The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating the holiday season with events throughout the next two months, including a Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. at Schrock Pavillion, 411 W Plymouth Ave. 

Parents are encouraged to bring their kids to enjoy a full Essenhaus breakfast buffet and Christmas crafts. Santa, his elf, and Rudolph will be available for photo ops and to meet kids. The event will end with a story time with Santa. Pre-registration is required and costs $15 per person. Children under 2 are free.  

Kids are also encouraged to participate in the Parks Department’s Letters with Santa program. Starting Nov. 11, Kids can mail or drop off their letters to Santa at the Goshen Parks and Recreation Department, 524 E. Jackson St. In order to receive a response sent to their home, the letter must postmarked by December 5, include a full mailing address, and be printed neatly.  

Goshen Parks and Recreation is also celebrating the holiday season by bringing back its Goshen’s Night of Lights. Beginning Thanksgiving night, the community is invited to visit Shanklin Park for a Christmas light show. The light is free and open to the public every night from 5 to 10 p.m., from Nov. 28 through Jan. 1, 2025.  

For more information and to register for the breakfast, visit goshenindiana.org/parks-rec. 

As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, it’s essential to stay informed about the status of park restroom facilities in your area. Remember to check the park’s specific hours of operation, as these may vary. Keeping this information in mind will help you plan your outdoor activities with ease during the fall and winter months.

The Unheated Park Restrooms Are Closed for the Season

First and foremost, please note that the unheated park restrooms are now closed for the season. As the colder weather sets in, these facilities are temporarily shut down for maintenance and safety reasons. But don’t worry, there are still options available for your convenience.

Heated Restroom Facilities

For those who prefer the comfort of heated restrooms, there are two locations you can count on throughout the season:

1. Abshire Cabin (1302 E. Lincoln Ave): This charming cabin offers a heated restroom facility for your comfort. It’s a great option for those visiting the park in the vicinity of E. Lincoln Ave.
2. Shanklin Park Warming Building (near the pond) (411 W. Plymouth Ave): Located near the picturesque pond, this warming building houses a heated restroom facility. Enjoy the scenic views and warmth during your park visit.

Portable Restrooms

In addition to the heated facilities, there are portable restroom locations available for your convenience at the following sites:

1. Shoup Parsons/Goshen Dam (755 Fair Oaks Dr): If you’re exploring the beautiful Shoup Parsons/Goshen Dam area, you’ll find portable restrooms here to cater to your needs.
2. Pumpkinvine Trail (near CR 28): Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the Pumpkinvine Trail, you can access portable restrooms near CR 28.
3. Oakridge Park Area (Wilden Ave. Trail at 1st Street): Enjoy the natural beauty of Oakridge Park and its surroundings while knowing there are convenient portable restrooms nearby.
4. Fidler Pond Park (1424 Lincolnway E): If you’re spending time at Fidler Pond Park, you can rely on the availability of portable restrooms for a comfortable experience.

We want you to make the most of the beautiful outdoor spaces in our community while staying comfortable and prepared for the changing seasons. So, don’t let the cold weather deter you – embrace the beauty of fall and winter in your local parks.

The City of Goshen’s Parks and Recreation Department will host the 16^th Annual Maple City Walk on Saturday, September 14. Participants have the choice of a marathon, half-marathon, and 10K as they enjoy a beautiful walk or run along the Maple City Greenway and Pumpkinvine Nature Trail. 

Day of check-in and registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on September 14 and the walk begins at 8 a.m. Participants are allowed 5 hours to complete the 13.1-mile course along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and 9 hours to complete the 26-mile course.

Registration for the event can be completed online or in person at the Goshen Parks and Recreation Administrative Office, 524 E. Jackson Street.

Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Water and light refreshments will be available at the halfway point.

For more information, visit maplecitywalk.com.

The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department’s Touch a Truck event will return to Shanklin Park on Saturday, August 24, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is free for all ages.

Goshen’s Touch a Truck event offers children the opportunity to touch, climb, and explore the City’s equipment, trucks, and other vehicles. City departments that will bring vehicles include the Goshen Fire Department, the Goshen Police Department, and the Streets Department. The event will also feature staff representing various City departments, giving the community a chance to meet and talk with them.

A sensory-free time has been slotted for 9-10 a.m. for individuals with sensory impairments.

The Goshen Parks and Recreation Department will once again hold its annual Fidler Pond’s Fantastic Fishing Derby for kids on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Fidler Pond Park, 1424 Lincolnway East.

Awards will be given to participants ages 3-17 for the first fish caught, the smallest fish caught, the largest fish caught, and whatever else Parks and Recreation staff think of to award!

The event fee is $3, and no fishing license is required. Participants should bring their own poles and bait. For more information and to register, visit goshenindiana.org/parks-rec. Registration closes June 7.

Save the date for other summer parks and recreation events:

• Dive-in Movie Night at Shanklin Pool, Saturday, June 8^th, at 8 p.m.
• Pop-up Water Park at Pringle Park, Saturday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Kids’ and Teens’ Triathlon, Shanklin Park, Saturday, July 6, 2024
• Splash-Tastic Weekend at Abshire Park, Friday, July 26 – Sunday, July 28
• Rock the Quarry Triathlon, Saturday, August 10
• Touch a Truck, Shanklin Park, Saturday, August 24