Danielle Crook, executive director of the Evansville Parks Department, told the board Oct. 1 about upcoming programs and park closures.

Crook said the department is partnering with BFit for free fitness offerings including a “Walk With Us” program (Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon) and a Zumba kids program for two age groups (ages 4–6 and 7–11) to be piloted during colder months at the C.K. Newsome Center. Crook said staff will circulate schedules by email to the board.

Movie night at the C.K. Newsome Center is scheduled for Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m., with the Children’s Museum of Evansville providing crafts. Crook also announced a Park Squad cleanup on the High Rail Trail East on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 9 a.m., and reminded the public that indoor volleyball registration is open and leagues begin in a few weeks.

Crook said the Connector Road will be closed the next day for work on the next-level trail’s second phase and that Mickey’s Kingdom playground is temporarily closed for replacement of damaged surfacing and a swing; staff aim to begin surfacing replacement the coming Monday, weather and contractor availability permitting. Restrooms serving the greenway will remain open through the weekend but will close during surfacing work for safety.

Eric Beck, executive director of the Mastercard Zoo Botanic Garden, said the zoo’s Wild Summer Lights event is wrapping up; he said the zoo has sold more than 40,000 tickets to the event so far and expects large crowds for the final weekend. Beck also said the zoo’s Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo, will begin Oct. 17 and run multiple weekends in October.