Dutchess County Parks Offers Fun Line-up this Fall

Registration opens September 10^th for Naturalist Programming

 Dutchess County Parks has announced a fun line-up of programs and events this fall! From the return of popular weekend archery and adult art classes, to a new location for country music line-dancing fun, plus a new fall disc golf league and a Special Olympics Polar Plunge, there are lots of fun opportunities for all ages to experience the County’s great parks as the leaves begin to change. Registration for Naturalist Programs opens on September 10^th online at www.DutchessNY.gov/ParksEducation, registration information for other events and offerings is included below.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “No better place to be than at one of our fantastic Dutchess County Parks in the fall! With the leaves changing, scenic views and fun programs and events planned, we hope everyone takes the chance to come outside and enjoy the season. We are grateful to the team at Parks for their dedication to bringing activities and events to our beautiful parks, ensuring there really is something for everyone!”

Fall Naturalist Program Schedule

Weekend Public Archery sessions begin Saturday, September 14 at Bowdoin Park. The program consists of five classes, held on Saturdays, with various time slots offered. The sessions, each an hour long, are designed for children, ages 8 and up, and adults with any level of archery experience. Basic hands-on archery skills will be taught, as well as bow and arrow safety. Cost is $70 per person and includes all five classes and equipment. Each time slot is limited to 20 participants.

• Saturday, September 14
• Saturday, October 5
• Saturday, October 19
• Saturday, November 9
• Saturday, November 16

Time Slots

• 8:30-9:30am
• 10-11 a.m.
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• 2-3 p.m.
• 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Park Palette Art Series for Adults will be held at Bowdoin Park from 6-7:30pm in Pavilion 5. These workshops are a step-by-step class where participants will create nature-themed paintings. Cost is $12 per person and includes all supplies. Sessions are limited to 12 participants each.

• Wednesday, October 9
• Thursday, October 17
• Tuesday, October 22

Registration opens Tuesday, Sept. 10^th for Archery and Adult Park Palette at DutchessNY.gov/ParksEducation.

Other Fall Parks Programming

Boots By the Hudson country line dancing event will be held on Saturday, October 5 from 3:30-8:00pm. This year, the concert is moving to Upper Landing Park, 83 North Water St., Poughkeepsie for the fourth annual event hosted by Parks, The Wolf and Wakin’ Up with CJ and Jess Show, Townsquare Media group and The Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. This year’s event will include larger tented space for line dancing with CJ McIntyre and Frank Alexander, country music by the Thunder Ridge Band, and free family activities thanks to Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum. A fall-themed scavenger hunt and a special family game area is also planned along with a bonfire and s’mores, and food trucks. Picnics, camp chairs, and coolers are encouraged. Boots By the Hudson will be held rain or shine and pre-registration is not required.

The Wilcox Disc Golf League, which launched this spring through the Wilcox Park Disc Golf Club, will host weekly meet ups to play at 9:30am on Sundays from October 6^th through November 10^th at Wilcox Memorial Park’s Disc Golf course, which has been ranked among the top 100 courses in the world by UDisc, a popular disc golf app. All skill levels are welcome. For more information and to register through the club, email Savanna Burke atwilcoxparkdiscgolfclub@gmail.com.

New this fall, Special Olympics New York – Hudson Valley Region will host a Polar Plunge on Saturday, October 26, 10am – 2pm at Wilcox Memorial Park in Milan. Come jump in the lake and freeze for a reason! Register as a team or jump in solo. Visit http://events.nyso.org/2024WilcoxPark to register.

Updates on all fall events and programs will be posted on the Parks website, dutchessny.gov/parks and the Dutchess County Parks and Dutchess County Government social media pages. For more information, call Dutchess County Parks at (845) 298-4600.