Michigan Tech Recreation Blog

Tag: oap

Michigan Tech Trails Fall Update

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Michigan Tech Trails & Recreational Forest - Outer Limits Loop

Trail Passes

The Michigan Tech Trails are a great resource to our campus and the greater community. Please support them by purchasing an annual membership or day pass. Your support helps ensure that our trails are well-groomed, maintained, and updated.

Trail usage is one of the benefits of the Experience Tech Fee and currently enrolled Michigan Tech students may use the Tech Trails at no charge. A trails membership or day pass is required for all other users. Children age 12 and younger are eligible for a free youth trails membership available at the SDC Ticket Office.

Trails members get access to locker room 110 in the SDC. Locker rentals are reserved for SDC members.

OAP Rental Center

As the summer season winds down and fall approaches, the Outdoor Adventure Program will be preparing for winter gear rentals. The shoulder season provides OAP an opportunity to reset and repair equipment to provide users with the best possible experience. Half of the Nordic skis and snowshoes will be replaced this year and new kids’ equipment will be added. That’s right, no need to buy skis for your kids, just purchase an OAP membership and the kids can try skiing for less, making the equipment season pass an even better deal!  

Equipment passes for Nordic skis grant the member access to the OAP skis to use on the Michigan Tech Trails during open hours. Users will still need a trails pass, which can be purchased at the OAP as well. 

The OAP will take care of the maintenance and upkeep and you just get to ski!  Snowshoes are available for a season pass as well and can be used off-site of the Tech Trails as well. More details can be found at www.michigantechrecreation.com.  

Dogs

As a friendly reminder from the Michigan Tech Trails staff, dogs should be under the control of the owner AND on a leash while utilizing the dog-approved trails. 

Here is the official Michigan Tech Trails policy regarding dogs which is supplemental to the Michigan Tech Board of Trustees Policy:

Dogs must be leashed and under owners’ control at all times and are restricted to the Tolkien, Nara, Isle Royale, and Superior trails via the following access points – softball fields, Nara & Tolkien. No dogs at the main trailhead. 

Over the summer, the trail maintenance staff enhanced our signage and dog waste dispensers at dog-approved use trails. We ask that all Tech Trails users with dogs be considerate and respectful of the Michigan Tech policies and all users of our wonderful trail system. At the end of the day, we all want to enjoy our trails in a safe and secure environment. For reference here are some tips on proper dog etiquette. 

Here is a link from the Humane Society to help educate dog owners!

Etiquette for dog owners:

  • Scoop your poop. Bring several bags on your walks to be sure you have enough.
  • Prevent barking.
  • Only let your dog greet a stranger if they ask.
  • Always leash your dog on walks.
  • Don’t play while on leash.
  • Be aware of other people’s feelings  – Not everyone is a dog-lover.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please email trailsinfo@mtu.edu with any questions, concerns or comments. We hope that everyone is able to enjoy our trails system responsibly!

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OAP Evening Snowshoe Hikes

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Just because the sun sets early doesn’t mean you can’t get out and play! Sign up now for the OAP Evening Snowshoe Hikes and experience winter in the dark! Clear skies or cloudy, night snowshoeing is a ton of fun. We will visit a few different locations, choose to join us for as many as you want. Some locations will provide more elevation to snowshoe, Hungarian and Pilgrim Community Forest, and others will be a bit flatter terrain, Paavola Wetlands and McLain State Park. Snowshoes are provided, limited transportation available.

  • February 25 – McLain State Park (registration closes February 24)
  • March 4 – Pilgrim Community Forest (registration closes March 3)

Meet at the location unless using OAP transportation (meet at Tech Trails).

Open to all ages, no experience necessary. Dress appropriately for weather conditions. A parent must be present for participants under age 14 or anyone under 18 using OAP transportation.

Cost

Michigan Tech Students $5/session
General Public $10/session

Registration and payment can be completed online, by phone at 906-487-2073, or at the SDC Ticket Office.

Participants must have a current signed SDC waiver of liability, OAP release and concussion awareness form on file at the SDC Ticket Office prior to participation.

