Looking for a local COVID-safe outdoor activity this weekend? Join neighbors of all ages Saturday, October 24, or Sunday, October 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. in an amazing scavenger hunt. Sponsored by Connecting Across Greenbelt and Random Unselfish Acts of Kindness (RUAK), Greenbelt’s Own Scavenger Hunt (GOSH) offers a unique opportunity to learn about the many hidden gems right here in Greenbelt and to explore previously unknown parts of the city. Consider this treat this weekend whether traveling by car or on foot, with a friend or family or solo.
Pick up a GOSH guide at any of several starting places: Schrom Hills Park in Greenbelt East, Greenbelt Station Park Pavilion in Greenbelt West and the Peace Pole in Historic Greenbelt any time between 1 and 4 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday. GOSH knows people are busy; participants can get started this weekend and finish whenever they want. See GOSH grid on page 12 for specific locations and more details.
Why a Scavenger Hunt? Connecting Across Greenbelt came together this fall to organize events and conversations that make real the idea of “one Greenbelt.” There are physical barriers of highways, schools and big shopping centers that divide residents. And individual and collective histories here can further divide people.
In talking with residents in community conversations, frequent refrains are, “Oh, I didn’t know that was part of Greenbelt,” or “Where is that?” or “I live in Greenbelt East or West or Central and don’t have any reason to go to other parts of Greenbelt.”
There are hundreds of reasons to get to know all of Greenbelt. For the curious, there are historic cemeteries hidden in Greenbelt. But it’s difficult to find the Hamilton or Turner cemetery without help. Or some may be looking for new not-so-used walking paths or parks they didn’t know existed. Or they want to see the Springhill Lake Three Sisters Garden or the Dragonfly Sculpture.
This weekend’s Scavenger Hunt introduces people to 18 of these Greenbelt treasures. In each of the three launch stations, Hunters will meet neighbors who can fill in the details on GOSH and tell them more about Connecting Across Greenbelt and listen to their ideas for building connections.
And as a gift from Greenbelt’s own RUAK, children who come by the Peace Pole on Saturday and Schrom Hills Park’s lake on Sunday will receive a free children’s book.
For more information, email Connecting Across Greenbelt at communityconnectionsgb@gmail.com.
An online version of the Scavenger Hunt grid is available here.