MARION COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Escape, Experience, Explore Outdoor Times In this issue: Volume 113, Issue 1 April 2017 PARK AND RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (PRAC) Come Out and Play Summer Camps Employee Spotlight Debbie LaPierre Forest Community Center Happenings 3 Parks Operations Spotlight - Benjamin Van Duuren Park Final Audubon Walk 4 Ocala Boat Basin Celebrates 75 Years Calendar of Events 5-7 2 3 4 4 In 1989 the Marion County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) created the Parks and Environmental Land Acquisition Advisory Council (PELAAC) in response to the approval of the 1988 Pennies for Parks bonds for the purpose of acquiring, preserving, and improving recreational and environmentally sensitive lands. In 2001 the Marion County Board of County Commissioners dissolved PELAAC as its structure and function had changed from its original direction. A new Council was formed called the Parks and Recreation Advisory Council (PRAC). PRAC responsibilities and duties include: 1. Advisory to the Board of County Commissioners and report all approved recommendations to the BCC and the County Administrator. 2. Study and make recommendations concerning the development, operation, management, fee structure, control and maintenance of all parks, playgrounds and other County recreation facilities. 3. Utilizing policies adopted by the BCC review lands under consideration for purchase. 4. Review the standards, criteria and justification for land acquisition in Marin County utilized by State, Regional and Federal agencies and advise the Department on responses for any proposals 5. Utilizing polices adopted by the BCC review organizational partnership funding applications and forward their recommendations to the BCC. 6. In concert wit the Department review, make recommendations and comments on both long and short-term Department budgetary planning and operational programs. The Council consists of five members who are individually appointed by each Commissioner. All members must reside with in Marion County and serve at the pleasure of the appointing Commissioner. All members serve without compensation. The members of the Council select a vice-chair and chair who serve one year terms. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Main Office located at 111 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, FL. All meetings are noticed and open to the public. Current members include: District 1 ( Commissioner Moore) - Craig Curry District 2 (Commissioner Bryant) - Pat Gabriel - Chair District 3 - (Commissioner Gold) - Kat Kelley District 4 - (Commissioner Zalak) - Duke Roundtree District 5 - (Commissioner Stone) - Jerry Furlong. If you would like more information on PRAC, please call 352-671-8560 or email parks@marioncountyfl.org. Collectively over 10 Million Acres of conservation lands are managed by Federal, State and Local Governments - Florida Department of Environmental Protection 1
COME OUT AND PLAY - SUMMER CAMPS The National Recreation and Park Association theme for Parks and Recreation month in July is COME OUT AND PLAY. Marion County Parks and Recreation is implementing this theme with their summer camp offerings. It is important to allow children to get outdoors and engage in activities which may be educational, nature based, or active games in an open area. They need to feel the sun and wind, breathe in the fresh air, and listen to the various nature based noises. Camps this year will begin earlier due to the ending of the school year in May and run for eight (8) weeks. While some camps are a week long, several are offered more than once. Our Firewise Nature Camp begins its sixth year and will run for eight weeks with each week having a different theme. FIREWISE NATURE CAMP This camp takes place at Brick City Adventure Camp, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is for children ages 6 to 12 years and includes before care (7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.) and aftercare (5 p.m. to 6 p.m.). The cost is $100 per child per week. Each week has a different theme and involves appropriate activities, arts and crafts, hikes, camps, guest speakers, and field trips. Week 1 (June 5-9) - WHAT S THE BUZZ Week 2 (June 12-16) - TALKING TRASH Week 3 (June 19-23) - DYNAMIC DUOS Week 4 (June 26-30) - CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW Week 5 (July 5-7) - WHAT A GAS Most of our other camps are open to children ages 9 to 16, and are week long sessions. ARCHERY CAMP Session 1 (June 26-30) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children will meet at Brick City Adventure Park. The cost is $80 per child and includes before care (7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.) and aftercare (5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) Children will improve hand eye coordination, develop patience and build