|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 3, 2019
Des Moines – Iowa state parks will launch the New Year, which also is the start of the state park centennial year, with outdoor hikes across Iowa. First Day Hikes are being organized at 49 parks, the most to participate since the statewide event began nine years ago.
“First Day Hikes are the inaugural events of the centennial celebration, and we are so excited to spend this time outdoors with park visitors,” said Todd Coffelt, Parks, Forests and Preserves bureau chief at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Even if you have never been on a winter hike or visited a state park, we invite you to join us for this special opportunity to exercise, enjoy nature, and welcome the New Year with friends and family.”
Last year, more than 1,400 people participated in hikes on New Year’s Day across Iowa, hiking more than 1,100 total miles at dozens of state parks. Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks. Many parks will also provide hot beverages and snacks after the hike. Participants should dress for the weather, including warm, sturdy boots for winter conditions.
For a complete listing of First Day Hikes, visit www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes.
Backbone State Park in northeast, Iowa, was dedicated on May 28, 1920 and marks the beginning of the Iowa state park system. The DNR is planning numerous special events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of state parks throughout 2020 with the goal of celebrating, connecting and inspiring Iowans to visit and care for parks. Look for more information on centennial celebration opportunities at www.iowadnr.gov/parks2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Todd Coffelt, chief, Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, (515) 725-8485; email: Todd.Coffelt@dnr.iowa.gov
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has discounted its annual passes for the Banner and Olofson shooting ranges for 2020 by $40, making it the perfect gift for the hard-to-buy-for member of the family.
Through Dec. 31, individual passes are priced at $200 and family passes at $260. Annual passes may be purchased at either range and is valid at both shooting ranges.
Banner Range, between Indianola and Des Moines on Hwy. 65/69 in Warren County, is a multi-use shooting facility that offers a safe, clean shooting environment for handguns, rifles and shotguns. The range is staffed with professional certified range safety officers during all operating hours. Banner Range is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Wednesday and Thursday.
The recently renovated Butch Olofson Shooting Range, located off Hwy. 415, about five miles northwest of Polk City, features a building, handgun, rifle, shotgun and archery ranges and more. The Olofson Range is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Shooting ranges welcome shooters of all skill levels and abilities. Information on Iowa shooting ranges is available at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Places-to-Hunt-Shoot/Iowa-Shooting-Ranges
Banner and Butch Olofson shooting ranges are closed December 24, 25, and January 1.
|
