February 1 | 2024

Hello Christine,

There are lots of things to love about your Portage Park District this month!

We look forward to seeing you on the trails or at one of our February education programs. Please think of the individuals, organizations, and businesses that are making a difference to improve our environment and consider nominating them to be recognized at our Portage Park District Foundation's annual Environmental Awards Dinner!

Explore upcoming hikes and programs in our Education Program Guide or on our Things to Do page.

Portage Park District Foundation

Nominate a Portage County Environmental Hero!

The Annual Environmental Conservation Awards dinner recognizes the efforts of those dedicated to protecting our environment. The 2024 dinner will be held on Saturday, April 27. The event includes park updates from Executive Director, Christine Craycroft, a presentation of awards, music, raffles, and dinner.

Help us find the amazing organizations, individuals, and businesses who are champions for the environment! Please submit a nomination today on our website - nominations must be received by March 1. Submit a nomination

In the Parks

Park District Awarded $1.5 Million

in Grants for Headwaters Trail

In 2023, the Park District acquired two important sections of the former railroad corridor in Mantua Township at each end of land already owned by the Park District. The western end is a ~2,400-foot trail lease from First Energy Corporation who had purchased the corridor earlier from Norfolk Southern Railway.

Dive Rescue Training at Trail Lake Park

On February 9, 16, and 23, the Streetsboro Fire Department, in cooperation with the Portage Park District, will conduct dive rescue training at Trail Lake Park in Streetsboro. Training will begin around 10:00 AM each day and last for approximately 2 hours. During this time, the park will remain open to all visitors and no disruptions are expected. Read more...

Upcoming Programs

Frog Watch USA Volunteer Training

FrogWatch USA is a national citizen science program designed to train volunteers to observe local frog and toad species. You can help collect data and monitor the health of our amphibian populations. No experience required – just a love of frogs and toads! Register here to join us Thursday, February 15 from 6:00-9:00pm for this virtual program.

Healthy Cooking Demo February 6 @ 5:30pm

Park Rx with Sequoia Wellness! Learn how to prepare a heart healthy meal and learn nutrition facts in the NEW Center Kitchen. You’ll get to participate in part of the prep, sample the menu, and receive recipes.

Winter Tree Hike February 15 @ 10am

Join Natural Areas Manager Bob Lange as he walks us through Shaw Woods and shares his best tips and tricks on how to identify trees in the winter.

Bothersome Bugs February 20 @ 6pm

Park Rx! Portage County Health District will teach us about cockroaches, bed bugs, and lice. Park staff will end the evening sharing a few of the many beneficial bugs we see on the trail. Most insects are awesome!

Wild Hikes Challenge

The 2024 Wild Hikes Challenge is the Year of the Eclipse to honor the historic total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Portage County is in the path of totality and the next total solar eclipse in Ohio will not happen again until 2099! Watch our website and newsletter for solar eclipse park programs. Learn more about the eclipse here. Download your Wild Hikes form. Please note: Medallions will not be available for pickup until eclipse weekend.

Download your Park Valentines!

Get your own Portage Park District Valentines to share with your friends and family! We've created a downloadable PDF with 6 unique designs for you to print and use. You may also request photo versions to share via email, text, or social media.

Get your Valentines here

Partner News

SWCD Tree Sale & Upcoming Conservation Programs

The Portage Soil and Water Conservation District has native trees for sale and they offer a wealth of education programs.

Online Tree Order Form Check out Programs

Kick off 2024 with the 10th anniversary edition of the Road Apple Roubaix on March 2. The event kicks off at 10am on Main St in Garrettsville and finishes on the Headwaters Trail. There is a 27-mile or 50-mile option to tour some of the quiet, less traveled roads of Portage & Geauga counties. Learn more.

Limited tickets are still available for The Kent Jaycees reverse raffle to benefit the Portage Park District Foundation on Friday, February 9. The money raised will be used for new interpretive signs for the Hopewell Mound and the historic Brady Switch Tower at Towner's Woods Park. Order online and remember to check the box for the park district after your ticket purchase.

Park Reminders

It is snow and ice season! Please note that our park trails are not plowed - parking lots will only be plowed after 3 inches of snowfall and trails may be icy. Please prepare for winter park visits by wearing appropriate outdoor gear for your winter adventure and know that trail conditions can sometimes be challenging.
RFQs for upcoming projects can be found on our Public Notice & Bidding page.
Check our Employment page throughout this month for open park positions!

Visit our website