their self confidence. Adventure Park. Session I (June 12 16) Session II ( July 17-21) Session III (July 31- Aug 4) FISH CAMP Two sessions will be offered: Session 1 (June 5-9) Session II (July 10-14) Campers will meet at Brick City Adventure Park at 8 a.m. and learn, test their skills, and have fun each day until 5 p.m. Cost is $140 per child per session. All campers will receive a rod and reel and a tackle box with tackle. Our activity camps run for a week at a time and focus on the specific camp. Registration begins April 1st and is done online at www.marionparksrec.org or at the main office. Scholarships are available for those who qualify. Two basic requirements are providing documentation the Marion County School is receiving Free or Reduce Lunch and a current years statement for food stamps. The scholarship will pay for 50 percent of the cost up to $400. For more information contact Leah Hoffman at Parks@marioncountyfl.org. Week 6 (July 10-14) - FUNGUS AMOUNG US Week 7 (July 17-21) - FIRED UP Week 8 (July 24-28) - FRIENDLY FACES IMPORTANT PLACES EXTREME ADVENTURE CAMP This camp runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is filled with outdoor adventures taking it to the extreme with challenging activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, ropes challenge, zip lining or tree climbing. Fee is $175 per child and includes before and aftercare. Children meet at Brick City KAYAK/PADDLEBOARD CAMP This camp is geared towards children ages 10 to 16. The camp runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and includes before and after care. The cost per child is $90 for each session. There will be two sessions. Participants will learn the basic skills for both kayaking and paddle boarding while enjoying the many rivers and lakes in the area. (Continued on page 5) 2
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: DEBRA LAPIERRE The first 19 years of Debbie s life she lived along the shores of Lake Michigan in a small town Zion, IL. After high school she moved to Wisconsin and several New England States before settling in New Hampshire in 1975. Debbie attended the University of New Hampshire, majoring in American Indian history. During this time she developed a life long passion for rescuing and caring for stray cats. Today she has10 family cats and several others she is caretaker to. In the early eighties she married and had two children. As a provider for her family she worked two jobs. One position was a pharmacy tech and her other position was with a record store where she worked for 21 years. In 2002 due to her husband's failing health they moved to Ocala. In 2003 she began her Marion County Parks and Recreation career as a seasonal at Carney Island. Family issues prevented her from applying for full time opportunities. She continues to work with the Parks and Recreation Department as a permanent part time employee working in both the south and north districts. Debbie is very good at what she does and during the summer months she works at Carney Island and then during the fall/winter months she works for the north district FOREST COMMUNITY CENTER SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS Melissa Diiorio making sure our guests at Horseshoe Lake Park and Retreat find a clean and enjoyable cabin to stay in. Both Park Ranger Lonny Haynes and Clarke Allen say Debbie knows her responsibilities and you do not have to worry about her getting the job done the way it should be. Marion County Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to have such a dedicated individual as Debbie be part of the team. We welcome you to visit the Forest Community Center located at 777 S. CR 314A, Ocklawaha, FL 32179 or call 352-438-2840. We offer several programs and always have activates going on. Some programs require you to pre-register. 2:30 p.m. from June 6 through July 28. Breakfast and lunch will be offered to those in attendance. The cost is $20 per child per week. Scholarships are available for those that may qualify. For more information, contact at parks@marioncountyfl.org. Come and enjoy a great Italian dinner. from 10 a.m. to Noon. There will be an egg hunt, holiday craft, games and refreshments. The cost is $5 per child and pre-registration is required by April 13th. Space is limited so do not wait to register your child. PIZZA, POPCORN MOVIE NIGHT SUMMER MINI CAMP April 1st begins open registration for the Forest Community Center Summer Mini Camp. The Camp runs four days a week, Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to SPAGETTI DINNER It s spaghetti night at the Forest Community Center! This is your last chance until fall to come out and support the local C.O.P.S. group and have some fellowship. Don t miss out, April 21st from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A donation of $6 per person is accepted. Come out to the Forest Community Center for Pizza, Popcorn and Movie Night on Saturday, April 22nd. Make it a family night or leave your children, ages 6 to 12 with our friendly staff to enjoy a pizza dinner and a movie with us. Pre-registration is required by April 21st. Cost is $5 per person. This program runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. BUNNY HOP Don t miss out on an encounter Children ages 3 to 7 years are invited to the Forest Community Center BUNNY HOP on Saturday, April 15th Looking for things to do? The Forest Community Center offers many programs for youth and adults. Stop by Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or call 352-438-2840 for what s happening. 3
