LAWTON – The Lawton Public Library is teaming up with Fit Kids of Southwest Oklahoma and several community organizations for the 2022 SWOK Trails Fest, library officials recently announced.
The two-day event will highlight many outdoor recreation and healthy living opportunities offered all year long, with opportunities for all age groups and ability levels.
The event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday with Open Streets vendors and several other activities at Elmer Thomas Park, including a StoryWalk Scavenger Hunt hosted by the library. Participants can pick up a scavenger hunt sheet from the library’s booth.
Walk the StoryWalk and examine the pages to find each clue, then return completed scavenger hunts to the library’s booth to be entered in a drawing to win a prize. The prize drawing will be held during the Trails Fest closing ceremony from 7:20-8 p.m. Saturday at Cameron University Fine Arts Courtyard. Must be present to win.
Other Friday evening activities include a 5k fun run/walk and a bike ride at Elmer Thomas Park.
- 6-7:30 p.m.: 5k Splash Fun Walk/Run.
- 8-8:45 p.m.: Prairie Dog Fun Bike Ride.
Participants can gear up for a full day of outdoor fun on Saturday. People can check in at each hub for entries to the raffle drawings.
Saturday’s schedule of activities is as follows:
- 8 a.m.-1 p.m.: Tour of the Wichitas Bicycle Ride at Fort Sill Hangar (Registration required at https://tourofthewichitas.com.)
- 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Mountain bike skills course at Medicine Park Primitive Camping Ground. (No fee with event wristband. Bikes and helmets provided on site for no charge by Terry’s Bicycles & Mountain Bike Club of the Wichitas.)
- 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Animal Olympics and Interpretive Hikes at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. (No fee with event wristband.)
- 10 a.m.-noon: Pony rides for children at Medicine Park Primitive Campground. (No fee with event wristband.)
- 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Horseback trail riding at Lake Ellsworth, NE Fisherman's Drive. (No fee with event wristband. Participants must bring their own horse. Equine Infectious Anemia/Coggins’ disease will be checked.)
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Garden Trail at Medicine Park Aquarium and Science Center. $5 entry for ages 3 and older, or free for kids under 3. (Up to $7 discount per entry with event wristband.)
- Noon- 4 p.m.: Paddle sports at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area. (Must be able to access Fort Sill. No fee for kayaks, paddle boats and paddle boards with event wristband.)
- 5:30-8 p.m.: Trails Fest Art Contest, Fit Kids Imagination Playground and games, raffle drawings based on activity hub check-ins and closing ceremonies at Cameron University Fine Arts Courtyard.
For more details, contact Tanya Organ, community engagement librarian, at (580) 581-3450 ext. 1711, or by email at tanya.organ@lawtonok.gov.