Labor Day is coming up!

Do you have some ideas for activities to do with the family? We have compiled a few ideas for you.

The City of OKC Free Fishing Days Sept 4th

Local anglers can enjoy FREE fishing on the first Saturday of every month as part of our Free Fishing Days program. City permits are not required on the following days, but a State fishing license is still required.

Hooked on Fishing – Free Year-Round Fishing Classes

Learn fishing basics such as casting, knot tying, fish identification and angler ethics during one of the City’s “Hooked on Fishing” summer fishing classes.

Classes run in summer from 8am until 10am and in winter from 9am until 11am on select Saturdays and are for anglers ages 5 through 15. All participants must be accompanied by an adult.

Poles, tackle and bait are provided during the class. State Fishing License and City Permits are not required during class hours. 

Classes are “catch and release” and fish will be returned to the water. FREE to the public. Visit okc.gov/parksignup to register in advance. 

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

The sesquicentennial (150 years) of Yellowstone National Park is an opportunity to exhibit more of the National Cowboy Museum’s permanent art collection that focuses on the unique landforms and spaces in Yellowstone National Park and to inculcate in the visitor the importance of preserving these lands for public appreciation and enjoyment. This exhibit will run until the 23rd of October. https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/

Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m – 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.
Adults, $12.50; kids, (6-12), $5.57; kids (5 & under), free

Kayak at our local lakes

OKC RIVERSPORT offers great kayaking experiences in Oklahoma City for both youth and adults. With RIVERSPORT you’ll have access to some of the best water in the OKC metro including downtown on the Oklahoma River, at Lake Overholser, and at Lake Hefner.

Kayaking is included in your day or season pass, or you can rent a kayak by the hour. Kayaks are available in the Boathouse District at the RIVERSPORT Adventure Park, at the Lake Overholser Boathouse, and at Hobie Point at Lake Hefner.

Whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced paddler, you’ll find lessons, programs and paddle experiences at all three locations to get you involved!

Are you ready to enjoy some of the best kayaking Oklahoma has to offer? Get on the water with your Day or Season Pass, an hourly rental, or take a Discover Kayaking lesson!

Messages about safety from OKC PD

Secure Your Bicycle

The Oklahoma City Police Department recovers hundreds of bicycles each year.  Few are ever returned to the rightful owner.  The biggest problem is very few people write down the serial number of the bicycle.  The serial number can usually be found on the bottom bracket, where the crankset/pedals are located.  If your bicycle is stolen, give this information, along with the Make and Model, to the Police, who will enter your bike’s serial number into the stolen property database. 

Of course, the best scenario is to not have your bicycle stolen.  Bring it inside or have a good lock.  U-Locks, provide great protection.  By utilizing the “triangle” method, you secure the bike’s rear frame, rear wheel, and the bike rack/pole.  Adding a cable lock allows you to secure the front wheel and frame and connect to the U-lock.  If you have to leave it outside, secure it in a well-lit area and if possible, in view of a CCTV camera in the area. 

Having a picture of your bike is also helpful.  There are apps and websites, like bikeindex.org where you can register your bicycle’s information.  And remember, always report any property stolen to your local police department. 

__________________________________

Master Sergeant L. Dean Wyatt 

Police Community Relations Officer 

Oklahoma City Police Department, Southwest Division 

larry.wyatt@okc.gov  

Tips on Parking Lot Safety

  • Beware of your surroundings
  • Keep doors locked at all times
  • DO NOT leave valuables in Vehicle this includes change, cell phones, or even gym bags
  • Be alert and avoid distractions going and coming into store
  • When going out to vehicle pay attention and look inside and around vehicle
  • If you cannot remember where you parked go back inside and ask for clerk too help you
  • Lock doors once inside your vehicle and drive away immediately
  • If you think someone is following you call 911 Immediately DO NOT drive to your house

_____________________________________

Sheryl Presley

Triad Coordinator

Oklahoma City Police Department

Email: sheryl.presley@okc.gov

Putnam City Schools start back this week

With school’s back in session, remember to stop for yellow school buses — and look out for children walking to school and crossing the street.

Parents can teach their children to look both ways, but there are a few more tips to keep in mind, especially for when the weather gets wetter and darker this fall.

1. Look both ways and use crosswalks — but don’t assume you’re seen

Teach kids at an early age to look left, right and left again before crossing the street. Then remind them to continue looking until safely across.

If kids cross roads with more than one lane, remind them that just because one car stops doesn’t mean cars in other lanes will, too.

