Let's Play Clay Newsletter

Clay County, Florida sent this bulletin at 06/08/2021 03:09 PM EDT

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Summer/ 2021 Let's Play Clay Newsletter

PADL Rentals Coming this Summer to Clay County Parks

Have you wanted to paddleboard, but didn’t want to go to the expense and hassle of owning and storing your own paddleboard? Have you ever been on vacation and wanted to paddleboard, but none were available to rent?

PADL is working with Clay County to launch five stand-alone paddleboard rental locations throughout the County, with municipalities considering adding more locations.

Getting out on the water with PADL is easy. You simply download the PADL app, find the nearest location on the map, unlock and ride! Life preservers and safety equipment are included with your rental.

Please visit www.PADL.co for more details, and watch for updates on the Clay County Parks & Recreation Facebook page.

Clay County to Host Florida Sunshine State Games

The 42^nd Annual Sunshine State Games features three multi-sport festivals between the weekends of May 28 and June 13. The Clay County Festival presents four sports the weekend of Friday, June 11 through Sunday, June 13. The 2021 Sunshine State Games is the first visit to Clay County in the history of the Games, dating back to 1980. The 2021 Clay County Festival hosts Canoe/Kayak Marathon, Disc Golf, Pickleball, and Ultimate Frisbee at three locations. Pickleball will be making its Sunshine State Games debut at the Clay County Festival, over three days at Ronnie Van Zant Park in Green Cove Springs. Disc Golf makes a return to the Games, June 11-13, also at Ronnie Van Zant Park, for a three-round tournament. Ultimate Frisbee will be held on Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13 at the Plantation Sports Complex in Fleming Island. Canoe Kayak Marathon Races, 6 and 12 miles, will be held at the Middleburg Boat Ramp. Visit https://sunshinestategames.com for competition and registration information..

Summer Programs Geared to Revitalize Hunter Douglas Park

Clay County Parks and Recreation has teamed up with Ascension St. Vincent's, UF/IFAS Extension, and Clay County Libraries to host a week long Kids Summer Camp for ages 6-12, June 21st-25th, which focuses on Nutrition, Fun, Fitness, and more.

Ascension St. Vincent's in partnership with Clay County Parks and Recreation will provide free school and athletic physicals for children and teens in Clay County on June 26th from 10am-2pm.

For more information on free summer physicals, email willie.roberts@ascension.org or call (904) 308-7558.

For more information on these programs or events happening in Clay County Parks, visit https://www.facebook.com/ClayCtyParks/

Camp Chowenwaw Staff Putting Final Touches on Pawpaw Nature Center

Clay County will soon have a new nature center open daily at Camp Chowenwaw Park. The Pawpaw Nature Center had a soft opening on May 15th with 48 visitors in attendance. They were able to experience interactive exhibits featuring animals and habitats of Clay County. The nature center takes its name from the native pawpaw plant. It's fruit is an important food source for a variety of Florida wildlife. Follow the Clay County Parks and Recreation Facebook page to stay up to date on events and for the announcement of the center's operating hours. https://www.facebook.com/ClayCtyParks/

Fairground Events Heating Up for the Summer

On July 10th, bring your entire family out for a night of action packed events. Featuring UTV Side by Sides competing in unique competitions such as racing, long jump, best trick, and more. For more information, visit www.utvbattlebrounds.com/#/ or www.facebook.com/UTVBattlegrounds/

Camp Chowenwaw 2021 Pool Season Opens

Summer is here, so that means fun in the sun and splashes in the pool!

The pool at Camp Chowenwaw is now open daily through August.

In September, the pool is open weekends only, and closes after Labor Day.

Daily pool fees are $3.00 for ages 2-15, $4.00 for ages 16-64, and $2.00 for seniors 65 and up.

Admission is free for children under 2.

Private rental rates are available.

Daily Pool Fees are $3.00 for ages 2-15

$4.00 for ages 16-64 and only $2 for 65 and up. Admission free for children under the age of two.

Waiver liability forms are required for all swimmers.

More information can be found at https://www.claycountygov.com/community/parks-and-recreation/camp-chowenwaw-park

Parks and Recreation Offers Lots of Summer Outdoor Activities for All to Enjoy

Six in seven adults in the United States look forward to outdoor activities this spring and summer. The most sought after activities include going to the beach or lake, going to the park, attending a picnic or BBQ, swimming, and being active on the trails. Park and Recreation Professionals ensure the public can enjoy their favorite outdoor activities, and be safe at the same time.

Key Findings:

Six in seven adults in the United States are looking forward to outdoor activities this spring and summer.
Gen Z (94 percent), Gen X (89 percent) and Millennials (88 percent) are more likely to say they are looking forward to an outdoor activity compared to baby boomers (80 percent)
Parents and their families are looking most forward to swimming (47 percent), going to the beach or lake (43 percent) and going to the park (41 percent).

Visit https://www.nrpa.org/publications-research/park-pulse/ for more information and studies on Parks and Recreation.