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SEPTEMBER 2023

The Clay County Division of Parks and Recreation's mission is to provide residents and visitors with an enjoyable recreational experience. Our primary goal is to provide safe, easily accessible, and well-maintained facilities that meet the community’s needs.

We invite you to explore the many ways that Parks and Recreation are making our communities happier and healthier. Parks are a place where people come together, and communities grow stronger.

IT STARTS IN PARKS

The It Starts in Parks initiative supports the four pillars of the Strategic Plan; Health, Community Building; Economic Impact and Environmental Stewardship and Resiliency. Each pillar can be expanded to include the plethora of benefits provided by parks and recreation agencies throughout the State of Florida.

Florida’s parks encourage healthy, active lifestyles as well as social development. Sound bodies and sound minds require physical activity and the chance to experience personal growth. Parks provide this opportunity naturally.

YOUTH ATHLETIC OPPORTUNITIES

The Keystone Heights Sports Association is bringing youth football back to Little Rain Lake Park!  They would love community support! Their home games are: September 2nd September 16th October 7th

The Oakleaf Sports Association is currently offering signups for their flag football season!   Please visit http://oakleafsports.net/ for more information.

The YMCA is currently registering for fall flag football (4-17 yr).  Season runs Oct 9 – Dec 16.  Registration is open through September 23.  Register at the YMCA or online at www.fcymca.org/youth_sports. Volunteer coaches are needed.  Contact the sports department at ccysports@fcymca.org for details.

Touch A Truck - What Moves Clay

Thank you to everyone who came to the Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 26th to enjoy the activities, food, and fun provided by the Clay County Board of County Commissioners!

CAMP CHOWENWAW

Hickory Trail Nature Hike

September 16th, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Explore Camp Chowenwaw Park's Hickory Trail on a guided tour from one of our camp naturalists. We will meet at the picnic area to the left of Big Cabin. Bring bug spray, bottled water, and closed-toe shoes. You can register for this free event by completing the reservation form at https://forms.office.com/g/rnPhXtPeBG.

Contact Camp Chowenwaw directly at 904-529-8058 ext. 4 if you would like to schedule for a larger group.

The Chowenwaw Centuries Exhibit

The Camp Chowenwaw Girl Scout Museum has moved to the newly renovated Chowenwaw Centuries Exhibit next to the Pawpaw Nature Center.  In addition to Girl Scout history of Camp Chowenwaw and Northeast Florida, the new museum will feature exhibits on the Indigenous Peoples of Clay County.

Stay connected with Camp Chowenwaw for our Grand Opening in late September.  Volunteers will be needed to staff the museum.

Please contact liza.mcccain@claycountygov.com if you would be interested in volunteering as a museum greeter.

Airing of the Quilts

Emergency Management

It is hurricane season- Utilize these important resources to be prepared.

Florida may be the Sunshine State, but Floridians are no strangers to emergency preparedness. Being ready for disasters can make all the difference. The Emergency Management Division is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing countywide disaster response, recovery, mitigation, risk reduction, prevention, and preparedness planning.