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FOOT-Loose FREE Fall Dances are Baaaack!!

posted Aug 30, 2017, 8:06 PM by Tom DeChant   [ updated Aug 30, 2017, 8:12 PM ]

September brings back FOOT-Loose - the FREE fall dance series in the historic Olin Park pavilion. On the first three Thursdays of September, from 6 to 8 PM, FOOT and the Madison Parks Division jointly sponsor free dance lessons and participation. Come to learn (no partner necessary), or just to watch.

The line-up of dance options is:

-- Thursday, September 7th:      Madison Scottish Country Dancers
-- Thursday, September 14th:    Madison Contra Dance Co-op
-- Thursday, September 21st:    Dairyland Cowboys & Cowgirls (line dancing)

And to wind up the season, a big open community swing dance event. No lessons, just come and dance from 6 to 8 PM:

-- Wednesday, September 27th:  The Ladies Must Swing full orchestra!

                                                                          Come on down - to watch, to learn, or just to dance!!
 

FREE Summer Yoga in the Pavilion

posted May 9, 2017, 3:54 PM by Tom DeChant

Instructor Samantha Kellogg returns this summer to teach four (and maybe five) free sessions of Alignment yoga. Her classes are open to all, regardless of your level or type of yoga experience. The focus will be on yoga fundamentals, breathing, asana postures, and just bringing folks together to practice in a beautiful location. You're welcome to bring your own mat, but mats will also be provided.

All sessions will be on a Tuesday, and will begin at 5:30 PM.

The dates are:  May 23rd,  May 30th,  June 13th, and June 20th

Tuesday, June 6th is a concert night in the pavilion (see below), but Sam may arrange an outside yoga session that night - announcement will be made in class.





FREE Spring Concerts Return to Olin Pavilion

posted May 9, 2017, 3:41 PM by Tom DeChant

Our spring FREE concert series returns, with warmer weather dates this year. Here's the line-up:

 --  Wednesday, May 17th:    The Berrymans (Peter & Lou)
 --  Thursday, June 1st:        The Whiskey Farm
 --  Tuesday, June 6th:          Frankie Lee & The Maintainers 
 --  Thursday, June 15th:      Cris Plata

As in past years, all concerts begin at 6 PM and last until 8 PM. The concerts are held indoors in the pavilion, so they'll go on rain or shine. These are food and family-friendly events - bring a picnic and bring the kids! 

Moonlit Nordic Ski & Hot Chocolate at Turville Point - CANCELED - Saturday, February 11, 2017

posted Jan 3, 2017, 2:27 PM by Tom DeChant   [ updated Feb 12, 2017, 7:39 AM by Ron Shutvet ]


Unfortunately, We have to cancel the Moonlit Nordic Ski due to very soft and muddy ground and muddy trails. We were hoping for snow or at least frozen ground to walk on. The trails in the park will be dangerous to walk on with a mix of ice and mud and the main entrance trail up the hill into Turville is very slippery due to a thick coating of ice over the old concrete road there. Below is our original announcement for the event. We are not planning on rescheduling the event this winter as the long term forecast is for a continued warmer than normal weather pattern. Don't throw away your skis yet though as we can try to make this annual event happen again next winter.



Yup, that's a REAL picture from our 2016 moonlit and candlelit Turville Ski event! 

So you really don't want to miss this year's return engagement on Saturday, February 11th, 2017 from 6 to 9 PM at the entrance to Turville Point Conservation Park (by car, enter the south parking lot at Olin intersection, across from Coliseum Bar).

There will be Nordic skiing (bring your own skis), campfires, hot chocolate, S'More fixin's, and maybe a little music. If there's not enough snow for skiing, folks can take a moonlit stroll in the woods (carefully avoiding any groomed trails, of course).

This free event is sponsored by FOOT (that's us - Friends of Olin-Turville) and the Madison Parks Division, with generous support from Barrique's (think 'delicious hot chocolate').  Hope to see you there.

