FALL EVENTS IN EAST COUNTY PARKS

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September 9, 2012 (San Diego) -- East County Parks are hosting an abundance of events throughout the month of September.  There’s something for everyone, both young and old.  Below is a sampling of what’s available.  Visit www.sdparks.org for all events.

Family Camping and Biking Event at Lake Morena

Welcome to Discover Your Parks and Ride! Experience the passion and thrill on a two-day weekend adventure at Lake Morena County Park to introduce families and groups to camping, outdoor entertainment, and some of San Diego’s premier road and mountain bike opportunities.

Bike riders can choose to partake in a 48.5 or 62 mile ride on a road bike, an 8 or 12 mile ride on a mountain bike, a kid friendly 4 mile ride around the Lake Morena campground for kids 16 and younger, or a bike rodeo and skills challenge for kids 9 and younger.

For more information and to register for the bike ride, please visit our registration page.

DOS PICOS REGIONAL PARK

17953 Dos Picos Park Rd, Ramona | (760) 789-2220 

FREE SATURDAY PROGRAMS 

Every Saturday 

Free Saturday programs meet at the Amphitheater at the scheduled time. Programs may change or cancel without notice depending upon the weather and Ranger availability. The Ranger needs to have at least 10 people for each program to begin, so bring a friend! 

SNAKES ‘N SKINS WITH RANGER RON 

11 am – 11:30 am 

Come see and feel creatures living and non-living! Ranger Ron will break out his animal skin collection and introduce some of the office critters too. Free of charge and fun for the whole family! 

JR. RANGERS 

1 pm – 2 pm 

Do you like science and nature shows? The Jr. Rangers outdoor education program is based on California Science Standards. We will investigate and explore the rocks, plants, and critters of the park. Don’t forget to bring your Jr. Rangers log book to get credit for participation!

CRAFT TIME 

2 pm – 3 pm 

Remember how fun it was to sit down and make a cool craft? It still is! Come make a project you can keep. $1 donation per crafter gratefully accepted. 

EARTH BALL 

4 pm – 4:30 pm 

Can you imagine a bunch of ants fighting over a grape? Well that’s what we look like when we play with the Earth Ball. It’s the biggest beach ball you have ever seen! Get exercise and enjoy the game. 

FISHIN’ WITH A RANGER

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Meet at the Amphitheater. Cane poles and tackle will be provided to the first 15 people. A California State fresh water fishing license is required for all fisherman over the age of 15. You may bring your own pole if you wish to test the waters with a group. Wear sunscreen and insect repellent to challenge your angler abilities. 

NIGHT HIKE

7:30 month of September

Meet at the Ranger's office and dress warmly. Bring a flashlight and an adult.  

BAT HIKE

September 1: 7:15 pm – 8:00 pm

September 15: 6:55 pm – 7:40 pm

September 29: 6:35 pm – 7:10 pm

Learn how to see and hear real bats as they come out to feed in the Park! Expect an easy half-hour walk in the twilight. Timing is everything on this hike, and it all depends upon the changing time of sunset so don’t be late! Actual times will be posted at the Ranger Office. Bring a flashlight and an adult! 

SELF-GUIDED HIKES AT DOS PICOS

At convenience of hiker

9 am – Sunset

Pick up a self-guided hiking sheet or try out our Audio Trail Guide on park provided iPods located at the Ranger’s Office free of charge! You can also borrow an Exploration Pack to help you in your nature investigations.  

CABINET OF CURIOSITIES

At convenience of patron

9 am – Sunset

Are you fascinated by the form and function of nature? We are too! Come check out and touch all the cool, creepy things we have preserved at the Ranger’s office. 

ZERO WASTE

At convenience of patron

9 am - Sunset

Dos Picos is becoming a zero waste facility. We offer on-site recycling and composting bins so you can help to save the earth. You can recycle and compost nearly all of your discards while camping and picnicking at the park! Pick up your free compost kit at the Ranger’s Office.

LAKE MORENA

2550 Lake Morena Dr

Campo | (619) 579-4101 

NATURE HIKE

Saturdays, September 8, 22, and 29

2:30 pm

Take a relaxing and easy hike at Lake Morena Regional County Park. During the hike you will learn about native plants in the area, and how the Kumeyaay Indians utilized the natural vegetation in their daily lives. You will also learn the history of Lake Morena. The hike lasts about an hour. The event is free for campers or a $3 day use fee for non campers. Call in advance to confirm the hike start time.

LAKESIDE COMMUNITY CENTER

9841 Vine St 

Lakeside | (619) 443-9176 

LAKESIDE CRAFT FAIR

Saturday, September 29

10 am – 4 pm

Shop local artisans and crafters at the Lakeside Arts & Crafts Fair held at the Lakeside Community Center. For vendor information please contact Kristin Roundy at Kristin.roundy@sdcounty.ca.gov or by calling 619-443-9176. 

PICKLEBALL

Tuesday & Thursday

2 pm – 6 pm

Pickleball is a fun game that is played on a badminton court with the net lowered to 34 inches at the center. It is played with a perforated plastic baseball (similar to a whiffle ball) and wood or composite paddles. It is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. Join us for fun, friends, and lots of laughter! Ages 18 & up. Fee $2 drop in fee.

