Outdoor Recreation Activities

FLATWATER CANOE CLINICS AT PHILPOTT LAKE 

Develop confidence and master your j-stroke in this beginner to intermediate level flatwater canoe class. We will depart from Jamison Mill and paddle the entire length of Beards Creek Inlet, pausing at Picnic Point for an early afternoon snack. Expect to be in the canoe for about 2.5 hours. No experience is necessary for this American Canoe Association (ACA) guided adventure. A general level of fitness and ability to sit upright for an extended period of time is required. All equipment is provided. Please bring water and snacks.

CREEK FREAKS NEW YEAR'S DAY FLOAT

oin the Creek Freaks for a New Years Day tradition. This family friendly float on the Blackwater River is an exhilarating way to start the new year. Ages 14 and under must have adult supervision. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring your own boat. Please meet at the put-in on New Plant Road off Grassy Hill Rd. PFDs (Life Jackets) are mandatory. *Location may change due to condition.

NIGHT RIDES

Group night rides at Waid Park every Thursday Night from 6:00-8:00. Bring a light and dress for the occasion.

WOOHOO AT WAID SPRINT ENDURO

Expect 5 stages that utilize the newest and most      progressive features we’ve built in our trail network.  A medium travel bike or maybe even a beefed-up XC race bike will be the fastest across these stages.  Be ready for rock gardens, man-made jumps, and sections with fast back-to-back corners, and yes quite a bit of sprinting if you want to win!  Expect 7-10 minutes of accumulated time. The first 50 registered riders get a WooHoo logo jersey (retail $25.00). Rider check-in between 8:30am-9:30am. The race starts at 10am.

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BIKE RODEO

Join the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and Parks &  Recreation at the Waid Park Bike Skills Loop. Kids and adults of any age will have the opportunity to learn bike handling skills from a bike patrol officer and middle school  mountain bike coach.  Several loaner bikes and helmets will be provided upon request.

BALANCE BIKE BONANZA

Studies have shown introducing children to cycling at an early age aids with gross and fine motor skills, development, speech, behavioral, and social skills development.  But more importantly, it’s just about having fun!  Join us at the Essig Recreation Center where we’ll provide a safe, fun, and warm learning environment for your child to give a balance bike a try.      

NOVEMBER NIGHT HIKES

These intermediate level 2-5 mile guided hikes will  allow you to gain a new perspective of the Waid Park trail system.  Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. Each hike will begin promptly at 6pm.