Local residents can take advantage of multiple programs being offered through San Joaquin County Parks this summer. Also, kids and teens can submit their entries for naming a new mini golf course at Micke Grove.
San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation is inviting kindergarten through 12th grade students (ages 17 and under) to submit creative name ideas for the new Micke Grove Mini Golf Course.
The playful nine-hole “Mini 9” course is designed just for young children and families, featuring Zoo-themed animal sculptures, interactive play features, and landscaping inspired by real animal habitats. There will also be a full 18-hole course for players of all ages, but the naming contest is for the mini golf course only.
“This fun and educational space will combine the joy of mini golf with the natural wonder of wildlife. It’s designed to inspire exploration, imagination and memories that last a lifetime,” Parks officials noted. “Think wild. Think whimsical. Think zoo meets mini golf.”
San Joaquin County youth ages 17 and under can enter; submit a creative name idea for the new mini golf course and a brief one paragraph statement on how or what inspired your name idea. You can go to sjparks.com to fill out the online submission form, and a parent or guardian must approve and sign the online submission portal. Deadline for name submissions is Friday, June 27.
The winning name will be featured at the new course and the winner will be recognized at the course’s grand opening.
Also, several ongoing programs are being offered at Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park, including the popular Astronomy in the Park, with June through October programs now scheduled.
The next event is set for Saturday, June 28 at 8:30 p.m. and will feature Star Cluster in Hercules, Mars, Mercury. This is a free event but there is a $6 cash parking fee at Oak Grove, I-5 at Eight Mile Road.
Programs are presented by the Stockton Astronomical Society, Oak Grove Docent Council and San Joaquin County Parks.
All are encouraged to come early to enjoy astronomy activities in the Nature Center and then view the planets through giant telescopes after sunset.
Future dates for 2025 are: Aug. 2, 8:15 p.m., Moon, Star Cluster in Hercules; Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m., Star Cluster in Hercules, Saturn. Also, Sept. 27, 7 p.m., Saturn, Star Cluster in Hercules, Moon and Oct. 25 at 6:15 p.m., Jupiter, Star Cluster in Hercules, Saturn.
For more information, call 209-953-8814 or 209-953-8800.
The third Sunday of the month at 11 a.m. brings the California Native Plants – What Are They Good For? Program this summer at Oak Grove, with programs scheduled for July 20 and Aug. 17.
Meet at the Nature Center to see what’s in bloom in the native plant gardens and learn how to start your own native plant garden, no matter the space available.
Severe heat cancels the event, check the Nature Center’s Facebook page for updates. Free event, $6 cash parking.
Also, every third Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., a Prospective Volunteers Open House is hosted at the Nature Center at Oak Grove. If you like nature and want to share your enthusiasm with others, pick up a free information packet at the open house; the next two dates are July 20 and Aug. 17. Stop in anytime during the open house hours. You can help educate, work in the garden or fill any number of volunteer tasks, from assisting with exhibits to doing data input.
No experience is necessary; training will be provided. There is a $6 cash parking fee. No pets at the open house, please.
For more information on either the Native Plants or Prospective Volunteers programs, call 209-953-8814.