ADULT TENNIS LESSONS

Wednesdays

9 am – 10 am

Participants will receive basic tennis instruction that focuses on technique, competition, and sportsmanship. All levels are welcome as each class can be tailored to individual specific skill levels. Ages 18 & up Fee $10 per class paid monthly. 

ZUMBA

Mondays: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Thursdays: 6:05 pm – 7:05 pm

Zumba is the Latin inspired, easy to follow, calorie burning, feel it to the core, fitness party! You will get a marvelous workout and condition all muscles while having fun. Join the party!! Ages 13 & up Fee $6 per class when registering for the month or $7 per class drop in fee. 

BOOTCAMP FITNESS 

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 

6 pm – 7 pm 

Get fit with a class that incorporates cardio, weights, yoga and kick-boxing into one hour-long session. Exercises vary each class, so sessions are never boring, and participants get a full body workout. Most sessions are held on the patio surrounded by the scenic views of Lindo Lake Park. Participants are a range of different fitness levels and ages, and the class is tailored to your individual abilities. Ages 14 and up. Fee $60 for 3 classes per week or $40 for 2 classes per week.

LOS PENASQUITOS CANYON PRESERVE & RANCH HOUSE

12122 Canyonside Park Dr

San Diego | (858) 484-7504

DOCENT LED TOURS

Saturdays, 11 am

Sundays, 1 pm

Step back in time and visit the historic Johnson-Taylor Adobe led by our Los Peñasquitos Rancho Tour Guides. Immerse yourself in the various cultures, peoples, and architecture that shaped San Diego. Call (858) 484-7504 for more information.

SPRING VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER

8735 Jamacha Blvd

Spring Valley | (619) 479-1832 

BEGINNING BALLET FOLKLORICO

Thursdays

5:30 pm – 6:15 pm

Ballet Folklorico is a true cultural dance experience for all ages, and open to males and females. Students have many performances throughout the year. Cost is $57 with a class limit of 8-20. 

ADVANCED BALLET FOLKLORICO

Thursdays

6:15 pm – 7 pm

Ballet Folklorico is a true cultural dance experience for all ages, males and females. Students have many performances throughout the year. Cost is $57 with a class limit of 8-20. 

BODY BY DISCIPLINE INTERGENERATIONAL FITNESS – YOUTH & ADULT Wednesday, September 12 – Saturday, October 5

7 pm – 7:55 pm (Wednesdays)

9 am – 10 am (Saturdays)

Boxing, kickboxing and overall fitness! Expect a workout with strength and conditioning drills; guaranteed to improve your stamina and increase your speed while learning correct powerful punches and kicks. Students end each class with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Bring your gloves. Ages 7 and up. Cost is $40 with a class limit of 6-20. 

BACKYARD BOOTCAMP

Wednesdays, September 12 – November 7 (No class October 31)

6 pm – 7 pm

Fitness boot camp combines motivation and a variety of exercises and drills such as speed training, agility drills, and strength training providing a total body workout in a high energy environment. Whether participants are involved in youth sports, elite athletes, want to lose weight, tone up, or increase their cardiovascular endurance or build muscle mass can join this class. Ages 15 and up. Cost is $50 with a class limit of 6-20.

COX TECH CENTER (COMPUTER LAB) – BASIC BEGINNERS

Thursdays, September 13 – November 1 (No class October 18)

11 am – 12 pm

Open Lab 12 pm – 1 pm

This free course is designed to teach the basic skills how to use a PC. The course covers basic hardware and software for the most recent Windows operating system. Objectives of the class include getting started, navigating the desktop, mousing maneuvers, keyboard, cursor and special keys and navigating the Internet. Students must sign up to attend and will not be allowed to enroll after week two. Ages 18 and up. Class limit 8 maximum. 

COX TECH CENTER (COMPUTER LAB) – ADVANCED BEGINNERS

Fridays, September 14 – November 2 (No class October 19)

11 am – 12 pm

Open Lab 12 pm – 1 pm

This free course covers basic hardware and software for the most recent Windows operating system. Objectives of the class include getting started, navigating the desktop, mousing maneuvers, keyboard, cursor and special keys, and navigating the Internet. Students must sign up to attend and will not be allowed to enroll after week two. (Students must have completed basic beginners class or have a basic knowledge of computer usage). Ages 18 and up. Class limit 8 maximum. 

SENIOR CATERED ADULT LUNCHES

Monday – Friday (ongoing)

9:45 am – 1 pm

Meet new friends from all walks of life. Join an active group of retired people for lunch-Monday through Friday. The meals served are complete and nutritionally balanced. All reservations must be made by 12:00 pm at least 3 days in advance. For information or reservations, call 619-337-1425, Monday through Friday.  Fee Suggested Donation of $3.50. $6.00 for ages under

SPRING VALLEY GYMNASIUM SPORTS FACILITY

838 Kempton St 

Spring Valley | (619) 667-6833

MEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Thursdays

6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm and 9 pm

Divisions B and C Season: 10 games + playoffs

Come participate in the best men’s basketball league offered in East County. There is a ‘B’ division and a ‘C’ division with up to 8 teams per division. Standings and stats are kept displayed on our league website at www.leaguelineup.com/springvalleysports. For more information call 619-667-6833. Fee is $350 per team and $24/game/team for referees. 

