EASTER IN THE PARK — The annual Historic Beatty Park Easter Egg Hunt took place April 12, drawing hundreds of children from across the Ohio Valley. Participants walked the length of approximately one mile, searching for hidden, candy-filled eggs, according to event organizers. Hunter Rosa, 3, at left, sat on the Easter Bunny’s lap, portrayed by Sharon Barezinsky. At right, Gabriela Rosa found a special hidden egg that included a $10 bill. The egg hunt was one of several activities that will take place this year at the park. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Historic Beatty Park … a 99-acre nature park located in the heart of Steubenville. A place which offers several activities for residents of all ages.

According to Flora VerStraten-Merrin, founder of the Friends of Beatty Park — a nonprofit organization formed in November 2019 — this year’s calendar of events has been announced, with the next activity scheduled to take place Saturday.

The goal for 2025 is to hold at least one hike or more every month, according to VerStraten-Merrin, who explained officials had to cancel its February hike due to ice and rain. However, some “wonderful hiking events were held in January, March and April.”

On Saturday, a Spring Flower ID Hike will be held, set for 10 a.m. at the park’s second shelterhouse. John Boileigh of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, along with VerStraten-Merrin, will be the nature guides for the fourth-annual event.

Saturday’s hike will be combined with a visit from the Jefferson County Humane Society. Volunteers will bring some of the shelter’s dogs that are available for adoption to the park where they can meet potential new families.

The humane society will sell T-shirts and accept donations of cat and dog food while there. Families who have children are welcome to attend, as well as pet owners who have friendly, leashed dogs, VerStraten-Merrin noted.

Light refreshments and bottled water will be available following the hike. Anyone is permitted to leave the hike at any time and will not have to stay for the duration, which will last approximately two-and-a-half hours, she stated.

“We will offer a golf cart and driver for up to three people who have a disability for this hike,” VerStraten-Merrin continued. “The golf cart will be able to access most of the areas during the hike.”

It is the hope of the Friends of Beatty Park that more people from throughout the Ohio Valley will visit Beatty Park, as it is a hidden gem that should be explored by everyone at least once in their lifetime.

Hundreds of people were recently in attendance for the annual Easter Egg Hunt, held April 12. VerStraten-Merrin is hoping the upcoming events taking place this year will draw as many, if not more, participants.

BOOKMOBILE VISITS PARK — The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County Bookmobile visited children during the April 12 Easter Egg Hunt at Historic Beatty Park. Attendees, including Ava Dillon, were able to check out books through the vehicle. -- Contributed

Next on the calendar is one of Historic Beatty Park’s biggest events of the year, one that is held during the annual Dean Martin Hometown Festival.

The third-annual Dino Dash 5k Trail Run/Walk at Beatty Park will take place at 9 a.m. on June 14. The runners will race first, followed by the walkers, VerStraten-Merrin said. A Tot Trot will begin at 8:45 a.m. and is free for children to take part.

Hosted by the Dean Martin Association, Steubenville Parks and Recreation, the Jefferson County General Health District and supported by the Friends of Beatty Park, the race will be run on two nature trails — the Purple and Red trails inside the park.

The nonprofit volunteers begin preparing the area for the race weeks in advance, according to VerStraten-Merrin, as it will include dirt trails in wooded areas having small bridges, a creek crossing and a few small, natural obstacles. The race will include uphill areas, as well as a short loop in the adjacent historical Union Cemetery. Race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Award categories will be determined based on the number of participants. All Tot Trot participants will receive a medal. The final day to register and be guaranteed a T-shirt, will be June 1. Music and snacks will be provided for the racers during this timed 5k event.

A stream stomp and nature hike is scheduled for June 21. Participants will meet at the restroom parking lot. Following the hike, Boileigh will give a presentation and a light lunch will be available at the second shelterhouse. This event is held in conjunction with the Celebrate Trails Day to promote trail use and encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy local trails through various activities.

Summer hikes will take place in July and August, with the dates to be determined, VerStraten-Merrin said.

A historical cemetery presentation and McCook Trail walk has been set for 10 a.m. on Sept. 13 at the Steubenville Union Cemetery. Guest speakers will be Jeff Evans, a military historian, and VerStraten-Merrin, a local historian. Following their remarks, attendees will have the option of taking a walking tour of the McCook Trail. The walk will include lessons in the history of the cemetery, Beatty Park and of the fighting McCooks.

A Trick-or-Treat event will take place in October, with the date to be announced. This will be the park’s third-annual event.

A fall hike will be held on a date to be announced in November.

And rounding out the year in December will be the park’s fourth-annual Christmas in the Park event. This free, family-friendly event at Christmastime includes hayrides throughout the park, a live animal nativity that includes feeding and petting the animals, live music, pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will give gifts and candy to children; cookies and warm drinks, a kids craft corner, a Christmas Storybook walk and listening to stories about nature and the history of the park beside a fire at the old stone lodge.

The Friends of Beatty Park announced the group is seeking volunteers to assist in helping with projects throughout the park. Families and those who come to the park to enjoy its beauty, are asked to volunteer. An organizational meeting is being planned in May, with those interested in volunteering invited to attend. A date will be announced.

“There just isn’t enough funds or employees to care for this beautiful nature park,” VerStraten-Merrin stated. “Those that enjoy the park can get involved and invested in its future. Projects include keeping trails maintained; keeping the parking lots, walks and various staircases free of leaves during the fall; keeping the park and creek beds free of litter; and becoming involved with the park events, activities, hikes, and presentations.