Lake County Parks and Rec, IN

When is it?

May 3rd, 2019 at Lemon Lake County Park (Crown Point, IN)

May 10th, 2019 at Oak Ridge Prairie County Park (Griffith, IN)

*Sign-in begins at 5:00 pm

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Race the Park Challenge

1. What is the Race the Park Challenge?: The Race the Park Challenge is a brand-new Lake County Parks program designed for middle school kids. Teams will compete for a special prize by racing around the park and completing various puzzles and tasks along the way. Some tasks are mental, some are physical, but all of them are designed to foster teamwork, critical thinking, and of course, FUN! In this “Amazing Race” style event, middle schoolers will take a break from their electronics, enjoy the great outdoors, and race for the finish line like never before. This inaugural event is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Legacy Foundation.

2. Who can participate?: Kids who are currently enrolled in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.

May 3rd, 2019 at Lemon Lake County Park (Crown Point, IN)

May 10th, 2019 at Oak Ridge Prairie County Park (Griffith, IN)

*Sign-in begins at 5:00 pm

4. How much does it cost to sign up?: $10 per kid per location. Payment is due at time of sign-up.

5. When does registration start?: Registration begins March 6th and will remain open until full (for both locations).

6. Do the kids get to choose their teammates?: Yes! Kids should pick their teammates before parents call to register. Kids can also choose their own team name (as long as the name isn’t already being used by another team-- Keep it appropriate!).

8. How do I register my kid’s team?: Parents should call (219) 769-7275 to register your kid. You will need to know his/her team name and the names of his/her teammates. Staff will also ask for participant information and emergency contact information. After sign-up, you will receive a packet in the mail with further information and instructions.

9. Does my kid HAVE to be part of a team, or can my kid participate on his/her own?: All kids must be part of a team in order to participate, as the tasks require teamwork to complete.

10. Do the teams have to sign up for both dates?: Registration is for one date. Teams can choose to participate in both, but each participant would need to pay for both events.

11. What kinds of physical activities will the kids participate in?: This event involves lots of physical movement, including but not limited to: walking, running, crawling, bending, balancing, jumping, crouching, spinning, throwing, etc. All participants should take physical health and ability into consideration before registering.

Teams will get messy and dirty! Be prepared for stains.
We highly encourage kids to create their own unique team clothing! Get inspired! We want to see fun coordinated outfits, and there will be a prize awarded to the team with the most impressive team gear. Of course, no profanity, vulgarity, or indecent graphics are allowed.
Dress for the weather! This event will be held entirely outdoors, and the trails may be wet.
Wear comfortable shoes! Closed-toed shoes are mandatory. No sandals or flip-flops are allowed.

13. How many teams will be competing for the prize?: There will be a maximum of 15 teams per location.

14. Is the Challenge timed?: Yes. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be awarded to teams who finish the quickest. There will also be a unique prize the teams with the best, unique, or most creative outfits!

15. How long will the Challenge take?: Roughly two hours to complete all the tasks.

Uneven ground/trails
Rocky or muddy pathways
Tripping hazards (foliage, downed tree branches, animal holes, rocks, pavement, playground, etc.)
Wild animals
Plant life (poisonous, prickly, rough, dense, etc.)
Plant allergens
Food allergens

17. Can parents/teachers/chaperones stay at the park for the duration?: Absolutely!

18. Is there a parking fee to enter the park site(s)?: Since this is a special event hosted by the Parks Department, parking fees will be waived for all participants and attendees.

19. Can parents/teachers/chaperones assist their kid(s) with the tasks?: NOPE! The Race the Park Challenge is designed to strengthen teamwork, critical thinking skills, and social bonding. We want to give teams a chance to accomplish the tasks independently and in their own unique ways. HOWEVER, there will be viewing areas strategically placed around the park so adults can follow along, take pictures, and watch their kids have fun!

Adults can help in the following ways:

Volunteer to supervise an activity station (call 219-769-7275 for more information)
Take LOTS of pictures and upload them to Facebook! Tag @lakecountyparks with the hashtag #RaceThePark2019
Be supportive and cheer the teams on!

21. Will there be an award ceremony?: Yes! After all the teams finish the Challenge (at approximately 8 PM), staff will formally award the winning teams. Everyone will be able to hang out together at a toasty bonfire and enjoy complimentary water and snacks. It should last about an hour, but no one is required to stay for the bonfire if they don’t want to.

Call: (219) 769-7275 or (219) 945-0543
Email: info@lakecountyparks.com
Visit: 8411 E. Lincoln Highway, Crown Point, IN 46307 (on U.S. 30 next to Deep River Waterpark)
Message us on Facebook: @lakecountyparks
For volunteer information, contact Dawn at (219) 947-7275