Randall's Island Park Alliance Hosts The Great Randall's Island Treasure Hunt

NEW YORK - Nov. 12, 2015 - PRLog -- On Saturday, November 14, 2015 the Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA) will host its final free signature event of the season, The Great Randall’s Island Treasure Hunt.  Traditionally, this event has focused on a fun course for children, but this year there will also be adult orienteering courses, which were created in partnership with Hudson Valley Orienteering.

Three courses will be available – one for children and two for adults.  The children’s course will give kids the opportunity to learn how to use a map and compass and unlock Island secrets (materials provided).  Each child who participates will go home with some “treasure” and there will be fun arts and crafts.  An interesting gallery of maps will also be on display.  “Because we live in New York City and are surrounded by buildings and concrete, most of us do not have the opportunity to learn about and use these navigation tools,” said Christopher Girgenti, Natural Areas Manager of RIPA.  “We look forward to this event because it exposes all of us, and especially the children of New York City, to nature, and gives us the opportunity to explore grassy areas and see wildlife up close.  To see kids’ faces light up as they learn how to use these navigation essentials and explore the Island is truly priceless.”

The new adult courses will allow participants of all skill levels to explore and navigate Randall’s Island. There will be two courses – one will accommodate all levels including those trying orienteering for the first time and the second will be an advanced course.  Prizes will go to the top three winners with the fastest times.  “Hudson Valley Orienteering is excited to work with RIPA to bring the fun and excitement of orienteering to the Parks community,” said Ching-Hua Chen, of Hudson Valley Orienteering.  “While orienteering is enjoyed by some as a competitive sport, it is also a great opportunity for nature-lovers to learn and enjoy the scenic landscape of Randall’s Island, at their own pace.”

About the Randall’s Island Park Alliance: The Randall's Island Park Alliance (RIPA) works with the City and local communities to provide an innovative and exciting destination through a wide range of sports venues, cultural events and environmental exploration. As the dedicated steward of Randall's Island Park, the Alliance sustains, maintains, develops and programs the Park to support the wellbeing of all New Yorkers. Park amenities include Icahn Stadium track & field facility; the 20-court Sportime Tennis Center; the golf center; an urban farm; nearly 20 acres of restored wetlands and natural areas; miles of waterfront pathways; and over 60 new playing fields. RIPA annually provides thousands of children with free sports and environmental activities, and also offers a range of free family-friendly events at the Park, including festivals at the urban farm, waterfront and wetland activities, fun runs at Icahn Stadium, garden tours and more.

About Hudson Valley Orienteering: Hudson Valley Orienteering (HVO) was formed in 1983 and holds events in Northern New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, and Union counties), Southern New York (Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, Rockland, and Westchester counties), and New York City (Queens, and the Bronx). HVO is entirely run by volunteers.