By SHEILA SELMAN

sheila.selman@goshennews.com

Gas prices are high. Food costs aren’t faring too much better. And it’s summer — that time of the year when people want to travel and get together for barbecues.

So if a big family trip just isn’t going to happen this summer, what can people do to get out of the house and enjoy themselves?

Well, there’s a lot to do locally that involves little or no cost. In a series of articles beginning today on the first day of summer, we’ll explore some of what’s available locally.

Take to the bike

In the Maple City residents can save gas and jump on a bicycle. The city is full of bicycle-pedestrian trails and more are coming.

Trails are clearly marked with signposts, and in the downtown, the Maple City Greenway not only has signage but the path is marked with bricks inlaid in the sidewalk. (See inset information)

Canoeing

If biking’s not for you, why not try canoeing? The park department offers canoe rentals. For $20, a canoe can be rented. Park staffers will have a canoe ready at 10 a.m. for departure at Shanklin Park and will then pick up canoers at 2 p.m. at Ox Bow Park.

Each canoe holds two adults and two children or three adults.

Park officials ask for 48 hours notice. Call 534-2901 for reservations.

Due to budget cuts, though, the only route being offered this year is from Shanklin Park to Ox Bow County Park.

Summer concerts

There are also summer concerts, which have been combined with First Fridays in downtown Goshen.

The performance schedule includes:

• 5:30 p.m. July 4 — Denny Snyder, South Side Denny at Washington and Main streets in downtown Goshen.

• 6 p.m. July 25 — The Northmen at Fidler Pavilion in Pringle Park.

• 6 p.m. Aug. 22 — Drop the Dawg at Fidler Pavilion in Pringle Park.

Pool, Splash Pad

And for those who just want to get wet, Shanklin Pool will be open through August, and Goshen’s newest offering is Walnut Splash Pad on the north side.

For $2.50 (ages 3 to 17) to $3.50 (adults) per person, residents can swim at the Shanklin pool. Children younger than 2 can swim for free.

Swimming lessons are offered at the pool through August. Call the park department for more information on sign up, times and costs.

The Splash Pad is free and located on the north side of the city at Walnut Park south of Oakridge Avenue between Fifth and Sixth streets.

A splash park is a public area where spraying or shooting water is provided.

According to park officials, the Walnut Splash Pad has non-slip concrete. The shower bucket and ground nozzles are controlled by a hand activated-motion sensor.

Hours of operation are Monday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

The park also has a newly constructed open-air pavilion with restroom facilities.

The pavilion is available to reserve for birthday parties or small family gatherings. There is a $50 refundable deposit and $75 rental fee.

Contact the park administration office for reservations.

Skatepark

The Tyler S. Joldersma Skatepark is located off Chicago Avenue between Pike Street and Lincoln Avenue. The park is for skating only — no bikes — and allows inline skating, roller skating and skate boarding. There is no fee.

Discovery Day Camp

Parents can sign their children, ages 4 to 12, up for 10 weeks of Discovery Day Camp.

The camp runs through approximately Aug. 8 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Schrock Pavilion at Shanklin Park. Weekly activities include games, crafts, reading, swimming, field trips and 4-H projects. Campers can also participate in the Try-Athlon July 12, soccer camp Aug. 4-7 and golf camp.

Call 534-2901 for details and costs.

Special activities

The park department also offers many summer activities.

• Ballet workshop — 3 to 4:30 p.m. July 29 for people ages 7 and older at Dance Studio, 2211 Berkey Ave. Registration continues through July 22 or until the workshop is full.

• Soggy Doggy Swim — Noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 16. Advanced registration is required by Aug. 11 or until full. Awards will be given. There is a cost of $1 per dog and $1 per human.

• Youth soccer — Registration continues through Aug. 4 with age divisions being preschool, kindergarten, first and second grades, third and fourth grades and fifth grades. The season is August through October and Saturday games are at Shanklin and Pringle parks.

• Kid’s Garage Sale — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 2 at Shanklin Park. Registration continues through July 28 or until full. Kids ages 18 and younger can open up their own garage sale booths at Shanklin Park.

• Soccer camp — Aug. 4-7 at Shanklin Park for boys and girls ages 6 to 14. There is a fee of $20 per child. Registration continues through July 28.

• Magic camp — Beginners, July 7-11 from 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 4 p.m., or advanced, Aug. 4-8. There is a $75 registration fee plus a $10 lab fee. The class is for children ages 8 and older. Registration continues through Wednesday.

• Junior Summer Tennis Tournament — July 7-12, with the first round beginning at 6 p.m. The entry fee is one can of tennis balls. Register by June 30. The tournament will take place at Goshen Middle School tennis courts.

• Reith 5K training runs — Every Tuesday through Aug. 26, with check-in at 5:45 p.m. and runs at 6:30 p.m. at the Reith Interpretive Center. The fee is $1 donation per run or $10 donation per person for the entire season.

There are several age categories for children and adults. To participate, call Dough Yoder at 535-7495.

• Kids and Teen Try-Athlon — July 12 at Shanklin Park. Competitors will swim, bike and run in several age divisions. Entry forms must be turned in or postmarked by June 30. Stop at the park office to pick up a registration form.

For more information, go online to http://www.ci.goshen.in.us/260434.html