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Winter 2008/2009 - Calendar of Events

Check our upcoming events, classes and camps below. Program registration begins on November 1, 2008 for winter programs.

How to Register: You may register for outdoor programs and camps by (1) visiting one of Forsyth County Parks & Recreation's (FCPRD) registration desks at the new Visitor Center, Central Park or Sharon Springs Park from Monday - Friday, from 8:30a - 5:00p, (2) mailing or faxing a FCPRD Activity Registration Form to the address indicated on the form or (3) returning customers may register online at www.forsythco.com using your FCPRD household account number. Phone and email registrations are not accepted. Click on these links for more information on FCPRD Registration and Refund Policies or for Refund Requests. Feel free to contact us at 770-781-2217 with any questions about our programs or registration.

Retired Gainesville College mountain bike coach Kelly Parham teaches basic bike care, safety, and riding techniques during this course to prepare you for your mountain biking excursions. Test your new skills on Central Park's three mile mountain bike trail! Please bring your bike, helmet and water. Participant must be able to ride a bike. Open to ages 6+.
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #161002-A |
January 17, 2008 |
10:00a-12:00p |
Central Park Mtn Bike Kiosk |
$15 |
| #161002-B |
January 17, 2008 |
1:00p-3:00p |
Central Park Mtn Bike Kiosk |
$15 |
| #161002-C |
February 21, 2008 |
10:00a-12:00p |
Central Park Mtn Bike Kiosk |
$15 |
| #161002-D |
February 21, 2008 |
1:00p-3:00p |
Central Park Mtn Bike Kiosk |
$15 |
| #261002-A |
March 21, 2008 |
10:00a-12:00p |
Central Park Mtn Bike Kiosk |
$15 |
| #261002- B |
March 21, 2008 |
1:00p-3:00p |
Central Park Mtn Bike Kiosk |
$15 |
| Freeride Bicycle Jump Class |

Want to catch some air? These classes will educate you on bike jumping techniques. Beginner Freeride - February 7: Learn jumping techniques, how to ride a drop and how to jump a gap. Along with these skills, berm riding techniques and many other advanced trail skills will be covered. This class is for beginners. Rider must bring their own bike, helmet and water and be able to ride a bike. Enrollment required by February 4. Intermediate Freeride - February 14: Take it to the next level! This class offers more in depth training and immediately follows the beginner class the weekend before. Please have prior experience before registering. Enrollment required by February 11. Open to ages 5+.
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| BEG #167402-A |
February 7, 2008 |
10:00a-1:00p |
Central Park Mtn Bike Kiosk |
$15 |
| INT #167402-B |
February 14, 2008 |
10:00a-1:00p |
Central Park Mtn Bike Kiosk |
$15 |
| Mountain Bike Training & Maintenance |

Retired Gainesville College mountain bike coach Kelly Parham teaches specifics of training for mountain biking. On and off bike exercises, strength training, nutrition selection and workout routines will be covered in this 2-hour course. Basic bike maintenance and repair will also be discussed to help educate the biker. After the class join us for a ride on Central Park's three-mile Mountain Bike trail! Please bring your bike and helmet. Open to ages 6+.
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #167802-A |
December 13, 2008 |
10:00a-12:00p |
Central Rec Center |
$15 |
| Indian Seats Rock Climbing |

Learn basic climbing skills, belaying, knot tying and climbing safety through our experienced staff, while climbing the ancient outcrops on Sawnee Mountain. Climbing techniques will be addressed to help the climber climb smarter not harder. Registration required by February 4. Open to ages 12+.
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #161109-A |
February 7, 2008 |
10:00a-2:00p |
Sawnee Mtn Pres - Tribble Gap |
$40
|
| Introduction to Tree Climbing |

Lots of fun and a great workout for the whole family! Climbers will be given instruction and guidance while climbing. All equipment will be provided and is manufactured specifically for climbing. Climbers remain secured to the rope the entire time they are off the ground. Rain date will be that Sunday. Open to ages 8+ .
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #161520-A |
February 7, 2008 |
1:00p-4:00p |
SMP Visitor Center |
$20 |
| #261520-A |
March 7, 2008 |
1:00p-4:00p |
SMP Visitor Center |
$20 |

A three-day course designed to teach all the skills you will need to climb large trees on your own using the double rope technique (DRT). You will learn to select good climbing trees, climbing technique, knots, safety rules and guidelines. Final exam will consist of a solo climb and written test. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult enrolled in the class. Participants must register by March 25. Class times as follows: Friday; 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Saturday and Sunday; 9:00am - 5:00pm. Open to ages 12+ .
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #261420-A |
March 27-29, 2008 |
9:00a-5:00p |
SMP Visitor Center |
$200 |

Experience the tree tops at Sawnee Mountain! Participants will use ropes and harnesses to access the suspension bridge, trolley and platforms on the canopy walk. Instruction and equipment is provided. All climbers remain secured to a safety line the entire time they are off the ground. Open to ages 8+ .
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #165820-A |
February 7, 2008 |
9:00a-12:00p |
SMP Visitor Center |
$20 |
| #265820-A |
March 7, 2008 |
9:00a-12:00p |
SMP Visitor Center |
$20 |