The COVID-19 Visitor Symptom Tracking Form is required to be completed before every session. Masks are required if using OAP transportation and on the trails if a six-foot distance cannot be maintained. There are no provisions for medical intolerance reasons or medical waivers. Class size is limited and based on social distancing.

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    OAP Kayak Safety Clinics

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    OAP Kayak Safety Clinics

    Are you dreaming of summer and those wonderful paddling months? We can’t get you out on the open water, but we can help you work on your skills in the pool! Sign up now for the OAP Kayak Safety Clinics and refine those skills to keep you safe on the water. We try to meet each participant at their level and encourage them to challenge themselves. We will cover topics including kayak re-entry, de-watering your kayak, and wet exits. Focus will be on practice and improving technique; the more you do it the better you will get! All equipment will be provided including PFD’s, kayaks, paddle, and paddle floats. Appropriate swimwear required. We will be in the water between 4-9 feet deep, with lifeguards on duty during the event.

    • February 17
    • March 24
    • April 21

    8:00-10:00pm
    SDC Lap Pool

    No kayaking experience necessary. Participants must be at least 8 years old and able to swim at least 15 yards unassisted. Secure fitting, appropriate swimwear required (no 2 pieces or speedos). A parent must be present for participants under age 14.

    The COVID-19 Visitor Symptom Tracking Form is required to be completed before every class session. Masks are required throughout the building except while swimming or showering. There are no provisions for medical intolerance reasons or medical waivers. Space will be provided for personal items on the pool deck. Class size is limited and based on social distancing.

    Michigan Tech Students Free
    SDC Members $5/clinic
    General Public $10/clinic

    Registration and payment can be completed online, by phone at 906-487-2073, or at the SDC Ticket Office. Participants must have a current signed SDC waiver of liability, OAP release and concussion awareness form on file at the SDC Ticket Office prior to participation.

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    Open Log Rolling at the SDC

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    Log Rolling

    Looking for something new to stay active? Sign up now for the OAP Open Log Rolling and test your skills on the log! Instruction and materials provided. We will be in the water between 4-9 feet deep, with lifeguards on duty during the event. We try to meet each participant at their level and encourage them to challenge themselves. Most new rollers can pick up the basics in one 1-hour session, though many come back each week to practice! Focus will be on balance, foot movement, and core strength; the more you do it the better you will get!

    Open to ages 5 & up. No experience necessary. Must be able to swim at least 10 yards unassisted, come dressed in a swimsuit and bring a towel.

    February 9, 16, 23, March 2, 16, 23, 30, April 13, 20. Tuesdays, 8-10pm, at the SDC Pool. Free to Michigan Tech Students, SDC Members $5, General Public $10. Pre-registration required.

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    Spring Youth Indoor Rock Climbing Registration Open

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    Is your child literally climbing the walls this winter? Sign up today for the OAP Youth Indoor Rock Climbing Class and let them climb our wall! 
    Sessions

    • January 25 – February 4
    • February 15-25
    • March 15-25

    Days/Times

    • Monday-Thursday, 4:00-4:50pm OR
    • Monday-Thursday, 5:00-5:50pm

    Ages 5 & up. $75/participant per session (includes equipment). Class size is limited and based on social distancing. Registration for Session 1 closes January 22.

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    Youth Rock Climbing Spring Session 2 February 24 – March 5 – Sign Up Today!

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    Join the Outdoor Adventure Program as we host a Youth Climbing Class. Learn about climbing wall safety, equipment use, how and when climbing is appropriate, the difference between indoor and outdoor climbing and more. The first couple sessions will be spent learning and practicing skills, as well as using the bouldering wall to teach moves. The course is structured to include interactive instruction, practice time and belaying time. We encourage parents/guardians to come to the last class and see the progress that has been made. For those with climbing experience, this is a great chance to spend more time on the wall and developing your skills!

    Ages 5-15. No experience necessary. Wear athletic shoes and comfortable clothing (t-shirt, athletic shorts, etc.). No short shorts. Keep in mind that you will be in a harness. Parents of youth participants under the age of 18 must be present at the first class to receive important information and sign required forms.

    Class size is limited.

    $100/participant (includes needed equipment – harness, ropes, helmet, belay)

    Registration closes February 23.

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