(Ripley County, IN) – From serene waterfalls to lush forests, dynamic bike trails to vibrant skate parks, and inviting lakes to city parks, Ripley County offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences for all.
To celebrate our local parks and enjoy time outdoors, Ripley County Reads is preparing for the fifth annual Park Hop.
Residents and visitors alike are invited to embark on a journey through nature, with the Park Hop scheduled to take place from March 1 to May 4.
The Park Hop is a community-wide scavenger hunt encompassing 21 parks, trails, and nature areas throughout the county. It serves as an excellent opportunity for individuals and families to explore these hidden gems.
The Batesville Skatepark and Outdoor Adventure area’s state-of-the-art Pump Track, and the newly opened Kevin Hensley Memorial Park in Versailles, featuring a splash pad, musical play instruments, a pergola with swings, murals, and Ride & Share bikes, have been exciting additions since last year.
Participation is both easy and enjoyable — simply visit the parks and decipher the clues found within the Park Hop Passport. Passports can be obtained at any county library, Pat’s Bulk Foods, and downloaded from www.ripleycountyreads.com starting March 1.
Participants can answer clues at one, 10, or 15-plus parks to unlock special tickets for grand prize drawings.
The Park Hop Finale is scheduled for May 4th at the Shimmerhorn Shelter in Versailles State Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families are invited to join the festivities, which include an exotic animal petting zoo from McKay Family Farms, nature walks, a Nature Center program on reptiles, games, activities, swag bags for the first 100 kids, and prize drawings. Families attending the Park Hop Finale will also be entered into a drawing for an Indiana State Park pass ($50 value).
Ripley County Reads, a collaborative initiative founded by Ripley County’s public libraries (Batesville Memorial Public Library, Osgood Public Library, and Tyson Library) and the Ripley County Indiana Tourism Bureau, aims to promote literacy, community, and education throughout the county.
For additional information, please visit www.ripleycountyreads.com.
(Ripley County Tourism press release)