Keep your New Year's resolution and enjoy the scenery of Sawnee Mountain Preserve. Hikes will be moderate, 1-1.5 hours. Wear sneakers or boots and bring water. Open to ages 15+ .
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #161920-A |
Jan 8 - Feb 12, 2008 |
9:30a-11:00a |
SMP Visitor Center |
$60 |
| #161920- B |
Feb 19 - Mar 26, 2008 |
9:30a-11:00a |
SMP Visitor Center |
$60 |

The Squadron Boating Course is an 8 hour basic boating safety class. Upon completion, underage drivers (12-15 years old) will be granted a certificate to operate PWCs (personal water crafts). Topics covered include boat terminology, boat handling, legally required equipment, PWCs, rules and regulations. The course is approved by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administration). We encourage families to learn together and practice safe boating. ***The cost is per family, but please register each individual who will attend. Additional family members should enroll in section A0. Online registration is not available for this course. Open to ages 12+.
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #160420-A & 160420-AO*** |
February 21, 2008 |
9:00a-5:00p |
SMP Visitor Center |
$40 |
| Adventure Recreation Group Programs |

Plan your next birthday party, small office retreat, scout event or just a girls/guys day out! Some examples include rock climbing at Sawnee Mountain, canoeing the Chestatee River in the beautiful mountains of Dahlonega or tree climbing up 40-ft. trees! We will tailor our program dates to accommodate your schedule. Contact us soon to reserve your weekend outing. Minimum age, group size and pricing depends on the activity. All equipment and instructors provided. For more information, please call (770) 781-2217.

These nature programs are designed for parent and child and provide a unique sharing and learning experience. Activities will include stories, exploring and crafts. A different topic will be offered each week. A parent or care giver must accompany their child. Open to ages 3-5.
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #162320-A |
Jan 7-Feb 11, 2008 |
10:00a-11:00a |
SMP Visitor Center |
$45 |
| #162320-B |
Jan 8-Feb 12, 2008 |
10:00a-11:00a |
SMP Visitor Center |
$45 |
| #162320-C |
Feb 18-Mar25, 2008 |
10:00a-11:00a |
SMP Visitor Center |
$45 |
| #162320-D |
Feb 19-Mar 26, 2008 |
10:00a-11:00a |
SMP Visitor Center |
$45 |

Barred, Great Horned and Screech owls can be found in Georgia. During this outdoor activity, participants will learn more about these nocturnal creatures and hike the trails of Sawnee Mountain listening and looking for owls. Please register by Feb. 4. The cost listed is per person. Open to ages 6+.
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #165420-A |
February 7, 2008 |
5:00p-7:00p |
SMP Visitor Center |
$10 |
| Star Lab Portable Planetarium |

An instructor from Chattahoochee Nature Center will lead you on a journey through the stars in an inflatable planetarium. Please register by Jan. 14. Open to ages 5+.
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #165620-A |
January 17, 2008 |
3:00p-3:45p |
SMP Visitor Center |
$7 |
| #165620-B |
January 17, 2008 |
4:00p-4:45p |
SMP Visitor Center |
$7 |

Enjoy popcorn and a family-friendly movie at the new Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center. Open to all ages. This is a free program but space is limited so please pre-register.
| ACTIVITY |
MOVIE |
DATE |
TIME |
FEE |
| #168220-A |
A Bug’s Life (G) |
January 4, 2008 |
1:30p-3:00p |
$15 |
| #168220-B |
Jungle Book (G) |
February 8, 2008 |
1:30p-3:00p |
$15 |
| #268220-A |
Fly Away Home (PG) |
March 8, 2008 |
1:30p-3:00p |
$15 |
| Birthday Parties at Sawnee Mountain Preserve |

Looking for a unique celebration for your child’s next birthday? Sawnee Mountain Preserve is happy to offer several nature themed parties including Buggy Birthday Bash, Animal Encounter and Planting Party. Parties include a one hour naturalist-led program plus an additional hour at one of our picnic pavilions or the classroom. Tree Climbing parties are also available for ages 8+ and do not include a pavilion/classroom. Please contact Carrie Toth for more details and scheduling at (770) 781-2217.
SECOND SATURDAYS AT SAWNEE MOUNTAIN |
Join us at the new Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center for a free program every second Saturday of the month. Space is limited, please pre-register.


This free session will teach basic backpacking skills including: pack adjustment, gear selection, meal plans, navigation and trip preparation. Open to all ages. Limited space, must pre-register.
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #160920-A |
January 10, 2009 |
10:00a-11:00a |
SMP Visitor Center |
FREE |

Join us for this free class as we take an up close look at the fascinating lives of bees and taste a bit of local honey. Open to all ages. Limited space, must pre-register.
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #167920-A |
February 14, 2009 |
1:00p-3:00p |
SMP Visitor Center |
FREE |

Participants will discover how to bring a favorite bird to their yard and explore feeder types suitable for a feeding station. A short presentation will help with common feeder bird identification. Open to all ages. Limited space, must pre-register.
| ACTIVITY |
DATE |
TIME |
LOCATION |
FEE |
| #262120-A |
March 14, 2009 |
1:00p-3:00p |
SMP Visitor Center |
FREE |


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