PARK OPERATIONS SPOTLIGHT - BENJAMIN VAN DUUREN Charles Ryan Located just north of W. Hwy 328 at 918 NW 120 th Avenue is a 12.57 acre little known piece of tranquility riddled with walking trails and hardwood hammocks called the Benjamin Louis Van Duuren Park. The four tract area of Meadow Wood Acres were donated in August of 2004 by Mrs. Satloo Van Duuren in memory of her late husband, Dr. Benjamin Louis Van Duuren (1926-2003). Dr. Van Duuren, was a world-class expert in the field of cancer causation and prevention using chemical and analytical techniques. Dr. Van Duuren earned a Doctor of Natural Sciences in organic chemistry in 1951 from the University of South Africa, where he was also born. Dr. Van Duuren became the Director of the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Carcinogenesis at the University of Illinois Urbana from 1965 until his retirement in 1991. He was well known FINAL NATURE WALK BY AUDUBON UNTIL FALL for the application of analytical organic techniques to identify chemicals in cigarette and cigarette smoke. He published 299 manuscripts recording the findings and served on numerous committees such as the National Institutes of Health Study Sections, the Lung Cancer Task Force and the Monograph Committee of the International Agency for Research in Cancer. Dr. and Mrs. Van Duuren purchased the property in Marion County due to its central location, the hospitality of our residents and rich natural history. Mrs. Van Duuren requested that the property be used as a passive park and that the park improvements include a nature trail for children to learn about and appreciate April will be the final month until the fall for the Marion Audubon Society Nature Walks under the direction of member Carol Rety at Coehadjoe Park. The group will meet on the last Monday of the month (April 24th) at 9 a.m. During the walks participants will see various types of birds, wildlife and plant species. Participants are asked to meet at the kiosk by the large pavilion and dress appropriately for the weather and bring your binoculars. The walks are very informative and provide participants an experience that will have them wanting to return. For more information contact Marion County Parks and Recreation at 352-671- 8560 or via parks@marioncountyfl.org OCALA BOAT CLUB CELEBRATES 75 YEARS Tom Ulmer The year 2017 is the 75th anniversary of the Ocala Boat Club. On April 9th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. they will be having a 75th Anniversary Open House. The Ocala Boat Club is adjacent to Ray Wayside Park located at 9560 NE 28th Lane, Silver Springs. There will be free boat rides, live music, food and boat inspections along with various vendors. Make it a date to celebrate the 75th anniversary on April 9, 2017. Ray Wayside Park is a 22 acre site which provides the closest access point to the Ocklawaha River for Ocala residents and is a favorable access point for the Silver River. 4
COME OUT AND PLAY - SUMMER CAMPS (continued from page 2) Session I (June 19-23) Session II (July 24-28) geared towards children ages 10 to 16 and runs Wednesday through Friday, July 5-7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. a.m. and after care (5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) July 28. Breakfast and lunch will be offered to those in attendance. The cost is $20 per child per week. FIRST RESPONDER CAMP This camp is a new camp that will provide insight into the various organizations which are classified as a first responder. This camp is Participants will spend the camp days learning what it takes to be a firefighter, police officer and EMT. Campers will be interacting with different agencies which will provide an inside look at the training and skills needed to become a highly skilled first responder. The cost per child is $60 and includes before care (7:30 FCC SUMMER MINI CAMP The Forest Community Center Summer Mini Camp runs four days a week, Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from June 6 through Scholarships are available for those that may qualify. For more information, contact at parks@marioncountyfl.org. Space is limited so do not wait to register your child. Calendar of Events Date Time Event Location April 1 9:30 a.m. Paddleboard 101 Carney Island 8 