PENFIELD – The Interpretive Program Schedule Parker for Dam State Park has been released for its “Get Outdoors” Weekend for June 8 – 10. In addition, it’s announced its Flag Day program for June 14.
Friday, June 8
Lake Tour and Bat Count:
8 p.m. – behind Beach House
A “Get Outdoors PA” Program
We’ll take a quick paddle around the lake, and then head to the bat boxes near the dam to count the number of bats that emerge for their nighttime hunt for insects. You can bring your own canoe or kayak, or you can borrow one of the park’s limited-number of kayaks. Please, no pets.
Bats at Parker Dam Walk
8:30 p.m. – Beach House steps
A “Get Outdoors PA” Program
If you’re not one for water, take a walk and learn about our park and PA bats. We will head to the stone tower, at the shore of the dam, to see the batty action with the counters in kayaks. Be prepared to cross the spillway stones. Please, no pets.
Saturday, June 9
National Get Outdoors Day
Join us for any or all of the great activities to learn more about the various outdoor recreation opportunities available to you. All of the activities are FREE, and we have all the equipment you will need. Note: All programs are Get Outdoors PA programs and begin at the White Tent, behind Pavilion 4, unless noted.
9:30 a.m. – Cross-country Hike
Hike part of the cross-country ski loop and learn of local hiking opportunities.
12p.m. Learn to Geocache
Learn about this popular GPS sport that is a great way to get the family outdoors.
Backpacking Made Easy for You
(with PA Wild Adventures, Brockway)
12 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Pavilion 4
Learn about the equipment and techniques of modern, comfortable backpacking.
Choosing a Bicycle & Simple Bike Maintenance
(with Planet Bike, Dubois)
12 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Pavilion 4
Find out what you should look for in a bike and how to make those trailside repairs.
12:30 p.m. Water Safety
(with PA Fish & Boat Commission)
Learn to be safe around the water and also while paddling in a canoe or kayak.
2 p.m. Kayak Basics
Learn to get in and go; like it says- ‘basics’. Just enough to get you hooked.
3 p.m. Mountain Bike Trek
Hop on your bike and explore part of the park using designated bike trails. Moderate difficulty.
Who Cooks For You
8:30 p.m. – Campground Amphitheater
They are the silent hunters of the night. But when they do make noise, do you know which owl is making it? Or, which says ‘who cooks for you’? Learn about the owls found in PA; and try your hand at calling to these birds of prey to see if any of the park’s owls responds.
Sunday, June 10
Parachute Games
1 p.m. – Beach House
One thing is for sure – there will be a parachute. How much fun you have is up to you! Bring along your friends and learn more about nature and wildlife with the park naturalist.
Tea and Talk
6 p.m. – Beach House steps
Join us as we drink natural, hot tea from sweet fern that grows here in the park. As usual, bring your questions about the park, wildlife, or anything else that the Naturalist might be able to answer for you.
NOTE: Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum: Open Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday, June 14, Flag Day
11 a.m. Flag Disposal Ceremony
Flagpole across from Lou and Helen Adams CCC Museum
Join us as we pay tribute to our nation’s flag. Included will be a proper flag disposal ceremony and some reflections on our flag and what it should mean to the citizens of this country. If you have an unserviceable U.S. flag and would like to have it properly disposed of, please be a few minutes early and bring it along.
*You can keep up on what’s happening at the park by following “Parker Dam State Park” on Facebook; and, you can find more information about state park programs and special events by logging on to the Bureau of State Parks web site at www.VisitPAParks.com , and clicking on “Events Calendar”.
Access for People with Disabilities
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks:
888-PA-PARKS (voice)
717-558-2710 (local or international voice)
888-537-7294 (TTY)
717-558-2711 (local or international TTY)
711 (AT&T Relay Services)