Photo: Three Rivers Park District
Explore Clifton E. French Regional Park in new ways this February.
Three Rivers Park District’s Outdoor Recreation School is offering opportunities to explore uniquely wintertime activities this season. “Our goal is definitely to get people—the beginner, the family—involved,” says recreation program specialist Grant Armour. “We really want to make sure the folks feel welcome.”
This February, programming at Clifton E. French includes snowshoeing under the full moon, a kicksled and geocache adventure and a family and friends ice fishing event. In all instances, all of the equipment will be provided by Three Rivers Park District. “All we ask is that people come dressed for the weather,” Armour says. If people don’t have proper winter outerwear, he says a limited supply is also available to borrow by request during the registration process.
Participants don’t need any prior experience to sign up for any of the programs, Armour notes. Snowshoeing has a “low barrier to entry,” he says. “If you can walk, you can snowshoe.”
Kicksledding is a novel way to get around and adds a sense of adventure to the GPS-driven scavenger hunt that is geocaching.
Ice fishing “is one of those activities that can feel really prohibitive to folks in terms of like, ‘How do I know that the ice is safe? How do I get a hole in the ice? How do I get myself warm?’” Armour says. “They’re [all] really fun programs because we come out with all of the equipment that’s needed and really set you up for success, both in terms of safety and experience. All you need to do is go up and enjoy yourself,” he says.
Programming space is limited. Register at threeriversparks.org.
Snowshoe Under the Full Moon
Ages 8 and older. Participants under 11 must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6. 6:30–8 p.m. February 12
Kicksled and Geocache
Ages 2 and older. Participants under 11 must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6. 1–3 p.m. February 16
Family and Friends Ice Fishing
Ages 10 and older. Participants under 17 must be accompanied by a registered adult. $50 per group. 9 a.m.–noon. February 23
Clifton E. French Regional Park
12605 Rockford Road; 763.694.7750