a.m. 12 p.m. FCC Yard Sale Forest Community Center 10 a.m. Quarterly Memorial Veterans Memorial Park April 3 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (Adults) Ralph Russell Park April 4 6 p.m. 7 p.m. Yoga Brick City Adventure Park 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Martial Arts Class (Youth / Adults) Forest Community Center April 5 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (Adults) Ralph Russell Park 9 a.m. Home School Art Program (Ages 5-9) Brick City Adventure Park 9 a.m. Home School PE (Ages 10-15) Brick City Adventure Park 10:15 a.m. Home School Art Program (Ages 10-15) Brick City Adventure Park 10:15 a.m. Home School PE (Ages 5-9) Brick City Adventure Park 4 p.m. Archery 101 (Ages 8-16) Brick City Adventure Park 6 p.m. Adult Archery 101 Brick City Adventure Park April 6 9:30 a.m. Kayak and Koffee / Rainbow K.P. Hole County Park 10:30 a.m. 3 p.m. Pine Needles Quilt Club Forest Community Center 6 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Forest Acoustic Jam Forest Community Center 5
Calendar of Events Date Time Event Location April 7 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (Adults) Ralph Russell Park 6 p.m. 8 p.m. Fun Friday (Ages 6-12) Forest Community Center April 8 9 a.m. Eco Tram Tour Sunnyhill Restoration 8 p.m. Moonlight Paddle K.P. Hole County Park April 10 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (Adults) Ralph Russell Park April 11 8:30 a.m. Nature Walk / Blue Run Brick City Adventure Park 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Martial Arts Class (Youth / Adults) Forest Community Center 6 p.m. 7 p.m. Yoga Brick City Adventure Park April 12 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (Adults) Ralph Russell Park April 13 10:30 a.m. 3 p.m. Pine Needles Quilt Club Forest Community Center April 13 6 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Forest Acoustic Jam Forest Community Center April 14 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (Adults) Ralph Russell Park 6 p.m. 8 p.m. Fun Friday (Ages 6-12) Forest Community Center April 15 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Kayak Outing Santa Fe River Brick City Adventure Park 10 a.m. Bunny Hop Forest Community Center April 17 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (Adults) Ralph Russell Park April 18 9 a.m. Eco Tram tour Silver Springs Forest Silver Springs Forest 6 p.m. 7 p.m. Yoga Brick City Adventure Park 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Martial Arts Class (Youth / Adults) Forest Community Center April 19 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (Adults) Ralph Russell Park 9 a.m. Home School Art Program (Ages 5-9) Brick City Adventure Park 9 a.m. Home School PE (Ages 10-15) Brick City Adventure Park 10:15 a.m. Home School Art Program (Ages 10-15) Brick City Adventure Park 10:15 a.m. Home School PE (Ages 5-9) Brick City Adventure Park 4 p.m. Archery 101 (Ages 8-16) Brick City Adventure Park 6 p.m. Adult Archery 101 Brick City Adventure Park 6
Calendar of Events Date Time Event Location April 20 9:30 a.m. Kayak and Koffee / Silver River Silver Springs State Park 10:30 a.m. 3 p.m. Pine Needles Quilt Club Forest Community Center 6 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Forest Acoustic Jam Forest Community Center April 21 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (Adults) Ralph Russell Park 5 p.m. 9 p.m. Parents Night Out (Ages 6-13) Brick City Adventure Park 4 7 p.m. COPS Spaghetti Dinner Forest Community Center 5 p.m. 8 p.m. Fun Friday (Ages 6-13) Forest Community Center April 22 9 a.m. Off Road Biking 101 Santos Trailhead 6 p.m. 8 p.m. Pizza, Popcorn and Movie Night Forest Community Center April 24 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (Adults) Ralph Russell Park 9 a.m. Audubon Nature Walk Coehadjoe Park April 25 8:30 a.m. Nature Walk / Ross Prairie Brick City Adventure Park 6 p.m. 7 p.m. Yoga Brick City Adventure Park April 25 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Martial Arts Class (Youth / Adults) Forest Community Center April 26 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (Adults) Ralph Russell Park 9 a.m. Home School Art Program (Ages 5-9) Brick City Adventure Park 9 a.m. Home School PE (Ages 10-15) Brick City Adventure Park 10:15 a.m. Home School Art Program (Ages 10-15) Brick City Adventure Park 10:15 a.m. Home School PE (Ages 5-9) Brick City Adventure Park 4 p.m. Archery 101 (Ages 8-16) Brick City Adventure Park 6 p.m. Adult Archery 101 Brick City Adventure Park April 27 10:30 a.m. 3 p.m. Pine Needles Quilt Club Forest Community Center 6 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Forest Acoustic Jam Forest Community Center April 28 8:30 a.m. Marion County Senior Softball League (Adults) Ralph Russell Park 5 p.m. 8 p.m. Fun Friday (Ages 6-12) Forest Community Center April 29 8:30 a.m. Kayak Outing Silver Springs Brick City Adventure Park 7