By Carolynne Gamble
Don’t despair. All is not lost! Halloween WILL happen this year, but there’s a twist.
The Napa Parks and Recreation is hosting some cool, alternative Halloween celebrations, and please note, they are all COVID safe and follow guidelines.
Halloween House Decorating Contest
October 17 at 8 AM – October 29 at 5 PM A drive around town, family fun adventure . . .
Don’t wait until Christmas! Now you can decorate your house for Halloween for the community to drive by and enjoy. Just submit a photo and home address. Include spooky lights and cobwebs of course! Please send entries to prscntr@cityofnapa.org. A map of locations will be posted October 30 to check out over the Halloween weekend. cityofnapa.org/354/Parks-Recreation-Services
Virtual Halloween Pumpkin Contest October 17 at 8 AM – October 29 at 5 PM Pull out all the stops. Creativity is king.
Here’s What to Do:
• Carve your pumpkin at home
Send a photo of the pumpkin with your name, age and email/phone to prscntr@cityofnapa.org.
• Parks and Rec judges will select a winner from four categories: ages 5-8, ages 9-12; ages 13-18, and ages 18+.
• Prizes will be provided for the winners and a slideshow of all of the entries will be showcased on social media on Halloween Day!
Drive-Thru Trick or Treat!
Saturday, October 31 at 1PM to 3PM Car and crazy costume lollapalooza extravaganza . . .
Get dressed in your costumes, jump in your car and visit
the drive-thru stations located at Las Flores Community Center, Napa Senior Center, Century Oaks Park, and Napa Police and Fire Departments to receive your trick-or-treat goodies. COVID-friendly protocols will be adhered to ensure items are safely provided through car windows.
Ho Hum - Halloween Not Your Thing?
If you just need a little pick-me-up from Mother Nature, the Napa Parks and Recreation has nurturing places to visit. And they are OPEN!
During the Governor’s Stay at Home Order, all parks and trails will be open from sunrise to sunset for outdoor recreation that can comply with physical distancing requirements, with the exception of John F. Kennedy Park which closes at 10pm and Playground Fantastico which is fully closed to the public.
Person-to-person contact sports are prohibited. Playground use is prohibited. As always, the health and safety of our community is a top priority.
Biking & Hiking Trails in Napa
cityofnapa.org/366/Biking-Hiking-Trails
There are a wide variety of trails within the 55 parks in the City of Napa and here are the most popular.
• Alston Park is 157 acres of passive open space. Allowed uses include walking, hiking, running, biking, horseback riding and both on and off leash dog areas.
• Oxbow Preserve is 12.7 acres of land that allows all to experience the natural areas and habitats along the Napa River.
• Trancas Crossing Park is a 33-acre river landscape within the City of Napa. The park provides access to the Napa River, its floodplain and a diverse array of wetland and riparian habitats.
• Westwood Hills Park is 111 acres that provides three miles of trails through beautiful groves of oak trees and grassy meadows, and affords expansive views of the city. The park includes benches and picnic tables near the parking lot and along the trails.
Disc Golf
Disc golf is played like traditional golf, but with discs (commonly known as Frisbees). One throw is counted each time the disc is thrown. The goal is to play each hole in the fewest throws possible. The player with the lowest total wins. Please bring your own equipment. Masks and social distancing rules must be followed. Play limited to groups of 4 or less. $20 per group. Book your Tee Time at activecommunities.com/naparec.
The Napa Valley Vine Trail
Napa Parks and Recreation is one of many partners in the Napa Valley Vine Trail system. Beginning in historic Vallejo’s Ferry Terminal, the Vine Trail will continue north for 47 miles, through the world-renowned vineyards and towns of Napa Valley, to its northern gateway in Calistoga at the Oat Hill Mine Trail (Highway 29/ Silverado Trail) at the foot of Mount St. Helena. Visit vinetrail.org for a map.
For more information about Napa Parks Recreation Services visit: cityofnapa.org/354/Parks-Recreation-Services or call 257-9500.