What's New?
Congratulations to the winners of the 2012 Photo Contest
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2012 Photo Contest and a BIG thank you to our sponsors including: Blanchard River Watershed Partnership, Blanchard Valley Lawn & Pet, Gaslight Framing Plus, Hancock County Naturalists, Hancock Friends of the Parks, Imagine That, Lishawa CPA, Rieck's Gallery, and VCA Animal Medical Center. All the winning entries can be viewed in the Photo Gallery.
Adult Best of Show - Frank Wilson Youth Best of Show - Evan Hass
People's Choice - Frank Wilson
4th Annual Mother Nature Tea
Join us for "tea" at our 4th Annual Mother Nature Tea on Monday, February 6 at 
Brugeman Lodge in Riverbend Recreation Area at 9:30 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM or 4 PM. Our enchanting character, Mother Nature, will share a story about her daughters, March, April, and May. Enjoy “tea” served by Mother Nature’s busy little friends. After “tea,” participate in children’s activities and a craft. This program is for children ages four to six years old only and their adult companion. One adult required for every two children. Register with $2 per person by Wednesday, February 1 at the HPD office. Space is limited.
Coyotes program offered Thursday, January 26
Stan Gehrt, Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Wildlife Extension Specialist at The Ohio State University and Senior Scientist at the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, presents information on coyote behavior, family life, movements, and relationships to people. He will discuss the ways that coyotes have become successful in a wide range of habitats, including cities, and the conflicts between coyotes and people. The public program will be offered Thursday, January 26 at 7 PM inside Brugeman Lodge at Riverbend.
The Winter Dweller's Celebration - February 25
Saturday, February 25, join us for "The Winter Dweller’s Celebration" at 2 PM inside Brugeman Lodge at Riverbend Recreation Area. During early frontier days, voyageurs were confined to their winter camps. To pass the time they told stories, sang songs and danced. This time became known as “Winter Dwellers”. Come along with Genot “Winter Elk” Picor in “Stories, Songs and Dances of the Hivernaut: The Winter Dweller’s Celebration.” as he brings frontier history alive during this interactive program. Play a part in a story, sing along to a jaunty song, tap your foot to a snappy rhythm or howl with delight. There’s a little something for everyone! Register with $2 per person by Thursday, February 23 at the HPD office. Participants must be ages 5 and up to attend.
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Cross-country ski workshops offered
Each Saturday in January and February we will be offering these popular workshops to teach you and/or family and friends, who are at least 8 years of age, the basic techniques of cross-country skiing including: gliding, turning, and rhythm. Youth, under 15 years of age, must register with a participating adult. Wear layered clothing, including hats and gloves. Register with $10 fee, per person and includes equipment, by the Friday before each workshop. Workshops are subject to proper snow, at least 4-6 inches of good base, and weather conditions. Call the HPD office at 419-425-7275 for additional information.
Civil War Lecture Series offered
NEW for 2012! A Civil War Lecture Series will be offered at the "Doc' Phillips Discovery Center in Oakwoods Nature Preserve on Saturday mornings at 10 AM. Registration is necessary to attend by calling the HPD office at 419-425-7275 and some presentations require a small fee. Mark your calendar for the following upcoming presentations including:
February 18 - Ohio in the Civil War
Join Hancock Historical Museum Archivist, Adam Criblez, as he speaks about how the American Civil War effected the people of Ohio and Hancock County. The war may not have been as far away as many people seem to think! Register by Friday 17.
Saturday, March 17 - Civil War Lecture Series: Civil War Fashions
Historian, Elizabeth Topping, will be speaking about the fashions of the 1860’s and explain the truth behind why women wore what they did. Participants will have the opportunity to “dress the part” and experience civil war fashion first hand. Elizabeth’s research and artifacts has been used in several programs on The History Channel and A&E. Register with $2 per person by Thursday, March 15.
Saturday, April 21 - Civil War Lecture Series: Music of the Civil War
Join American Folk singer, Bob Ford, as he performs the music that was popular during the American Civil War. Bob is from Cedarville, Ohio and is known for his excellent musicianship and bringing audiences to life! Take a seat and discover your own rich heritage as Bob sings the songs and tells the stories of America and her people. Register with $2 per person by Thursday, April 19.
Facility fees effective January 1, 2012
Effective January 1, 2012, several reservable facility rental fees, within the Hancock Park District, will be affected with increases including:
- All outdoor shelters, including the Activity Center and enclosed shelter 3 at Riverbend and Litzenberg, will increase to $40.
- Brugeman Lodge at Riverbend weekday rentals (Monday – Thursday)
will increase to $250 and weekends (Friday, Saturday & Sundays) $500.
- Litzenberg Activity Barn will increase to $150.
Facilities/security deposits reflecting no increase include:
- Waterfalls Pavilion at Riverside Park will remain at $50.
- Brugeman Lodge non-profit rates (Monday – Thursday only) will remain the same at $100.
- Security deposits for locked facilities will remain the same including $50 for the Litzenberg Activity Barn and $200 for the Brugeman Lodge.
FACILITIES INFORMATION RATE CARD - EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2012
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The Mission of the Hancock Park District is create, preserve, protect and manage a system of parks, nature preserves, and outdoor recreational facilities to be held in public ownership with a focus on local, natural, historical and cultural resources and maintained for the leisure use and enjoyment of this and future generations.
