Not only does Brown County Parks and Recreation offer a variety of sports and activities all year round for all ages, but special events and activities also fill their calendar each year.
The changing of the season from summer to fall brings with it a multitude of festivities for the community to participate in at Deer Run Park, 1001 Deer Lane. The big kickoff is set for Friday, Oct. 18.
Complete with skating and giveaways from Rhett’s Skate Shop, all are welcome to attend the official grand opening of Victory Skate Park on Friday, Oct. 18 at 3:30 p.m. A dedication ceremony will follow right after at 5:30 p.m. Hang around Deer Run for more fall festivities for the whole family.
The Fall-O-Ween Party will begin at 6 p.m. after the skate park dedication. The community is invited out to enjoy food, hayrides, a weenie roast and more. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy an outdoor showing of Disney’s live-action “Aladdin,” starting at 8 p.m. The free event is a fun Friday night for all.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]If you seek more thrill than a fun outdoor movie, head into the fourth annual Fear Run haunted trail. The trail is open from 8 to 11 p.m. Step into the spooky trail haunted by the volunteers of Brown County Parks and Rec in an effort to raise funds for parks and rec programs.
The haunted trail is just one of the means to raise money in order for activities to continue throughout the year.
Parks and rec offers many programs for youth in the community, including baseball, basketball, cheerleading, soccer, girls softball and wrestling. The age limit does not end when school years are completed. There are adult programs for basketball and a co-rec softball league, too.
Senior Euchre and Bridge Club are also sponsored by parks and rec, meeting weekly at the Sycamore Valley Community Center, 746 Memorial Drive.
There are also opportunities to get involved in the Community Garden, sponsored by the Brown County Community Foundation, Brown County Soil and Water and the Cummins Foundation.
Parks and rec director Mark Shields said that there are a multitude of ways businesses and individuals alike can play a part in making these programs happen.
Sponsoring a team, donating to the sponsorship program or taking out a banner are all manners to help offset the costs of sports and activities as well as keep the cost of registration low itself.
A scholarship program serves to sponsor participants who may not be able to afford their program of choice at half the cost.
“Scholarship numbers vary,” Shields said. “We try to do as many as needed. In the past we’ve had 50-percent of our participants on scholarships. It has gone down since then.”
Money is not the only way to donate either. People can give their time as well. All coaches are volunteers. Parks and rec is always looking for those willing and interested to serve in the different programs.
Parks and Rec also seeks donations of volunteers and candy for Trick or Treat on the Trail on Thursday, Oct. 31. Drop donations of candy or cash off at the Brown County YMCA, 105 Willow St., any time before Monday, Oct. 28.
For more information on participating, donating, coaching and more, call 812-988-5522 or visit bcparksrec.com.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Fall Festivities on Friday, Oct. 18 ” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
- Victory Skate Park grand opening, 3:30 p.m., free
- Fall-O-Ween Party, 6 p.m., free
- Fear Run at Deer Run haunted trail, $7 for adults, $5 for children 12 and younger. Tickets available at upper concession stand. Trail open Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26..
