Borrowing a verse from a classic Christmas tune, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Ashland County Park District has rolled out a bounty of informative nature-based learning experiences and exciting events this past year.
Most recently, the Nov. 29 opening night of Candy Cane Trail, extending through Jan. 5, 2026 (open dusk to 9:30 p.m.). Opening night was a delight to both the young and young at heart. Gathered together in the Freer Field Barn, fireworks, a local choir, and hot cocoa were enjoyed by those who braved the weather to be part of the festivities. Topping it off, Old Man Winter added his touch of a gentle snow with the kind of snowflakes that “melt on your nose and eyelashes.”
This magical winter wonderland is sponsored by Grandpa’s Cheese Barn. We appreciate their generosity and love for the people of Ashland. This beautiful display of lights doesn’t sprout up from the earth. All the park and city employees and volunteers, who worked many tireless weeks assembling this work of art, are to be commended for their dedication and eye to detail.
And 2025 has been non-stop with programs and classes. Earlier this year, local artists were featured in the Freer Field barn; in July, a week of nature camp was offered for 4th-8th grade children at The Davy McClure Education Center. September introduced Family Park Bingo, an opportunity to explore; the Ashland County Trail Challenge; and Farm Tour. Sauers Farm Park hosted the annual Cider Day in October. November saw an overwhelming response to an Indoor Planetarium event at The Davy. These are planned programs, but you have the opportunity every day to venture out and explore these beautiful, preserved green spaces; an outdoor classroom where you can exercise your body and mind.
Continuing each month is the Facebook photography contest sponsored by Fin, Feather, Fur Outfitters. Submit your photo taken at one of our parks for an opportunity to win a Fin, Feather, Fur Outfitters gift certificate. If you love bird watching, the monthly bird walk at Byers Woods is held every 4th Saturday, 9-11 am. Byers Woods is located at 675 Co. Road 1754, Ashland.
Still to come this month:
Dec. 13 – enjoy an evening with Santa at the Freer Field Visitor Center, 5-8 p.m. Stop by to visit Santa and enjoy popcorn and hot cocoa (courtesy of Downtown Perk).
Dec. 16-18, there will be Adaptive Rides at Candy Cane Trail, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Golf carts will be available for those with limited mobility. Rides start at the Freer Field Visitor Center.
Dec. 18, Nature Explorers Club, 4-5 p.m. This is a monthly club for elementary-age kids (6-12 years old) to explore the outdoors and learn about the natural world. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dec. 22, Drop in Craft: Tree Cookie Ornaments at The Davy. Stop by for a hands-on nature-inspired craft. Create a unique ornament using “tree cookies” (slices of real wood).
Dec. 29, finish out your year with a Winter Hike, 9-10:30 a.m., at Tom Kruse Park/The Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center. Bundle up for a guided, moderate hike. Old Man Winter will greet you, along with park personnel, to share the winter beauty along the trails.
To learn more about the parks, their amenities, and scheduled events, visit our website ashlandcountyparks.com. Also, listed there are park rental venues available for weddings, receptions, family reunions, showers, birthday parties, and business meetings.
Do you want to increase your involvement with the park? Volunteer opportunities are always available. Choose what and where you would like to volunteer. This information is on our website.
You can contact the park office by email (parks@ashlandcounty.org) or phone (419-289-3524). The office is located at 1301 Park Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except holidays.
We hope you will take an opportunity to visit one or more of your parks. Take your children, grandchildren, neighbors’ children and look through the eyes of a child for the hidden gifts winter time offers. Please dress for the weather and remember to hydrate.
On behalf of all Ashland County Park District commissioners, staff, managers, and volunteers, I wish you a very blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ashland County Park District continues to have December events.
Reporting by Karen Leonetti, Special to the Times-Gazette / Ashland Times Gazette
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