Friends of the Park

Here are some educational items, activities, worksheets, and resources that you and your family can explore while at the park! More are being added on a regular basis.

Resources

Life as a Tree - Did you know you can read the story of a tree's life? By looking at a tree's rings, you can figure out way more than just how old it is! Jessi and Squeaks are here to show you what to look for next time you're on a hike and find a tree stump.

Pennvernon Glassmaking Technique - Check out this detailed flow chart illustrating the Pennvernon "Ribbon of Glass" technique used to create plate glass at the former PPG factory located where the park is now.

The Tree of Life Labyrinth at Ariel-Foundation Park

Mammals you might see at the park

Rastin Tower/smokestack

National Park Foundation Virtual Tours/Visits

Life Cycle of the Monarch Butterfly and the Importance of Milkweed - Thanks to the Knox County Shade Tree Commission, lots of milkweed has been planted at Ariel-Foundation Park. This video helps outline its importance to butterflies, specifically the Monarch.

National Park Service Junior Explorers Programs - Programs for Cave Scientist, Let's Go Fishing, Paleontologist, Night Explorer, Sounds Explorer, and Underwater Explorer.

Activities

Ariel-Foundation Park Scavenger Hunt

Making an Acorn Whistle - Not only is this a fun skill to learn, it could be useful in an emergeny if you find yourself lost in the woods.

Tree Detective - What kind of tree branch is this? In this science worksheet, your child will follow the clues to determine which types of trees are shown (3rd/4th grade).

Find & Count Pond Creatures

"Leaf Man" by Lois Ehlert - collect leaves from the park and build your own leaf man or leaf creatures

Resources for Earth Day (April 22) activities

Coloring Pages

Photosynthesis - Introduce the concept of photosynthesis to your first grader with this simple coloring page. The picture diagram shows what happens when photosynthesis occurs. When your first grader finishes learning about the process, they can have fun coloring in the picture.

Daffodils - Celebrate the coming of spring and with a daffodil coloring page, complete with a diagram so your little blossom can learn the parts of a flower as she colors! Daffodils can be found throughout the park and along the banks of the Kokosing River near the historic viaduct.

Bugs! - Kids who love creepy, crawly things will truly enjoy this insect coloring page. Using their colorful imaginations, kids bring an ant, ladybug, dragonfly, plants, and more to life, exercising their fine motor skills as they color! They also get a glimpse of insects in their natural habitat.

Several of the worksheets and activities found on this page are provided by education.com, greatschools.org, kidssoup.com, and youtube.com. Ariel-Foundation Park is not resposible for any advertising found on these external sites.

8/28/20:

This is a reminder that park water fountains have been turned off due to COVID-19. If you are visiting the park, please consider bringing your own water.

6/9/20:

Rastin Tower will open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10. Guidelines include:

• No more than 10 people at a time, mechanically monitored by the turnstile gate.
• We encourage everyone to wash hands or use sanitizer after climbing the tower.
• Please attempt to maintain social distancing as much as possible while climbing.

5/18/20:

Park National Bank Pailion and Kiwanis Pavilion are still closed until further notice.

Expectations for personal use of small picnic pavilions:

• No gatherings over 10 people
• Use a tablecloth and/or disinfect the table and bench when done.
• Place trash/recycling in propre bins or take it with you.
• If these expectations cannot be met, small pavilions will be closed.

5/11/20:

July 4 festivities have been cancelled. Read more...

Summer concert series and Rastin Challenge have been cancelled. Read more...

Park restrooms will open as of tomorrow, 5/12/20. They will be sanitized a minimum of two times daily.

3/24/20: Important COVID-19 updates from the park:

Our community's health is important to us.

RASTIN TOWER IS CLOSED
Rastin Observation Tower will be closed starting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24. Under Ohio Department of Health director's executive orders, playgrounds are to be closed. With a turnstyle and built from similar materials, we have decided to close the tower until further notice. The park, however, will remain open and people are encouraged to enjoy the outdoors, while maintaining appropriate social distance.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
The Foundation Park Conservancy Board is in the process of discussing the 2020 Free Summer Concert Series. At this point, please be aware that some concert dates may/will be affected. Whether that means cancellation or postponement, we are uncertain just yet. We continue to monitor the ongoing situation and will make decisions as we draw closer and as facts are more defined. We will be communicating with sponsors soon. Other events, such as May's Kids to Parks Day, are also being discussed.

VOLUNTEERS
We appreciate our dedicated volunteers who spend countless hours making the park a great place to be every summer. While the Clock House would normally open the first weekend of May, we are delaying that decision for a few more weeks until we know more about how COVID-19 is going to play out. Thank you for your patience as we work through many issues affecting our upcoming season.

PRIVATE EVENTS
Park staff are working diligently with those who may have rented a park venue for a private event. We will be in touch with you at least 4 weeks prior to your scheduled event to discuss your options. Our goal is to reschedule where possible. Again, we appreciate your patience as we work through this process.

GET OUTDOORS!
You are allowed to be outdoors, in fact, it is encouraged (see point 5c of the order)! Spending time outdoors is good for your physical and mental health, which we all need to nurture during this challenging time. You are encouraged to get out (at an appropriate distance) and walk, hike, bike AND discover your local parks. We are proud to offer more than 250 beautiful acres for you to explore. We also encourage you to check out 7 miles of trails at the Brown Family Environmental Center and our other Knox County parks.

3/19/20: From the National Parks & Recreation Association:

03/18/20: Community Resources:

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03/16/20: Latest Info From Knox Public Health

The following webiste contains the lastest information from Knox Public Health regarding COVID-19.

Website: https://www.knoxhealth.com/index.php/public-health-issues2/infectious-disease/coronavirus

Ohio Department of Health COVID Hotline: 1-833-4-ASK-ODH
Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

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03/11/20: Ariel-Foundation Park Using Enhanced Cleaning Measures

Ariel-Foundation Park is taking proactive precautions regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Urton Clock House, located at the park (10 Pittsburgh Avenue), serves as a polling location for precincts 1B and 1C on Tuesday, March 17.

These actions include:

• Enhanced cleaning methods with recommended cleaners, wipes and/or sanitizers in Park buildings
• More frequent cleanings
• Continued monitoring of the world-wide health situation regarding COVID-19

“We continue to educate ourselves and monitor the ongoing issue on a regular basis and will adjust our cleaning and event procedures as advised by the Knox Public Health, as well as synthesizing information from the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization,” said Operations Director Mark Fritz. “We also want to keep COVID-19 in perspective.”

The following is a link to the latest State of Ohio information regarding COVID-19. In addition, here are some general health tips to follow to prevent the spread of illnesses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Stay home when you are sick.

It is Ariel-Foundation Park’s goal to always operate family friendly events, both Park and private, in a healthy environment. These additional steps are a precaution to ensure the health and safety of Park staff and visitors. Be assured we will provide additional updates as necessary.

Updated: April 2023.

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For general inquiries, bid requests, or items related to park operations, contact [email protected]

For inquiries regarding venue or pavilion reservations, weddings/receptions, or tours of the facilities, contact our Reservation Specialist using this form.