11/03/2009

Winter Innertubing
St. Joseph County Parks offer two innertubing hills. "Innertubing is a safe alternative to sledding," says Brooke Artley, Manager of Leisure Services for St. Joseph County Parks. "The St. Joseph County Parks began offering innertubing in 1968, and we currently offer two man-made innertubing hills, complete with warming areas and concessions," she adds.  Innertube hills are groomed and supervised by park staff. Snow conditions permitting, the innertubing hills open the day after Christmas.

Innertubing hills are located at St. Patrick's County Park in South Bend and Ferrettie Baugo Creek County Park in Osceola. Innertubing hills are open and supervised daily, December 26 - January 3, and weekends only January 9 - February 28, from 11am to 5pm, snow conditions permitting. The cost is $3 per person plus a vehicle gate fee. Innertubes are provided as available and sleds and toboggans are not allowed. Innertubing is not recommended for children three years of age or younger. Private tubing parties are also available at both innertube hills Wednesday through Sunday.  Call St. Joseph County Parks at 574/654-3155 or log onto http://www.sjcparks.org/ to download reservation information today.

Snow Shoe Rental
Ferrettie Baugo Creek County Park in Osceola offers snowshoeing, one of the nation's fastest growing sports, daily December 26- January 3 and weekends only January 9-February 28. Snow conditions permitting, rental is available from 11am to 4pm. Equipment can be rented at Baugo Station for $3 per person plus a vehicle gate fee. Parental signature required for renters age 16 and under. Equipment is due in by 5pm (additional fee applies for late return). Snow shoeing is a very versatile activity- you can walk casually, observe wildlife, run and backpack. Because snowshoeing requires no training and minimal equipment, it is also a great activity for families. Strap a pair of snowshoes on your child or bring a baby or toddler along in a baby carrier, just as you would do on a summer hike. Call 574/654-3155 for more information.

Cross-Country Skiing at St. Patrick's
Cross-country ski rental is available at St. Patrick's County Park in South Bend, daily December 26 - January 3, and Wednesday through Sunday, January 6 - February 28, 11am to 4pm, snow conditions permitting. The cost is $4 per adult trail fee, $3 per youth trail fee (ages 15 and under), plus a vehicle gate fee. The $10 ski equipment rental fee is good all day. Rental includes skis, boots and poles. Parental signature required for renters age 16 and under. All equipment is due in by 5pm (additional fee applies for late return).

Trails are groomed throughout the week. St. Patrick's and Madeline Bertrand County Parks are joining together to offer a uni-trail pass. Daily trail passes purchased at either park will be honored at both parks. For more information regarding cross-country skiing call St. Joseph County Parks at 574/654-3155.

Cocoa and Candlelight Ski Nights
St. Patrick's County Park offers nighttime skiing by the light of glowing luminaries at the Cocoa and Candlelight Ski nights. Snow conditions permitting, Cocoa and Candlelight ski nights are scheduled for Fridays, January 15 and 29 and February 12 from 6 to 9pm. The program includes groomed trails with luminaries to the historic Manion Cabin where a fireplace and beverages await. The cost for the program is $5 per person and includes one beverage. Ski rental is available at $10. For more information call St. Joseph County Parks at 574/654-3155.

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