Just Released! Spring 2022 Newsletter

View the Spring 2022 Newsletter online and in person at the Oakdale Discovery Center.

Get active with programs designed for your interests and never miss out on a special event in your community! The Oakdale Recreation program guide has something for everyone in the family to enjoy this spring 2022.

Pigeon Keeping

Saturday, January 15 | 12 to 1:30 PM | Discovery Center
 
Hold and pet pigeons and doves to discover the joy of having a pet pigeon as a family member. Smart, funny, entertaining, loving, affectionate, beautiful, easy and cheap to keep. You'll fall in love with your small feathered human. They may be kept indoors or out. Many more people than you would imagine have pigeons living in their house. Instructor Les Larson has raised chickens, pigeons, and doves for many years. Les will be available for a half-hour after class to take questions. Call 651-747-3860 to reserve your spot. Free.

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Sundae Bingo

Sunday, February 6 | 1 to 3 PM | Discovery Center
 
All ages welcome! What could be better than ice cream sundaes and two hours of bingo!? Join us for this fun-filled Sunday afternoon. Make your own ice cream sundae while shouting out BINGO! Prizes are awarded to winners of every game. All participants will be eligible for the grand prize raffle drawing at the end of the event (must be present to win the raffle). Register before the deadline on January 30. $8 per player.

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Family Moonlight Snowshoe and Bonfire 

Saturday, February 12 | Arrival timeslots begin at 6 PM, trail open until 9 PM | Discovery Center

Enjoy a leisurely snowshoe walk following a luminary lit trail through the Oakdale Nature Preserve. Join us back at the bonfire for hot dogs, chips, s'mores, and hot chocolate. The luminary lit trail will close at 9 PM. A great way to celebrate the end of the week! Snowshoes included, but you can bring your own. Bring a headlamp if desired, dress in layers with sturdy boots. Please note, children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Register before the deadline on February 5. $25 per person.
 
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Snowshoe Rental

Rentals available daily, during building hours | Discovery Center

Take your family and friends snowshoeing in the 200 acres of the Oakdale Nature Preserve. Watch for animal tracks, deer, fox, and birds, even snowshoe angels! Sizes available for both children and adults. $5 per person for a two hour rental.
 
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Best Snow Sculpture of Oakdale Contest

Oakdale Residents submit photo anytime between now and March 31

Calling all creative Oakdale residents! Do you have what it takes to create the best snow sculpture in city? If so, head outside any time after a snowfall and start constructing your masterpiece. Sculptures will be judged on appearance, relative to the season's theme.
 
This year’s theme: "Snow Castles"
 
The winning sculpture will receive a $100 Target gift card!
 
Please submit photo entries to nathan@ci.oakdale.mn.us by March 31. The winner will be contacted on April 1 by Oakdale Recreation.
 
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Ice Rinks & Warming Houses

Rinks are opening soon (crews currently flooding rinks) and once open, will be open through late February (weather permitting)

Maintained, supervised rinks with heated warming houses:
 
Eastside Park                          1744 Helmo Avenue
Northdale Park                         5099 Granada Avenue
Walton Park Hockey Rink        1584 Hadley Avenue
Walton Park Pleasure Rink      1584 Hadley Avenue
 
Walton Pleasure Rink Family Skating Days
Hot chocolate and cookies provided every first and third Sunday from 1 to 3 PM. Ice Scooters are available at the Walton Pleasure Rink. Scooters are great tools for inexperienced skaters learning the basics of skating.
 
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Curious Critters Club (Ages 3 to 6)

Select Friday mornings | 9:30 to 11 AM | Discovery Center

Preschoolers discuss a nature topic, play themed games, watch videos and create crafts centered on the subject. Children enjoy a snack that is provided during the class. Please dress kids for the weather; Curious Critters like to go on adventures outside! Deadline to register is one week prior to class. $8 per class.