YOUTH OPEN PLAY

Monday – Friday, 3:30 pm – 9 pm 

Saturday – 2 pm - 6 pm

Sunday, 2 pm – 6 pm

*Open gym hours will vary. Please call ahead for up to date open play times.

To participate, youth must bring the release form packet completely filled out and signed by parent or guardian. This form puts your child on the Open Play Checklist, where the child must check in every day they participate. Children must where gym appropriate clothing. No jeans. Kids under 10-years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Age requirement is 17 and under. Free for all youth.  

ADULT OPEN PLAY

Monday – Friday 3:30 pm – 9 pm

Saturday – 2 pm - 6 pm

Sunday, 2 pm – 6 pm

*Open gym hours will vary. Please call ahead for up to date open play times.

To participate, adults must fill out the release form. This form puts you on the Open Play Checklist, where you must check in every day that you participate. Player must wear gym appropriate clothing. No jeans. To check out equipment, adults must bring a form of personal identification such as a driver’s license. Cost is $1/day, $5/month, or $20/ year for an annual pass. Age requirement is 18 years and older.

BOOT CAMP

Date Tuesdays and Fridays TBD

Time 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Come see why boot camp workouts have become so popular and add some excitement to your exercise routine! The workouts will consist of fun and intense drills that are designed to increase muscle tone, agility, and cardiovascular endurance. Class is open to people ages 16 and up. Fee $125. 

SPORTS CONDITIONING

Tuesday, Wednesdays, & Fridays

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Are you looking to improve your quickness and agility? Do you want to build your strength and increase your vertical jump for basketball? Become a better and more well rounded athlete by joining the Sports Conditioning Class. Class is open to people ages 13 and up. Cost is $55 per month with no long term commitments.

SWEETWATER SUMMIT REGIONAL PARK AND CAMPGROUND

3218 Summit Meadow Rd 

Bonita | (619) 472-7572 

AQUATIC PARK IN THE SUN

Open thru October 31

7-Days a Week

9:30 am – 1-Hour Before Sunset

$3 Splash Park Use Fee/Free to Campers

Eastview Park, the new day use park on the grounds of Sweetwater Regional features an aquatic playground with colorful water features, and a dry tot lot playground to keep the kids entertained. Visitors may picnic on the lawn and will find shaded tables, barbecues, a 60-foot pavilion, four 16-foot pavilions, and new restrooms. This is the perfect place to spend the day with family and friends. The aquatic park is free to campers or a $3 Splash Park use fee will apply.

SYCAMORE CANYON/GOODAN RANCH PRESERVE

16281 Sycamore Canyon Rd 

Poway | (858) 513-4737

STAR PARTY 

Friday, September 21

Sunset 

Join the San Diego Astronomers Association (SDAA) volunteer astronomers and park staff at the Hwy 67 staging area for a night under the stars. Come experience the chance to view our galaxy using the same technology used by the professionals. Viewers will get a chance to see many amazing sights, which they wouldn’t normally see without the trained eye. Bring sturdy shoes and a jacket. Clouds or rain the event will be cancelled. Free to the public. 

LIVE RAPTOR EXPERIENCE

Saturday, September 29

11 am – 12 pm

Join Ranger Maureen and her live raptors to learn all there is to know about these magnificent birds. Eating habits, nesting, and survival will all be discussed with a chance to view these large raptors up close. Feathers, skull reproductions, and pellets will also be on display for your examination. Space is limited to 50 so please call for reservations. Guests will park at the Goodan Ranch Staging area and must walk approximately 1-mile down to the visitor center. Rain or muddy conditions will cancel the event. Free to the public.

WILLIAM HEISE COUNTY PARK

4945 Heise Park Rd 

Julian | (760) 765-0650 

SKY HUNTERS 

Saturday, September 22

6 pm  

Join a representative of the Sky Hunters Organization and learn about the behaviors of hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles. Have you ever wondered what you would do if you found a sick or injured raptor, or if there were laws to protect these magnificent birds? This program is not only educational, but it will allow you to view these amazing creatures closer than you ever could in the wild. The program is open to all ages. Meet at the park amphitheater. The event is free for campers or a $3 day use fee for non campers. 

FIRED UP!!

Saturday, September 15

7 pm – 8 pm

Join the firefighters of Julian and Cuyamaca for a 1-hour program on campfire safety, fire prevention, and what to do if you get lost or hurt while camping. Bring the kids to participate in the water shoot from the engine fire hose, and get their photos taken with the firefighters. Meet at the park amphitheater. The event is open to all ages and is free for campers or a $3 day use fee for non campers.

RANGER LED HIKE 

Every Sunday through September 30

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Join park staff for an easy to moderate hike through the trails of Heise Park. Weather permitting these hikes will be in the winter, so bring a sweater, jacket, gloves, water, and snacks. All hikes will start at the Ranger station. Free of charge for campers or $3 day use fee.


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