Date: May 2 - May 10, 2026
Location: Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, Plano (Google Maps)
How the Do-it-Yourself format works:
You will be able to download and print a map and clues to take to the park. You can choose any day and time you want to orienteer (while the park is open, of course). Think of it as a training event, or a permanent course that lasts only several days. There will be no onsite NTOA presence: no registration tent, no lines, no scoring or DQs, no awards. Just orienteering fun. Bring your own water and gear. Instead of control bags, controls will simply be colorful ribbons hung in the terrain.
General Info
Event OfficialS
Meet Director & Course Setter: Frank Ray
Registrar: Lisa Carr
EVENT NOTES
This year we will be keeping everything in Oak Point Park and not including Bob Woodruff for this meet. There are 50 controls, which means quite a few are close together. I tend to overlook that issue when walking around picking points, and don’t realize the problem until looking at all the big, pink, overlapping circles, which also tend to cover some the map details. So, I apologize in advance for my controls crowding enthusiasm.
For Oak Point, there is construction along Los Rios in the center of the park. They are building a new parking lot, restrooms, pavilion, picnic areas, playground, and an amphitheater like the existing one on the Spring Creek side. There is fencing around the whole area, and it has been marked out-of-bounds on the map.
Control points are numbered from 10-59. Control points 14, 16, 36, and 47 were not ribboned as they have become really inaccessible due to excessive vegetation growth, and I didn't have a machete. They're still on the map and clue sheet, but please don't go look for them.
Best of luck to everyone!
-- Frank
Courses
Because this is leveraging our Plano Score-O controls, there aren't specific courses: You'll get a map with all the controls and can visit as many as you want in any order. Or, "set" your own courses beforehand by selecting and connecting control locations.
Scout info
Because a Yellow course is not available, participation in this event doesn't qualify for BSA merit badge requirements. But it's still great practice!
Schedule
Controls will be in the field when the park opens (see hours of operation below) on the morning of Sat, May 2. The event ends when the park closes on Sun. May 10, and controls will be removed.
Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve hours of operation: Daily 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Donations
We aren't charging an event fee for this event, but we welcome donations to help us cover club overhead such as insurance coverage. Suggested donation: $5/map. Via PayPal (payntoa@yahoo.com) // Via Zelle. (ntoa.treasurer@gmail.com)
Instructions
1. At 6 pm on Friday, May 1, return to this page and click the Proceed button below to sign an online waiver. Complete the form and click Submit. You'll then be taken to the map print page.
Note: If this step fails, check your browser settings, especially if you are using Firefox, and be sure a pop-up blocker is not interfering. Turn it off before signing up. If you're still having trouble, email one of the event officials listed above and they'll help get you the map.
2. Arrange for your own “runner accountability.” We recommend telling a friend or family member where you are going and when you plan to finish. Provide them with a copy of the map. Or, you may choose to meet another orienteer at the venue and run simultaneously.
3. It’s a suburban park, but it still includes brushy areas, so dress accordingly. Don’t forget to bring your own water.
4. Run or walk your course. Find the ribbons. Enjoy!
5. Check in with the person you made plans with in Step 2.
6. If any ribbons are missing, contact the course setter so he/she can replace them.
Optional: Go out and enjoy again as often as you like during the DIY period!
The map download is closed.
Proceed (when Green)
Directions
Street address: 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano, TX 75074
