2016-01-06 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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FROM THE DIVISION MANAGER : My friends and relatives sometimes say, "I'll bet things really slow down in the park system during the winter months." My short answer is, "I hear that a lot, but it's really not the case." Surprising to many, about half of our annual park use occurs between Labor Day and Memorial Day That's about 1 9 million out of the 3.8 million visits to the Anoka County Park System each year While the summer is an obvious busy time with swimming, biking, camping and other warm weather pursuits, so too are the non-summer months - referred to in the business as the "shoulder seasons." Let me explain. The autumn months are filled with a variety of cooler season activities. This is the busiest time of the year at the Bunker Park Riding Stables. Over 3,000 children attend the award winning Outdoor Heritage Lab at the Wargo Nature Center The Bunker Archery Center fills with outdoor enthusiasts readying their skills for fall hunting. And, if you're into camping, there is no better time of the year. Winter is close upon us, as evidenced by the driving snow outside my office window today. Those who enjoy ice fishing are probably getting on their favorite lake through one of 13 access points maintained by the Anoka County parks staff. Cross country skiing is available at four locations, snowshoeing is growing in popularity, and winter walking is enjoyed by visitors on 25 miles of cleared trails By early spring our staff is finishing up the removal of oak wilt infection sites scattered across the 11,500 acre park system The Chomonix Golf Course normally opens the first week of April, as folks work out the hooks and slices in their drives. This is also a time when the two County campgrounds get going and the visitor centers are back in gear. And, the last of the 300 presentations are made to 20,000 elementary students in Anoka County schools. Behind all of this activity we best not forget that the County Parks System is also host to 10 indoor rental facilities popular for weddings, family reunions, and church gatherings throughout the year. Not to be overlooked are the year round programs offered at the Banfill Locke Center for the Arts, Wargo Nature Center, and the Coon Rapids Dam Interpretive Center. I hope this helped to answer the question of "what exactly goes on in the parks in the off- season." If you're ever asked, lust say "a whole lot more than I ever thought." I'll see you on the trail. John VonDeLinde - 3 -