Fall Registration is HERE!

Decorah Parks and Recreation fall activities open for registration on Thursday, August 15th at 8:00am!

Look for our traditional programming, as well as NEW programs available for youth and adults- check it out here: Fall Brochure 2024

Luther College Ropes Course Challenge 2024

Decorah Parks and Recreation is partnering with Luther College to offer a fun, yet challenging, opportunity on the Ropes Course located on Luther College Campus August 14, 15, & 16th.

The two-hour challenge course programs provided by Luther offers a comprehensive adventure experience in a safe and dynamic learning atmosphere. Through active involvement in this program, groups and individuals work together through challenges that promote and complement dynamics of healthy lifestyles. Learning that is frequently associated with challenge course programming includes active participation and reflection on issues associated with diversity, leadership, team building, communication, problem solving, socialization, cooperation, self confidence, integrity, fitness, and recreational enjoyment.

*Anyone participating age 7-10 years old MUST be accompanied by an adult. The adult must also be in attendance for the full duration of the event*

Luther College staff will work with groups to provide a comprehensive experience designed to be fun, active, and reflective. All staff facilitating groups are certified practitioners ensuring a safe, well-run program meeting Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) industry standards. Luther College requires a signed waiver/liability form that must be completed and turned in the day of the event. Participation will not be allowed without a completed form.

The course is located next to the soccer field just east of Lindeman Pond, the challenge course is a short walking distance from the Regents Center parking lot. All groups will meet at the scheduled time on the challenge course site. Challenge Course rain-date will be based on course availability.

Registration is available starting Monday July 29th.   Registration deadline is Wednesday August 13th at 11:59pm.

https://decorahparkrec.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs

There are three days available with limited spots, 20/session.

August 14th    10:00am- 12:00pm   $10/per participant

August 15th    10:00am- 12:00pm    $10/per participant

August 16th   10:00am- 12:00pm    $10/per participant

G2G Summer Celebration

Decorah’s Get-2-Gether Committee and Decorah Parks and Recreation are hosting a free Summer Celebration for adults with special needs from 5:45 p.m. to 7:45p.m, Friday, August 16th at Whalen Cabin near Phelps Park.

Adults with special needs are invited for an evening of music, games, Mabes Pizza and Culver’s Custard. Volunteers will be provided by the Luther College Soccer Teams.

 

Sponsors and community donations allow G2G volunteers to offer these events at no cost to participants.

 

Participants should register for this event by 5:00pm Wednesday, August 14, to allow volunteers to plan accordingly. Registration can be completed online at www.get2g.com or by contacting the Decorah’s Parks and Recreation office, (563) 382-4158 or parkrec@decorahia.org.

Zumba in the Park

Join us in Phelps Park for a free, drop in Zumba Series!

Class will meet at Phelps Shelter #1 from 8:00am – 8:45am on the following dates:

        Saturday July 27

        Saturday August 10

*Serenity Fitness is your rain/weather location*

https://www.zumba.com/p/Carrie-Nimrod/2392594

Come wearing comfortable shoes, clothes and also bring a water bottle.

No registration required, just show up and get ready to move!

**Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a participating adult**

Gnomes in the Park 2024

Starting Wednesday, July 24th at 1:00pm, Gnomes in the Park returns for Nordic Fest 2024! Stop by the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce to pick up or download a Gnomes in the Park Scavenger Hunt Form and Map for a list of clues to find gnomes for your chance to win a drawing prize.

Search the park for gnomes and fill out the Gnomes in the Park Scavenger Hunt form by writing down the secret word on the back of each gnome. Return your Gnomes in the Park Scavenger Hunt form to the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce for your chance to win a drawing prize. This activity is organized by Decorah Parks & Recreation and Winneshiek County Conservation. It is perfect for kids, adults or the whole family! Your completed Gnomes in the Park Scavenger Hunt form is your ticket for your chance to win a prize.

Please do not remove gnomes from the parks!

Spraying at Carlson Park- 7/17

Wednesday, July 17

The Decorah Parks crew will be spaying at Carlson Park. Areas include the main trail on the South end, by the cemetery.

Trail Closure

The outer trail of the Decorah Community Prairie will be CLOSED until further notice.

Due to high water levels, the shoreline has diminished significantly and is deemed unsafe. The inner loop of the Prairie will remain open and can be used until an alternative route is developed.

Thank you!

Fair Fun Run – July 13

The Fair Fun Run will be held Saturday, July 13. This family friendly event includes a 3/4 mile kids race for children ages 12 and under, and a 3-mle race for older children and adults. Each participant is eligible for a drawing prize distributed during the awards ceremony (must be present to win).  Refreshments are provided.  Awards are given to 1st-3rd place in each age division.

Registration can be completed online or by returning a paper registration form to the Park-Rec Office. Entry fee is $12 with a t-shirt and $6 without a t-shirt. Registration is still available for the No Shirt option.

Late registration will be taken 7:00-7:30am at the intersection of E Water St. and Sumner St the day of the event . The 3/4 mile run starts at 8:00 am; 3 mile at 8:30 from the fairgrounds.  The awards ceremony will be held in the Fontanelle Shelter near the Cattleman’s Building on the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds after the last participant finishes (approximately 9:30 am)

This event is made possible with the support of the Winneshiek County Fair Board and these sponsors: Collins Aerospace, Dental Associates of Decorah, Deco Products Company, The Getup, Gundersen Health System, Oneota Valley Family Eye Care, and Viking State Bank

Fourth of July Information

Thursday, July 4th

Decorah Parks and Recreation office will be CLOSED

Decorah Swimming Pool will be OPEN 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Pulpit Rock Campground will have normal operating hours

Trail Events:

Pulpit to Pulpit 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

Seasons of a Prairie- Summer Prairie Festival

Join us for some fun programs at the Decorah Community Prairie and Butterfly Garden on Sunday, June 23, 1:30-4:00 pm. This event is appropriate for all ages.

Guest presenters will start at 1:30 pm, with MJ Hatfield who will encourage us to “walk slow, look close and be curious” about insects on the prairie. Enjoy a leisurely walk to discover these interesting creatures of our grasslands.

At 2:15, Larry Reis, with the Winneshiek County Conservation Board, will highlight local bird life on the prairie. Watch for Bluebirds, Songsparrows, Killdeer, Dickcissels and others. Bring binoculars if you have them.

At 3:00, we will investigate prairie plant life with a scavenger hunt to focus our exploration. Tours of the Butterfly Garden will be available all afternoon.

The goal of the “Seasons of a Prairie” series is to provide opportunities throughout the year for people to explore and learn about the prairie ecosystem in new ways. Many people use the prairie trails for walking their dog or exercising, but may not really “see” the unique plants and wildlife that live in this beautiful spot, right in town.