There is still time to trade the usual summer rush for a blanket, a packed lunch and an afternoon outdoors close to home. The Crawford Park District’s Picnic Challenge continues through July 31, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to explore five local parks while participating in the statewide America 250-Ohio celebration.
Unlike a hiking challenge focused on distance or endurance, this one encourages participants to take it easy. The basic requirements are simple: visit a featured park, enjoy a picnic, take a photograph and answer a question connected to that location.
“No miles. No pressure. Just time together,” the park district says in its invitation.
Where to Spread a Blanket
The five featured picnic locations are Lowe-Volk Park (just 4 miles north of Galion), Sandusky Headwaters Preserve, Unger Park, Heckert Nature Preserve and Carpenter’s Bottom Natural Area. Each location offers a different setting for an outdoor meal, from established park spaces to quieter natural areas. Participants may visit one park or attempt to complete the entire five-location challenge before the end of the month. A separate picnic question will be shared for each park. Participants answer the question when submitting their photograph.
Two Ways to Participate
Photos and answers may be posted on social media in the comment section of the park district’s post for each location. Participants may also submit their information through the district’s online form (at: https://form.jotform.com/261743999281068).
Those who complete all five parks and submit an entry for each location will receive a social media shout-out, and selected photographs will be highlighted by the Crawford Park District.
Leave the Parks Ready for the Next Picnic
The challenge also carries a simple stewardship message: pack it in, pack it out and leave no trace.
The Picnic Challenge is part of Ohio Gathers: Statewide Homecoming and Picnics, an America 250-Ohio initiative encouraging communities to gather and celebrate as the nation’s 250th anniversary approaches. With the July 31 deadline nearing, participants still have time to visit a favorite park, discover a new one or complete all five before the challenge ends.
Image by DONGHWAN KIM from Pixabay