Join Us in 2020 At Yellow Creek

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comNewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

Dear Friends

This year promises to be a great one for Yellow Creek State Park. The season will kick off with a grand re-opening of the Day Use Area celebrating the restoration of the beach, replacement of the bath house, and installation of a new playground. (Time TBD)

Friends of Yellow Creek will be there to lead a volunteer activity activity and we hope you can join us.

As a supporter of FOYC, you know that the park benefits visitors all year long. And of course it needs the support of volunteers and donors in Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Did you know that in 2019, FOYC-affiliated volunteers maintained 20 miles of bike trail and hosted Yellow Creek Monthly races? We sponsored park cleanup activities and built picnic tables. We installed a kayak rack, gave community sailing lessons, and we created a high-school sailing club. All told, volunteers devoted over 500 hours to such projects.

Yet these projects and activities also depend upon funds from membership and donations. Trail clearing equipment was purchased with FOYC donations. Material to replace bridges is purchased with FOYC donations. Our biking and sailing events require insurance.

We have big plans for 2020. A group is exploring how we might create a loop trail around the entire park. The sailing base will expand community learning with two additions to the fleet (donated) and complete a renovation of the sailing base area.

But we need your continued support.

If you were a member in 2019 and plan to continue supporting us, please renew now. Have you been a member in the past but let your membership lapse? Please consider getting back on board! Donations and memberships can be made online or by mailing a check to PO Box 1401, Indiana, PA 15701

For those who are interested in learning to Sail, paddleboarding, or kayaking, please check out our “Get On The Water” campaign which continues through 2020. Finally, reservations are now open for slots in our kayak/canoe rack.

Finally, if you or your business is in the position to make a larger donation — our “Get On The Water” campaign includes some unique ways to recognize and appreciate donors.

Many of you plan to join or renew in 2020. Donations and memberships which arrive early help us make the best plans for park improvments this spring!

Thanks for your support,

Ken Sherwood

On behalf of Friends of Yellow Creek

friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.com

YC Monthly Mountain Bike Races – 2019 Dates Announced

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comNews, YC MonthlyPosted on Comments are Disabled

Founded in 2010, this is the 10th year of the YC Monthly Races!

The races began as a way to introduce more folks to the cross country trail system that circumnavigates Yellow Creek Lake and also as a vehicle to raise funds and increase membership for Friends of Yellow Creek.  We continue the race for those same reasons.  All proceeds go toward FoYC memberships and payouts.

Two races are offered:

  • A 20 Mile loop that includes all of the trails around the lake
  • A 14 Mile out-and-back that takes in the majority of the south shore trails

Race Dates:

Saturday, March 30th
Saturday, April 20th
Saturday. May 25th
Saturday, September 7th – Series Championship
Key Times:

Registration Begins at 9:00 A.M.

Pre-Race Meeting 9:50 A.M.

Race Start 10:00 A.M.

 

Register for March race here

Visit the YC Monthly page for more information

Volunteers and thanks

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comNewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In 2017, FOYC had a successful year, stepping up our support of biking and sailing, maintaining bike trails, as well as working with a group of partners in a major stream bank restoration project.

All told, FOYC helped to facilitate the contribution of over 700 volunteer hours.

The generosity of volunteers helps Yellow Creek State Park remain an attractive and accessible resource for outdoor recreation in Indiana County.

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity for yourself or your group, please contact the park office 724-357-7913

Are you a volunteer? Please log your hours

Schedule Announced for 2018 Mountain Bike Races

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comNews, YC MonthlyPosted on Comments are Disabled

Friends of Yellow Creek is pleased to sponsor the YC Monthly Grass Roots Racing series for 2018. This is the ninth year for this popular series.

Race Dates:

Saturday, March 31st
Saturday, April 21st
Saturday. May 26th
Saturday, September 29th – Series Championship

Two races are offered:

  • A 20 Mile loop that includes all of the trails around the lake
  • A 14 Mile out-and-back that takes in the majority of the south shore trails

The mountain bike trails at Yellow Creek are created and maintained by LHORBA, the Laurel Highlands On & Off Road Bicycling Association.  See the YC Monthly page on this FOYC website for more information, including registration procedure and cost.

Name a Boat? / Community Sailing Launch

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comNews, sailingPosted on Comments are Disabled

Community sailing at Yellow Creek has begun for the 2017 season.
 Friday afternoon brought a gentle breeze and warm temperatures, perfect conditions for launching FOYC’s newest (pre-owned) sailboat.

The O’day Javelin is a 14 foot sloop with a spacious and comfortable cockpit for one to four sailors.

We have a pair of Javelin’s for community sailors to use, in addition to a pair of Escapes.

Contact friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.com, or sign-up on the sailing page if you’re interested in joining us.

Novice sailors can join and avail themselves of free, group lessons. Experienced sailors can take the US Sailing certification test and qualify to check out boats whenever desired.