Seminole County Parks, Trails and Recreation

HOLIDAY CHALLENGE: Softball players from the Seminole County Softball Complex and Red Bug Lake Park will be facing off tomorrow night for their annual Holiday Challenge tournament. 🥎

Last year, players collected a truckload of toys to be delivered to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Community Foundation to distribute to children who have faced abuse or neglect. 🧸❤️ Everyone is welcome to watch some friendly competition and enjoy the holiday atmosphere!

ST. LUCIA: The Annual St. Lucia Festival returns this year at the Museum of Seminole County History on Saturday, December 9. 🕯️ The Museum hosts carols, a procession, traditional games, and their famous array of Swedish desserts! 🍰

The St. Lucia Festival is a Swedish tradition celebrated on December 13, featuring a procession of young girls dressed as St. Lucia, wearing a crown of candles and singing traditional songs to herald the arrival of the Christmas season.

🌟 Date: Saturday, December 9, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
🌟 Cost: Free, Donations Accepted
🌟 No registration required

ST. LUCIA: The Annual St. Lucia Festival returns this year on Saturday, December 9. 🕯️ The Museum hosts carols, a procession, traditional games, and our famous array of Swedish desserts! 🍰

The St. Lucia Festival is a Swedish tradition celebrated on December 13, featuring a procession of young girls dressed as St. Lucia, wearing a crown of candles and singing traditional songs to herald the arrival of the Christmas season.

🌟 Date: Saturday, December 9, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
🌟 Cost: Free, Donations Accepted
🌟 No registration required

ROUND ROBIN 🎾: Round Robin tournaments are now ongoing at Sylvan Lake Park! Players can register and play on Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Men's, women's, and mixed doubles tournaments will take place. All levels are welcome! $4 entry fee.

To learn more, call (407) 665-2180 or stop by the park office (845 Lake Markham Rd, Sanford).

PAWS & CLAUS: Jingle paws, jingle paws, jingle all the way! 🎶🐾🎅

Drop by Seminole County Animal Services' first-ever Paws & Claus event this Saturday, December 2 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at Greenwood Lakes Park in Lake Mary. Bring your furry friend for a photo with Santa Claus, available for a donation.

Animal Services and local rescue groups will also have several available animals to adopt, featuring pets of all breeds and sizes. 🐶🐱🐰🐾

MULLET LAKE PARK: Seminole County crews will begin remodeling the campground restrooms at Mullet Lake Park on Monday, December 4. Work is expected to be completed in late February.

During this time, a temporary restroom trailer will be available for campers and park visitors.

Find more parks at https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/parks 🌴

HOLIDAY CHALLENGE: Softball players from the Seminole County Softball Complex and Red Bug Lake Park will be facing off next week for their annual Holiday Challenge tournament!

Last year, players collected a truckload of toys to be delivered to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Community Foundation to distribute to children who have faced abuse or neglect. 🥎🧸❤️

NOW OPEN: The Econ River Canoe Launch at Snow Hill Road has reopened. The road is now accessible and water levels have receded to a safe level.

Find more parks and things to do at https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/parks 🚣‍♀️

LAST CHANCE FOR TOY DRIVE: Seminole County FL proudly supports the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Community Foundation and community partners during the holidays by collecting toys for Seminole County children in foster care as well as those who have faced abuse or neglect.

🧸 DONATE TOYS & GIFT WRAP 🎁
Drop off new, unwrapped toys or wrapping paper, ribbons and bows to any Seminole County Fire Department station or Seminole County Library branch by this FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1.

🎄 GIVE ✨
Donate at any time to the SCSO Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to support the Christmas Village Toy Drive and other year-round community services. Learn more or donate at seminolesheriff.org/foundation

LAST CHANCE FOR TOY DRIVE: Seminole County proudly supports the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Community Foundation and community partners during the holidays by collecting toys for Seminole County children in foster care as well as those who have faced abuse or neglect.

🧸 DONATE TOYS & GIFT WRAP 🎁
Drop off new, unwrapped toys or wrapping paper, ribbons and bows to any Seminole County Fire Department station or Seminole County Library branch by this FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1.

🎄 GIVE ✨
Donate at any time to the SCSO Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to support the Christmas Village Toy Drive and other year-round community services. Learn more or donate at seminolesheriff.org/foundation

TEMPORARY CLOSURE: The Little Big Econ River Canoe Launch is temporarily closed due to high water levels. The river access road is underwater and river levels are at a record high, but should be receding. Stay tuned for a reopening announcement.

