North Park offers winter fun

Flurries or not, many cold-weather die-hards are taking advantage of North Park this winter.

Those looking for winter workouts can cross-country ski when it snows throughout the 3,094-acre North Park located in McCandless, Hampton and Pine townships and even on the North Park golf courses.

“The golf courses are available for cross-country skiing when snow conditions permit,” said Amie Downs, public information officer for Allegheny County.

There are no areas designated for cross-country skiing and sledding.

Golfers looking to improve their swing can play the courses during the winter if the greens and grass are clean. The North Park golf course winter schedule is from Dec. 1 to mid-March, with a chance to be open every day, weather dependent. The rates are reduced for the winter season on both the 18- and nine-hole courses.

Outdoor ice skating is in full swing at the North Park Ice Rink on Pearce Mill Road, open until mid-March, weather permitting.

“We try and open as much as possible but weather and conditions do impact the ice. We take it day-by-day. If we close or have modified hours we post to our social media accounts,” Downs said.

Ice skating and hockey lessons are offered, with some classes free for beginners.

Tickets are required for entrance to the rink, and they can be purchased online or in-person. Admission to the North Park rink public skate is $5 for residents and $7 for nonresidents.

The Latodami Nature Center in North Park is featuring a Young Nature Explorers — Let It Snow! event on Feb. 14, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. There are activities for all ages, such as guided hikes with park rangers or owl prowls/nature walks.

A free Valentine’s Latodami Owl Prowl for adults 21 and older on Feb. 10, 6 to 8 p.m. is open for registration. Registration and other events can be found via the Allegheny County website at www.alleghenycounty.us.

North Park lake is a big attraction for those who like to fish, even in the winter. Ice fishing is allowed if the ice is thick enough. Ice less than 2 inches thick is unsafe and ice 4 inches thick can only support one angler.

“If you’ve never gone before, it’s really something you want to do with someone who has done it,” said Mike Parker, spokesman for the Fish and Boat Commission.

Seeing others ice fishing is a good sign that the ice is thick enough, but if there are cracks, discolored or gray ice, then the ice is probably not safe, Parker said.

Participants are required to follow the Pennsylvania Fish and Boating Commission rules and regulations regarding ice fishing, Downs said. These rules can be found on an Ice Fishing page via www.fishandboat.com. One of the first safety rules is to wear a life vest. In general, everyone 16 and older must have a fishing license.

More information about park activities can be found at the North Park website: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/north-park/index.aspx.