Always use traffic signals and crosswalks if available — but don’t treat them like force fields. Remember drivers are humans, too, which means they won’t always see crosswalks or people walking in them.

The same goes for school zones. There’s a false sense that these are safe areas, but parents and children are rushing around and not always paying close attention to the road.

2. Make eye contact with the driver

Even if the child has the right of way, teach them to make eye contact with the driver so both parties are aware of each other.

3. Eyes up, phones down

Be attentive when walking to avoid tripping, or worse, walking into traffic. Teach kids to put phones, headphones and devices down when crossing the street. It’s particularly important to reinforce this message with teenagers.

Being distracted by technology while walking is becoming one of the major causes of pedestrian accidents.

4. Walk in a group

This provides safety in two ways: a group of students may be more visible to a driver than a single student and it provides personal safety from someone who may wish to do harm to a student.

5. Walk on sidewalks or paths

It’s always best to walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

6. Cross with an adult

Children under 10 should cross the street with an adult. Every child is different, but developmentally, most kids are unable to judge the speed and distance of oncoming cars until age 10.

7. Be a good role model

Set a good example by putting your phone, headphones and devices down when walking around cars.

Encourage kids to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach them to look for turn signals or back up lights.

Teach kids it is unsafe to run out in the street between parked cars or run across the street not using the crosswalk.

8. Be visible

Students should have some form of clothing, backpack or other item that is reflective, or some form of light to shine as they walk. Dark clothing is a major factor when it comes to pedestrian versus vehicle accidents.

Source- https://www.marybridge.org/blog/tips-for-walking-to-school-safely/

The Paseo Arts District hosts a “First Friday” event this week!

The historic Paseo Arts District is Oklahoma City’s art community. Over 80 artists and more than 25 businesses and galleries participate, all within walking distance. Opening receptions showcase the new work of the gallery/studio owners or the work of guest artists. Once you visit for a First Friday Gallery Walk, you will want to linger for the Paseo’s unique atmosphere.

Join local artists between NW 30th and Dewey and N.W. 28th and Walker in Oklahoma City.

  • Free Entry
  • Aug 5th 6-9pm
  • Free Street Parking
  • Family Friendly
  • Leashed Pets Welcome

Scissortail Park Events

Walking Club at Scissortail Park

Meet fellow walkers each Thursday at the Scissortail Boathouse to enjoy a scenic morning stroll through the Park. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b49acaf23a5f85-scissortail

  • 8-9am
  • Free
  • Open to all, including dogs on leashes.
  • Participants walk at their own pace.

Free Zumba Class

Class every Saturday from 9-10am at the Sky Rink event pavilion 801 South Robinson Avenue

Zumba is a form of aerobic dance exercise similar to Jazzercise; its distinctive characteristic is its use of Latin American music and dance rhythms to create a party-like atmosphere in class sessions.

Farmers Market

Every Saturday | 9am – 1pm
Corner of Oklahoma City Boulevard and South Robinson Avenue

Shop all local Oklahoma farmers, producers, and artisans in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. Make us part of your Saturday morning routine to pick up the freshest produce, meats, poultry, honey, coffee, spices, baked goods and more.

Free parking during market weekends is available around the perimeter of the Park and in the special event parking lot on the northwest corner of Oklahoma City Boulevard and Thunder Drive across from Paycom Center.

Fountain and Spray Ground

Summer Hours

Daily | 9am – 9pm

(weather permitting)

Bulk Trash Day is Monday Aug 1st

Bulky Waste Set-out Guidelines

  • Set out your bulky trash no later than 6 a.m. on your monthly pick-up date. Please allow up to three days for crews to pick everything up.
  • You may set out your bulky waste up to three days prior to your assigned pick-up day, but no sooner. Setting it out earlier may result in a ticket or a fine.
  • Place your bulky waste on the curb and not in the street. Leave about 5 feet of space on all sides, and do not place bulky waste near mailboxes, trees, electric boxes, gas meters, power lines or other obstacles.
  • Place items loose on the curbside in an area where they can be easily picked up.
  • Do not place items on the driveway or over storm drains.
  • Do not cover your water meter.  
  • Do not place bulky waste in an empty lot or on unoccupied property. This is considered illegal dumping and the waste will not be picked up.
  • The first four cubic yards (about the size of two refrigerators) are included in your monthly service fee. Customers who place out more than the allowed amount will be charged for additional waste on their next Utility bill.