ORIENTEERING CLASS 🧭: Navigate like a true explorer! Join Natural Lands staff in the Ed Yarborough Nature Center to learn the basics of how to read a map, how compasses work and how to use them to find your way. Prove your skills by completing a challenge compass course in the woods! Each participant will receive their own compass to take home.

Ages 7+ (Children must be accompanied by an adult)
$8.00/person
Registration required at recreation.seminolecountyfl.gov

THANKSGIVING: Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🥧 Seminole County active parks will be OPEN but unstaffed until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22 and Friday, November 24. Limited courts and fields may be used at no charge. Parks will be CLOSED for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 23.

The Museum of Seminole County History will be CLOSED Wednesday, November 22 through Friday, November 24, reopening Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

STAR GAZING ⭐: Explore the night sky with us! Join Natural Lands and the Director of the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College, Derek Demeter, for an unforgettable evening under the stars.

🔭 Peer through large telescopes as we tour some of the most breathtaking celestial objects in the cosmos. 🌠 Bring your own chairs or blankets to stay cozy!

🌟 Suitable for ages 9 and up. Admission is $5 per person.
📅: Friday, December 15
🕒: 6:30-10:00 p.m.
📍: Lake Harney Wilderness Area, 2187 Osceola Fish Camp Rd, Geneva
🌌 Reserve your spot now at recreation.seminolecountyfl.gov --> Natural Lands or by calling 407-665-2211.

TOY DRIVE: Seminole County proudly supports the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Community Foundation and community partners during the holidays by collecting toys for Seminole County children in foster care as well as those who have faced abuse or neglect.

🧸 DONATE TOYS & GIFT WRAP 🎁
Drop off new, unwrapped toys or wrapping paper, ribbons and bows to any Seminole County Fire Department station or Seminole County Library branch before Friday, December 1.

🎄 GIVE ✨
Donate at any time to the SCSO Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to support the Christmas Village Toy Drive and other year-round community services. Learn more or donate at seminolesheriff.org/foundation

MIDWAY PARK CLOSURE: Midway Park will be closed Tuesday, November 21 and Wednesday, November 22 for parking lot sealcoating and striping.

Find more parks at https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/parks

NEW COURTS 🏀: Seminole County crews will be replacing the basketball courts at Kewannee Park (Casselberry) and Jamestown Park (Oviedo) starting Thursday, November 16. Construction is anticipated to last about one week.

This project was funded by a Community Development Block Grant.

Find more parks, courts, and fields at https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/parks

City of Casselberry City of Oviedo - Recreation & Parks

VETERANS DAY 🇺🇸: In observance of Veterans Day, Seminole County active/staffed parks will be open but unstaffed on Friday, November 10. All parks will close at 5:00 p.m. Limited courts or fields may be used at no charge.

The Museum of Seminole County History will be closed on Saturday, November 11.

IMPROV SHOW: Ready for an evening of unforgettable comedy? Have a laugh-out-loud good time as talented performers present on the spot skits and games.

🎤 Tuesday, November 14 at the North Branch (Sanford)
🎤 Free | For Adults | No registration required

BEARS: Have you spotted a black bear in your neighborhood? Seminole County is 'Bear Country', and all residents who live in the Urban Bear Management Area play a part in keeping bears wild while protecting property and public safety.

Join Cassie Mendoza, Central Florida Area Bear Biologist for the FWC, for a special talk at the North Branch Seminole County Library next Monday to learn more about living in bear country. See details in the post below.

BEARS: Have you spotted a black bear in your neighborhood? Seminole County is 'Bear Country', and all residents who live in the Urban Bear Management Area play a part in keeping bears wild while protecting property and public safety.

Join Cassie Mendoza, Central Florida Area Bear Biologist for the FWC, for a special talk at the North Branch Library in Sanford next week. Gain a better understanding of bear behavior and learn how to live and interact safely with them.

🐻 Monday, November 13
🐻 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
🐻 Free. For adults. No registration required.
🐻 North Branch Library, 150 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford

Learn more about the Urban Bear Management Area in Seminole County at bearawareseminole.com.

TOMORROW: ✨ Celebrate India and immerse yourself in captivating stories about traditions and life in India on Sunday, November 5th at the Northwest Branch (Lake Mary).