FOOT-Loose FREE Dances - Every Thursday in September at Olin Pavilion, 6-8 PM

posted Sep 8, 2016, 8:42 AM by Tom DeChant

Come put your dancin' shoes on and join the FREE fun at Olin Park pavilion every Thursday this September, from 6 to 8 PM. 
The remaining line-up (you already missed the fun Scottish Country folks!) is:
  • Thursday, September 8th:     Madison Contra Dance Co-op
  • Thursday, September 15th:   Madison Tango Society
  • Thursday, September 22nd:  Dairyland Cowboys & Cowgirls
  • Thursday, September 29th:   OPEN DANCE with the Big Band sounds of the Madison Jazz Orchestra
Come to learn, or just to watch. No partner necessary. Event is indoors, so the dances go on rain or shine.
No instruction on the 29th - just a free community dance to the big band sounds of a full jazz orchestra!

Put it on your calendars now, and see you there! 


5th Annual FREE Yoga Series in Olin Pavilion

posted May 19, 2016, 11:52 AM by Tom DeChant

Once again, join instructor Samantha Kellogg for six free sessions of yoga instruction in beautiful Olin Park pavilion. Sam is trained in the Alignment Yoga method, with an interest in cycling, running, stand-up paddling and integrating yoga with other activities. This class is open to all levels and experiences, focusing on yoga fundamentals, breathing, asana postures and especially bringing people together to practice in a beautiful location. Bring you mat if you have one, but mats and props will be available.

What:        Six FREE yoga sessions 
Where:      Olin Park pavilion
Time:         5:30 PM
Dates:       TUESDAYS
                    - May 31st
                    - June 7th & 28th
                    - July 5th, 12th, & 19th   


MAY MUSICAL MADNESS Returns!!

posted Mar 28, 2016, 3:24 PM by Tom DeChant   [ updated Mar 29, 2016, 5:12 PM ]

Once again, FOOT is proud to present four FREE nights of folk and country music at the historic Olin Park Pavilion. 

This year, the concert series will be held on the four WEDNESDAY nights of May, and the line-up includes:
  • -- May 4th:     Maintainers

  • -- May 11th:   Lou & Peter Berryman

  • -- May 18th:  The Whiskey Farm

  • -- May 25th:  Cris Plata and Extra Hot
Every concert starts at 6 PM and goes to 8 PM. Concerts will occur rain or shine (there are lots of dry seats inside the pavilion!).

Bring a picnic or snacks, and bring the kids. Great, free family fun.

Weed Pull on Saturday, April 30th, at Turville, 10AM-1PM

posted Mar 10, 2016, 7:10 PM by Tom DeChant

Madison Weed Warriors needs volunteers to help with the removal of Garlic Mustard, Dame's Rocket, and other invasive species as well as trash at Turville Point on Saturday, April 30th, from 10 AM to 1 PM.  If you are interested in volunteering, please call Tammy at 608-257-1329. Thanks for helping keep Turville Point beautiful and weed-free!









Photo by Jonah Westrich

























Guided Bird & Nature Walks - Every 2nd Sunday @ 1:30 PM

posted Feb 8, 2016, 4:04 PM by Tom DeChant

Join Friends of Olin Turville for a guided walk through tranquil Turville Point every second Sunday of the month. Walks leave at 1:30 PM from the main entrance to Turville Point Conservation Park, off the south parking lot of Olin-Turville Parks. Tours may be led by one of us Friends, or by conservationists from the Madison School Forestry program. Depending on the season, the focus may be on viewing birds and wildlife, spotting spring ephemerals, identifying trees and edible plants, or detecting approaching signs of winter, Walks last from one to one and a half hours,depending on group size and interests. Come explore nature right in the heart of our city. 

TONIGHT, January 23rd - Candlight Ski/walk at Turville Point - Starts at 6 PM

posted Jan 23, 2016, 1:07 PM by Tom DeChant

Join FOOT (Friends of Olin-Turville) for candlelit Nordic Skiing (or candlelit walking) in beautiful Turville Point Conservation Park starting at 6:00 PM Tonight. 

The trails are snow and ice covered with no obvious areas of bare ground. The trails look like they were groomed a number of days ago and in most areas the single groomed lane is usable but icy. For those who are coming for skiing, be prepared for icy conditions and some bumpy areas but there is a groomed lane in most areas. For those on foot who want to walk the trails, wear boots with good traction and please do not walk directly on the groomed ski lane.

A portion of the park trails will be lined with lights. There will be warming fires, free hot chocolate, S'more fixings, baked goodies and maybe a few local musicians to set the mood. Meet at the entrance to Turville Point off the south parking lot.  This free event is hosted by Friends of Olin-Turville (FOOT) in conjunction with the Madison Parks Division, with hot chocolate donated by Barriques.

 

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