May 2015 E-News from Georgia State Parks

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May 2015

Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

> IN THIS ISSUE: Park Paddlers Club, Family Reunions, Horseback Riding

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Park Paddlers Club Explores Georgia’s Scenic Waterways

What's the secret ingredient to the perfect outdoor experience? Just add water! Our Park Paddlers Club offers 22 miles of waterways to explore, ranging from tidal rivers to the celebrated Okefenokee Swamp. It’s perfect for both seasoned paddlers and wet-behind-the-ears beginners.  Members earn a bragging-rights t-shirt by paddling at Crooked River, George L. Smith, Magnolia Springs, Reed Bingham, Stephen C. Foster and Sweetwater Creek state parks. Along the way, you might spot turtles, herons, ducks and even alligators.

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Park Activities

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Kids to Parks Day

All across America, families, schools and towns are gearing up for Kids to Parks Day on May 16. The nationwide celebration is sponsored by National Park Trust and encourages children to get outside and explore parks. To celebrate, several Georgia State Parks have planned events, such as geocaching at Hard Labor Creek, wildlife tracking at High Falls, and sack races at Skidaway Island. Find an event near you.

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reunion

Family Reunions

There are many reasons that Georgia’s State Parks make great reunion locations. We have a wide range of accommodations to fit all budgets, assuring a comfortable night’s sleep for everyone.  Add in our picnic shelters and group shelters, and you’ll have room for the whole gang. Kids will love our splash pads, lakeside beaches and playgrounds. Activities like boat rental, hiking, fishing, disc golf and geocaching will ensure that everyone has fun. You can even challenge Aunt Sue to a friendly round of mini-golf. 

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Giddyup!

Did you know you can go horseback riding in Georgia’s largest state park? Roosevelt Riding Stables offers guided trail rides for ages 6 and older. Explore F.D. Roosevelt State Park from high above on horseback. Call 706-628-7463 for reservations.

Equestrians can bring their own horses to ride here too, as well as at Hard Labor Creek, Watson Mill Bridge, A.H. Stephens, Cloudland Canyon and General Coffee state parks.

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Upcoming Events

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Memorial Day Miniature Golf Tournament

Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.

Dress up in your most colorful, patriotic clothes, then compete against your friends and family as you celebrate Memorial Day on our putt-putt course. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-504-2277.

Dozens of other Memorial Day events are planned at parks and historic sites all across Georgia. Find one near you.

Indian Springs State Park - Flovilla

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Family Farm Day

Saturday, May 23, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

This authentic 1840s farm comes to life with volunteers demonstrating crafts and chores of the past. Learn about skills from long ago, such as sewing, blacksmithing, woodstove cooking, gardening and woodworking. $4-$6.50 admission. 478-986-5172

Jarrell Plantation Historic Site - Juliette

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Coastal Georgia Kayak Kamp

May 28 - 31

Join park rangers on this family-friendly adventure through the Okefenokee Swamp, along Crooked River and on Sapelo Island's Lighthouse Creek. You'll explore freshwater swamps, salt marsh and brackish rivers. Kayak gear, professional guides, campsites and meals included. Reservations required by May 7. $649 per adult; $549 per child. 912-882-5256

Crooked River State Park - St. Marys

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Featured Deal

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Save Money with an Annual ParkPass

If you visit Georgia’s State Parks often, you could save money with a $50 Annual ParkPass that exempts you from paying the daily $5 parking fee.  Seniors 62 or older save even more with a 50% discount on these passes. Joining Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites gets you an Annual ParkPass and other benefits as well.

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