🎨 Get creative with special crafts inspired by the culture, including mandala design, rangoli art, and yarn-wrapped cardboard tube candles.

💃 Watch amazing performances from three dance groups: Krishna Kathak, of Florida, and Sharadalaya Dance Classes.

Drop in anytime between 2:00 - 4:00 PM for a fun afternoon that's perfect for kids and famil

CELEBRATE INDIA: ✨ Immerse yourself in captivating stories about traditions and life in India on Sunday, November 5th at the Northwest Branch Seminole County Library (Lake Mary).

🎨 Get creative with special crafts inspired by the culture, including mandala design, rangoli art, and yarn-wrapped cardboard tube candles.

💃 Watch amazing performances from three dance groups: Krishna Kathak, of Florida, and Sharadalaya Dance Classes.

Drop in anytime between 2:00 - 4:00 PM for a free, fun afternoon that's perfect for kids and families.

CELEBRATE INDIA: ✨ Immerse yourself in captivating stories about traditions and life in India on Sunday, November 5th at the Northwest Branch (Lake Mary).

🎨 Get creative with special crafts inspired by the culture, including mandala design, rangoli art, and yarn-wrapped cardboard tube candles.

💃 Watch amazing performances from three dance groups: Krishna Kathak, of Florida, and Sharadalaya Dance Classes.

Drop in anytime between 2:00 - 4:00 PM for a fun afternoon that's perfect for kids and families.

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/277289534760027
No registration required! This program is free.

MORNING BIRDING HIKE: Seminole County is Florida’s Natural Choice for a reason! Knowledgeable guides will lead you through a variety of beautiful ecosystems and highlight the special plants and creatures who live there. If you’re lucky, you might even get to meet a few of them!

Saturday, November 18, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at Black Bear Wilderness Area

Along with an expert birder, learn how to spot many species of wading birds as you hike along river and swamp.

Hike Rating: Moderate
Cost: $5 per person.
Ages: 7+ (Children must be accompanied by
an adult).
Register: recreation.seminolecountyfl.gov --> Natural Lands Programs

ECO CRAFTS 🎨: Begin the morning with a hike through the woods collecting natural treasures. From the items you collect, we will create a one-of-a kind watercolor plant masterpiece!

AGES 5-7: 9:00-11:00 a.m.
AGES 8-10: 12:00-2:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 4
Ed Yarborough Nature Center (Geneva)
$8 per person
Registration required at recreation.seminolecountyfl.gov
Children must be accompanied by an adult

MANDALA PUMPKINS 🎃: Participants transformed standard pumpkins into works of art at yesterday's Mandala Pumpkins workshop at the Northwest Branch Seminole County Library (Lake Mary).

Find more arts and crafts programs for adults at seminolelibrary.org. Most are FREE!

MIDWAY PARK: Yesterday, Seminole County Leisure Services celebrated the improvements of Midway Park in Sanford. New park amenities include:

🛝 A playground with top-of-the-line equipment, shade structures, and rubber surfacing
🏀 A refinished basketball court with new hoops and lighting
🚗 Parking lot improvements, coming this winter

Seminole County teams brought popcorn, snow cones, and games to this pop-up party, and special visitors from the Seminole County Fire Department and Seminole County Library added to the fun.

To learn more about Seminole County's improvement projects in the Midway community, visit https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/midway

Midway Coalition Midway Safe Harbor Center Midway Elementary School of the Arts Midway Elementary PTA

ADAPTIVE SPORTS 🎾: Kids and adults are invited to join ABA Centers of Florida, Posh Rock Tennis Foundation, and Orlando Health for an Adaptive Sports & Spooky Field Day hosted at Red Bug Lake Park this Saturday, October 28.

This inclusive, sensory-friendly, spooktacular field day features all kinds of sports and games for those with special needs. Costumes are encouraged!

Learn more and register now at https://cvent.me/ZvDmZn or contact ABA Centers of Florida for more information.

HARVEST MOON HIKE: Friday, October 27, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Chuluota Wilderness Area
Take a break on this Friday night to enjoy the splendor of this month’s full moon and search for hidden night creatures. Hike Rating: Moderate

Make sure to bring water and bug repellant and wear comfortable closed-toed shoes.
Cost: $5 per person.
Ages: 7+ (Children must be accompanied by
an adult).
Register: recreation.seminolecountyfl.gov --> Natural Lands Programs

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS: Join TJ Waller, a local professional photographer, at one of his favorite wilderness areas to learn tips and tricks he uses to capture amazing wildlife photos.