• Friday, January 7: Whose Tracks are Those?
• Friday, January 21: Life Under the Snow
• Friday, February 4: Brrr!!! It’s Cold Outside

 
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KidCreate Art Class: Valentine’s Day Craft Party (Ages 18 months to 6 years)

Tuesday, February 8 | 9:30 to 10:30 AM | Discovery Center

Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade gift! Let your young artist show their favorite Valentine how much they love them with a jumbo-sized conversation heart made out of clay. This is a great class for siblings to attend together! Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Register before the deadline on February 1. $21 per child, includes caregiver.
 
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KidCreate Art Class: Valentine’s Candy Mosaic (Ages 4 to 9 years)

Sunday, February 13 | 1 to 4 PM | Discovery Center

It’s Valentine’s Day, and romance is in the air. The kids will create a heart themed mosaic made out of frosting and Skittles®. Art doesn’t get any sweeter than that! Please pack a nut free snack and a drink for your child. Register before the deadline on February 6. $36 per child.
 
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Painting Class | Red Winter Cottage

Friday, January 14 | 10 AM to 12 PM | Discovery Center
 
Join local artist Sandy Danus of Cheerful Hearts Studio as she leads you through a fun and inviting, acrylic paint class. Learn a new skill and have a great time! All supplies are included and our cheerful, step by step instruction is easy to follow, even if you have never picked up a paint brush before. Come away with your own beautiful finished canvas creation that you can be proud of. Registration deadline extended through December 2 at 4 PM. $30.
 
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Indoor Market

Saturdays, January 8 and 22 | 9 AM to 1 PM | Discovery Center

Shop local! Over 20 local vendors offer a unique variety of items including baked goods, meats, canned goods, artisan foods, sweets, salsas, strudels, jewelry, essential oils and much more! 
 
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Oakdale Wellness 50+

Oakdale Wellness 50+ is a volunteer initiative making Oakdale and Washington County healthier by offering health-focused activities for persons 50 and over that lead to measurably improved wellness.
 
Oakdale Wellness 50+ is supported by Washington County, the City of Oakdale, and the Vital Aging Network (VAN).
 
January and Upcoming Activities

• Wednesdays, 10 AM | Wednesday Walks at the Oakdale Nature Preserve
• January 18, 6:30 PM | Oakdale Water Quality and Healthy Hydration at the Discovery Center
• February 1, 10 AM | Fit and Fun Tuesdays in Washington County Parks: Snowshoeing at Cottage Grove Ravines

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Forest Therapy Walks

Saturday, January 15 | 10 AM to 12 PM | Meet at Discovery Center Firepit
 
Forest Therapy, or “forest bathing,” is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. Studies have demonstrated a wide array of health benefits, especially in the cardiovascular and immune systems, and for stabilizing and improving mood and cognition. Forest therapy walks are slow-paced and are leisurely guided through nature by certified forest therapy guides. Attend in-person or virtually. $20 per class (50% discount for frontline workers).
 
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Trekking the Trails on Snowshoes

Tuesday, January 25 | 9 to 11 AM | Meet in Discovery Center Parking Lot
 
This winter, take the path less traveled via snowshoes. This is a great opportunity to try snowshoeing if you never have before. Snowshoeing in a group is lots of fun. Plan on 60 to 70 minutes of guided snowshoeing. Please indicate when registering if you will need snowshoes or if you will be bringing your own. Register before the deadline on January 18. $6.
 
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Snowshoe, Sip & Sample (Ages 21+)

Friday, February 11 | 6 to 9 PM | Discovery Center
 
Join us for a night of snowshoeing a luminary lit trail, vintage game room, prizes, music, food, beer, and wine samples! Enjoy this community event that is always a seasonal favorite. Includes snowshoes or bring your own. Drawing for prizes every 30 minutes! Register for $45 through February 1, or $50 after February 1 and at door.
 
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To register for activities, please visit www.oakdalefun.com. If you have any questions

about the listings, please call us at 651-747-3860 and we will be happy to assist!