What we pick up:

  • Large and small household appliances, including refrigerators. However, for any appliances containing Freon or other coolants, including refrigerators or air conditioners – customers need to call (405) 297-2833 to make special arrangements prior to your regular bulk pick-up day.
  • Mattresses, furniture and carpets
  • Small trees and landscape waste from DIY projects. Large tree or landscape debris produced by contracted landscapers must be hauled off by the landscaper.
  • Fencing
  • Small waste produced by DIY home repair (no contractor waste)
  • Glass and mirrors (must be wrapped in cardboard and secured)

What we do not pick up:

  • Acids and caustics*
  • Antifreeze*
  • Automotive repair waste: Includes parts and/or liquid waste from automotive, boat or motorcycle repair, tires and rimes, automobile frames, crankcase, transmissions, wheels and tires, brake fluid, degreasers and lubricants
  • Bagged landscape waste. All bagged leaves or landscape debris must go in your big blue bin. 
  • Batteries of any kind, including automotive batteries*
  • Bricks, concrete, rocks or similar materials from DIY home projects.
  • Contractor waste: Uncontained sheetrock, concrete, gypsum and roofing materials, remodeling and demolition debris, dirt, bricks, rocks or concrete. These should be carried of by your contractor.
  • Explosives
  • Diapers and pet waste
  • Excrement
  • Fertilizer*
  • Fuels of any types, including propane tanks*
  • Landscape waste: includes landscape waste and trees cut by a professional contractor. Special conditions will apply for special pick-ups as the result of severe weather.
  • Nuclear materials
  • Oils, including automotive oil, house repair lubricants and cooking oils*
  • Paints and solvents*
  • Pesticides*
  • Poisons* (Includes pest control, landscape and other poisonous materials)
  • Pool chemicals*
  • Rust remover*
  • Sewage and septic waste

March Calendar

Due to the bad weather last week, our newsletter and calendars are delayed, but we wanted to make sure you knew what was happening in March!

We will be having our annual Garage Sale on March 25 and 26. If you are planning a garage sale and would like to benefit from the neighborhood banners, please let me know your address and we would be happy to post it as well. You will need to sign up for a permit. https://www.okc.gov/departments/development-services/business-licensing/garage-sale-permit

If you do not have enough items for a garage sale and would like to donate your items to the neighborhood, please let us know. All sales from the garage sale go to updating the entrances. If you are available and would like to help work the garage sale even if for a few hours, please let us know. You can email us at harvesthillssouth@gmail.com.

Beware of Young Female Asking for Money

Hello Neighbors,

We have had several reports of a young dark haired female going to neighbors homes asking for money over the last few weeks. She has stated she needs money for various reasons depending on who she sees.

We have reported her to the police. They stated she has mental health issues and thinks she lives in this neighborhood.

She has gone as far as opening doors and walking into homes. Please keep your doors locked and your garage doors closed.

If you happen to see her please contact the police immediately. She was last seen carrying a small dog.

Neighborhood Watch Patrol Training

Hello Neighbors,

The OKC police are starting the Neighborhood watch training program again. If you are interested in becoming a patroller, please let us know at harvesthillssouth@gmail.com. You can register by the link below and we will meet you there on Thursday, 9/30 to go over the Harvest Hills South program.

If you can spare anytime once a week, every two weeks or even once a month, you can help! We have patrollers who patrol mornings, during the day and in the evenings. If you need a patrol buddy, we can provide that too.

We can really use your help. The current patrollers have been doing it for over 3 years.

Please make sure we have your contact information in case the patrollers see something while they are out so they can contact you. Several people leave garage doors open at night.  Your information is NOT shared outside of the patrollers.  Please consider joining and being a part.

Shared from OKCPD:

Hey Neighbor!

Did you know that you can keep your neighborhood safe from the comfort of your car??? Read on to learn more about Neighborhood Watch Patrol!

Neighborhood Watch Patrol is about neighbors partnering with the police to become trained observers and reporters in their neighborhood.

Join OKC Police Departments’ Sgt Bob Skalla and Sgt Michael Loruse, along with the Neighborhood Alliance team, to learn more about the Neighborhood Crime Watch and Neighborhood Watch Patrol programs for your neighborhood. 

This training will be offered from 6:00-7:00pm on Thursday, September 30th in North Oklahoma City and on Tuesday, November 2nd in South Oklahoma City. 

NORTH OKC-Register Now for September 30th!

SOUTH OKCRegister Now for November 2nd!