During the hike, TJ will go over camera settings, approach techniques and other nature photography skills. Participants should know at least the basic operation of their specific camera and bring it for the hike. Closed toed shoes are required. Insect repellent is recommended.

- Saturday, October 28
- 7:30 am -10:30 am
- Lake Harney Wilderness Area, 2187 Osceola Fish Camp Rd, Geneva
- Adults only (Ages 18+)
- $8.00/person
- Registration required! Register at recreation.seminolecountyfl.gov -> Natural Lands Programs or by calling 407-665-2211.

4-H FOOD CHALLENGE: The UF IFAS Extension Seminole County 4-H Challenge is a contest where youth work in teams of 3-4 to create a dish using a predetermined set of ingredients and cooking utensil/equipment.

Youth teams present their finished dish, deliver a five-minute presentation, and answer questions about their dish to a panel of judges.

🍀 Tuesday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
🍀 Ages: 8-18, 5-7 with parent/guardian accompaniment
🍀 Cost: $20.00 for the workshop
🍀 UF IFAS Extension Seminole County, 250 W. County Home Rd., Sanford
🍀 Email [email protected] or call (407) 665-5571 for instructions on how to register

4-H FOOD CHALLENGE: The UF IFAS Extension Seminole County 4-H Food Challenge is a contest where youth work in teams of 3-4 to create a dish using a predetermined set of ingredients and cooking utensil/equipment.

Youth teams present their finished dish, deliver a five-minute presentation, and answer questions about their dish to a panel of judges.

🍀 Tuesday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
🍀 Ages: 8-18, 5-7 with parent/guardian accompaniment
🍀 Cost: $20.00 for the workshop
🍀 UF IFAS Extension Seminole County, 250 W. County Home Rd., Sanford
🍀 Email [email protected] or call (407) 665-5571 for instructions on how to register

SOFTBALL 🥎: Registration is opening up for Winter Softball 2024 at the Seminole County Softball Complex! Returning teams can register starting November 1.

Learn more at https://teamsideline.com/scsc or register at recreation.seminolecountyfl.gov

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS: Join TJ Waller, a local professional photographer, at one of his favorite wilderness areas to learn tips and tricks he uses to capture amazing wildlife photos.

During the hike, TJ will go over camera settings, approach techniques and other nature photography skills. Participants should know at least the basic operation of their specific camera and bring it for the hike. Closed toed shoes are required. Insect repellent is recommended.

Saturday, October 28
7:30 am -10:30 am
Lake Harney Wilderness Area, 2187 Osceola Fish Camp Rd, Geneva
Adults only (Ages 18+)
$8.00/person
Registration required! Register at recreation.seminolecountyfl.gov -> Natural Lands Programs or by calling 407-665-2211.

REPTILE RAMBLE 🐊: Registration is still open for the Reptile Ramble Guided Hike this Saturday, October 21 from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Black Bear Wilderness Area in Sanford! 🦎

Search for scaly creatures during this exciting hike. Regular sightings include alligators, turtles, and snakes. 🐢

Hike Rating: Moderate
Cost: $5 per person
Ages: 7+ ONLY (Children must be accompanied by
an adult)
Register: recreation.seminolecountyfl.gov --> Natural Lands Programs or call 407-665-2211 🐍

ADAPTIVE SPORTS 🎾: Kids and adults are invited to join ABA Centers of Florida, Posh Rock Tennis Foundation, and Orlando Health for an Adaptive Sports & Spooky Field Day hosted at Red Bug Lake Park on Saturday, October 28.

This inclusive, sensory-friendly, spooktacular field day features all kinds of sports and games for those with special needs. Costumes are encouraged!

Learn more and register now at https://cvent.me/ZvDmZn or contact ABA Centers of Florida for more information.

SHIPWRECK RESCUE: Seminole County Leisure Services partnered with the Seminole County Fire Department and Solid Waste Management to remove an abandoned vessel from Lake Jesup at the Lake Jesup Park boat ramp.

SCFD Station 35's Special Hazards and Operations Team ensured that fuel and potentially hazardous materials were removed before transferring the materials and boat to Solid Waste for proper disposal. A special thanks to all involved! 🛥