Wright County residents are in for a treat this spring and summer with a slew of outdoor programs aimed at everyone from tykes to adults, courtesy of the Wright County Parks & Rec. With more than 20 activities tailored to nudge locals away from Netflix and into nature, there's a tangible buzz for the green-thumbed and the naturally curious among us. In a boast that's surely going to ruffle some feathers across the state, Wright County's Parks & Recreation Director, Ross Demant, didn't mince words when he said, "I would put our parks and programs up against any county in the state," as reported by Wright County's official website.
Dedication to improvement and inclusivity has long been a mantra for the county's park programs — a mantra that has seemingly paid off. Demant touted the popular "Halloween Bertram Bootacular," "family photos with Santa," and "sled dog rides" as examples of past successes. This year's programs are expected to be equally popular. For those who fancy learning everything from the art of pressing wildflowers to mastering a bow and arrow like Robin Hood, Wright County appears ready to serve, with programs they promised will cater to a vast demographic.
Outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to events like the "Wildflower Class," where they can take a stroll through Ney Park before crafting some floral keepsakes, and "Winged Wonders: Bird Migration Day," which includes a mix of presentations and hands-on craft-making, and "Fungus Among Us," which is apparently all about lichens and fungi and not at least a bit about the search for an alien intelligence among us. Families can also mark their calendars for the "Family Picnic in the Park," which rolls out the welcome mat for an evening of outdoor dining and fun with no cost attached.
If you’ve got little ones, the "Little Naturalist" programs are tailored for the youngest of the crew with adult supervision. And for the ladies looking to unwind, "Women, Wine at Water" pairs the serenity of kayaking with the sipping of wine under the setting sun — a combination surely as smooth as a pinot noir. For all these events and more, Wright County asks attendees to register, and given the popularity of their programs, it's probably wise to move fast. As the details come straight from the horse's mouth via the county website, clear your schedules and dial-up Wright County Parks & Rec at (763) 684-2387 to snag a spot in what looks like a jam-packed season of outdoorsy goodness.
