Just Released! Spring 2023 Newsletter

View the Spring 2023 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.

Family Moonlight Snowshoe and Bonfire

Saturday, January 28 | New timeslots added at 6:40 and 7 PM, trail open until 8:30 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 8:30 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 January 20. $25 per person.
 
MORE INFORMATION

Snow Sculpture Contest

Oakdale residents submit your snow sculpture now through March 31, 2023 | Any address in Oakdale, MN 55128

Win a $100 Target Gift Card! Calling all creative Oakdale residents. Do you have what it takes to create the best snow sculpture in town? If so, head outside any time after a snowfall, and start constructing your masterpiece. All sculptures are judged on appearance, relative to the season’s theme.

This year’s theme: “Upside Down Snowman”

Please submit photo entries via email to Nathan Timmons by March 31. The winner will be contacted on April 3 by Oakdale Recreation.
 
MORE INFORMATION

Ice Rinks and Warming Houses

The latest information about rink openings and closures can be found on Oakdale Recreation's website. 

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

 
MORE INFORMATION

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.

• January 27: Whose Poop is That? | How do we know animals are around even if we don't see them? Together we will look for signs of animals in the park.

MORE INFORMATION

Library Storytime

Select Wednesdays | 10:30 AM | Discovery Center

A Washington County Youth Librarian will be visiting for a series of special preschool story times! We’ll have fun talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing together. We will focus on concepts such as counting, colors, sharing, emotions, patterns, and the alphabet. A simple craft will follow. A free program recommended for developmental ages 0 to 5 and their grown-ups. 

• January 25: "Numbers Story Time" 
• February 22: "Friendship Story Time"

 
MORE INFORMATION

Indoor Market

Saturdays, January 21, February 4 and 18 | 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.  
 
MORE INFORMATION

Painting Class | Windswept Tree and Cardinals on Canvas

Friday, February 10 | 12 to 3 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. Deadline to register is February 3. $30.
 
MORE INFORMATION

Yoga

Yoga taught by Jennifer Brandt, Registered Yoga Teacher and Certified Yoga Therapist at Body and Mind Yoga Therapy www.bodyandmindyogatherapy.com.
 
Yoga Classes
Tuesday or Thursday Mornings | 9 to 10 AM | Discovery Center
 
Develop a strong and flexible spine, increase comfort and mobility in your joints, and build strength and balance in a safe way in this all-levels yoga class. Classes focus on each student's own internal experience rather than achieving an external appearance. Every class will include movement and guided breathing woven together. Most classes will have an element of meditation, chanting, and guided self-exploration.  

Tuesdays | 9 to 10 AM 

• 6-week series, Session 1 ($95) 

February 21, 28; March 7, 14; April 4, 11 

Thursdays | 9 to 10 AM 

• 6-week series, Session 1 ($95) 

February 23; March 2, 9, 16, 30; April 6 

Deadline to register for a session is prior to the start date. Or, drop in at the Discovery Center front desk to try any yoga class for only $18 per single date.  Remaining winter drop in dates: January 24, 26, 31, February 2, 7, 9. 
 
MORE INFORMATION 

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).
 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES:

Wednesday Walks at Oakdale Nature Preserve

Wednesdays at 10 AM (through March)

No registration is necessary to join these weekly walks that meet outside the Discovery Center.

Community Wide Events

Events in Washington County Parks via “Wellness 50+ Twin Cities” Meetup Group | Select Tuesdays

• February 7 - Snowshoeing, Lake Elmo Regional Park

Reducing Household Waste Stream Series

Learn about waste reduction in Washington County.

• Thursday, February 16, 6 to 7:30 PM | Curbside Recycling and Food Scraps Programs at Oakdale Discovery Center
• Tuesday, February 28, 5 to 6 PM | Tour of Washington County Environmental Center, 4039 Cottage Grove Drive, Woodbury
• Thursday, March 2, 1 to 2:30 PM | Tour of Recycling and Energy Center, 100 Red Rock Road, Newport

Wellness Movie Club

Select Tuesdays at 1 PM | Oakdale Library

• February 28 – Lion

 
MORE INFORMATION