previously announced event has been

canceled. And remember, all four of our water parks –

Splash Adventure and

Castaway Island, along with

Paradise Cove at C.B. Park () and

Tropical Splash at Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium () – are still open daily through Labor Day. Hours and fees vary; call the park of your choice for additional information.

C.B. is accessible via

Broward County Transit Routes #3, #5, #7, #23, and 95 EXPRESS;

Central Broward Regional via Routes #18, #36, $30, and #81;

Quiet Waters via Routes #14 and #48; and

T.Y. via Routes #3, #12, and #17.

TGIFF – Thank Goodness It’s Fun Friday!

Ages 5 to 12 are invited to stop in at the Discovery Room at Long Key Nature Center this month for

Fun Friday Nature, a program featuring nature-themed games, arts and crafts projects, and stories. The cost is $3 per child. The dates are Fridays, August 5 and 19, and activities run between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information, call

Long Key at .

Find Fulfillment – Volunteer at a Broward County Park

The great humanitarian Albert Schweitzer once said: “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought

and found how to serve.†At Broward County Parks, we encourage service through volunteerism by way of our

VIP Program, which stands for Volunteers Improving Parks. The VIP Program offers short-term and long-term opportunities for individuals, families, students, and groups both large and small to share their time and talents with the community. Volunteer

opportunities are available throughout the park system, and we can work with you to schedule dates and times that are convenient for you. No experience is required – we will provide the necessary training and assistance to accompany any opportunity you choose,

along with any special equipment needed. The first step is to find a project that’s in line with your talents and interests and the amount of time you’re willing to commit. Our Website’s

volunteer section includes links to lists that provide more information on our current volunteer opportunities. Potential volunteers may download the

volunteer application (PDF) and bring the completed forms to the park where you would like to volunteer. If you prefer, you may pick up an application at the park. Those who are volunteering for a special event or a workday should download and fill out

the

Workday Volunteer application (PDF) prior to your arrival at the park. For volunteers under 18, parental signatures are required. You should also bring a photo I.D. to the park when you sign up to volunteer. For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Division’s Volunteer Coordinator at . Events Calendar

Quote of the Month

“The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.†– American psychologist and philosopher (1842-1910)

Advisory Board Notice

The public is invited to the next meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, which is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on Friday, August 5. The meeting will take place at

Secret Woods Nature Center, 2701 W. State Rd. 84, Dania Beach 33312; . More information is available

here. The nature center is accessible via

Broward County Transit Route #6.

Special Attractions

Batting Cages (AllGolf at

C.B. Park) –

Butterfly World (Tradewinds Park) – Cable Water-Skiing (Ski Rixen USA

at Quiet Waters Park) – Campgrounds (C.B. Park,

Easterlin Park,

Markham Park,

Quiet Waters Park,

T.Y. Park) – Dog Park (Barkham at

Markham Park) – Educational Farm (Tradewinds Park) – Exhibit Halls (Anne

Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park,

Fern Forest Nature Center,

Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center,

Secret Woods Nature Center) – Golf Facilities (AllGolf

at C.B. Park) – Multipurpose Athletic Fields ( Piccolo Park,

Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium,

Tradewinds Park) – Observatory (Markham Park) – Riding Stables (Tradewinds

Park, Tree Tops Park) – Skate Parks/Tracks ( Piccolo Park,

Quiet Waters Park) –

Target Range (Markham Park) – Tennis Centers (

Piccolo Park, C.B. Park) –

Velodrome ( Piccolo Park) – Water Playgrounds/ Waterslides/Swimming (C.B.

Park, Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium,

Quiet Waters Park,

T.Y. Park)

Mission Statement

The Parks and Recreation Division is dedicated to providing exceptional services and facilities essential to the quality of life in Broward County while preserving our natural areas.

Your Opinion Counts!

We’d like to know what you think about our programs and facilities. Please take a moment to tell us how we’re doing by filling out this

survey.

SWIM Central

Broward County Commission's primary resource and referral service for available swim programs in cooperation with various cities and nonprofit organizations. Call 954-357-SWIM (7946).

Founded in February 1956 and accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies,

Broward County Parks and Recreation manages nearly 6,500 acres, encompassing 18 regional parks and nature centers, six neighborhood parks, and 21 natural areas at various stages of development. Facilities include water parks, campgrounds, a target range,

a stadium, skate parks, an observatory, mountain bike trails, an educational farm with stables, and a velodrome and other sports facilities. Hours and fees vary by location. For more information, visit

www.broward.org/parks.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in County programs, services, and activities must contact the

Special Populations Section

at or TTY at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request an accommodation. Broward County Board of County Commissioners

Sue Gunzburger

Dale V.C. Holness

s

Chip LaMarca

Ilene Lieberman

Ritter

E. Rodstrom Jr.

Barbara Sharief

Lois Wexler Subscribe/Unsubscribe

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