December 11, 2020 newsletter

Your monthly news & updates

Free Nature Programs

The program at 10 a.m. Saturday at Admiral Coontz Recreation Center will be presented by nature educator Gale Rublee and other members of the Mississippi Hills Master Naturalists.

Rublee said the program will focus on winter birds, also the history of the Christmas Bird Count and what it tells about bird populations.

Bird counts and surveys help track bird numbers and aid conservation efforts.

Hannibal Parks & Recreation interpreter guide Gale Rublee will lead the program at 1 p.m. Dec. 20 in Riverview Park.

She said, “What does nature teach us about being dormant? There is value in slowing down, going within, and resting in order to survive the harsh conditions of winter. Life is continuing even while it waits for the sunlight and warmth to return. Let’s enjoy the quiet of the shortest day of the year while looking for the promise of spring.”

Participants are urged to dress for the weather. There will be a hike along an unpaved trail.

A nature program about eagles on the Mississippi River will be Jan. 23 in Hannibal, sponsored by Hannibal Parks & Recreation. Nature interpreter Gale Rublee will be at Kiwanis Park near the riverfront from 11 a.m. to noon. She will give information about the life cycle and feeding patterns of the bald eagle. “It’s exciting that the eagles have made a comeback over the last 20 years. Missouri provides an important wintering location for them.Members of the Mississippi Hills Master Naturalists will be building an eagle’s nest and participants are encouraged to help.

Reservations requested to keep numbers down, email here to reserve space.

Admiral Coontz Recreation Center will be closed Dec. 15-16-17 for Toys for Tots and Dec. 24-25 for the holidays

Regular Hours:

7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday

7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday

Noon-5:30 p.m. Wednesday

7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday

7:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Friday

Leisure, intermediate or competitive leagues
Play Tuesdays Jan. 12-Feb. 16
Registration deadline by Jan. 4
More information here

Construction has begun on the he Veterans Memorial. Memorial bricks were placed at the site but have been temporarily moved due to heavy machinery that will be used in the construction. There have been about 350 memorial bricks ordered. The Veterans Memorial and Freedom Bell will be built on Cardiff Hill Overlook, allowing a beautiful view of the Mississippi River. The pathway will consist of memorial bricks. The bricks must have the name of a service member, but does not have to be a Hannibal resident, former or current. The bricks may be purchased by loved ones to honor a member of the military. The customized bricks may be purchased for $125 per brick. Additional donors of $500 or more will be listed on a plaque adjacent to the memorial.

Click here for more information!

The Adopt A Bench program is designed to allow Hannibal residents and visitors to support Hannibal Parks by having a bench installed along the Hannibal riverfront. Participants can use the program to remember a loved one, celebrate a joyous occasion or promote a business or organization. Participation in this program includes the purchase and installation of the bench, as well as a memorial plaque.

The riverfront features benches on the sidewalk promenade along the riverfront.

Benches may be purchased for $2,000.