Bolingbrook Park District News - April / May 2023 Edition

We make the fun happen!

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEE PAGE 2

MEET OUR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SEE PAGE 5

IS IT ALLERGIES?

SEE PAGE 6

GETTING READY FOR GOLF SEASON

SEE PAGE 8

BOLINGBROOK PARK DISTRICT SHINES BRIGHTER THANKS TO COM ED GRANT

SEE PAGE 9

Bolingbrook Bank & Trust Sponsors Financial Assistance Program

BBolingbrook Bank & Trust has signed on as a Financial Wellness Partner with the Bolingbrook Park District. Their sponsorship supports the District’s Financial Assistance Program. This program was created in an effort to promote recreation and self-

improvement as part of a healthy lifestyle. Individuals in need of financial scholarship may receive funds to participate in park district programs. “We are so appreciative of Bolingbrook Bank & Trust’s support of this program. This will allow us to help many additional families,” said Mike Baiardo, Director of Facilities. Bolingbrook Bank & Trust will also offer monthly workshops on various financial wellness topics for the community starting in June.

For more information on the financial assistance program, please call 630.739.0272.

The old playground equipment from Draftke Park is enjoying a second life... in Kenya!

Board of Commissioners

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, April 7

Parkie’s Egg Hunt

9:00-11:00 am

$10 ($7 w/ Resident ID)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

President Sue Vastalo svastalo@bolingbrookparks.org

Friday, April 14 Boot Camp

10:45-11:45 am

$7

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Thursday, April 20

Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting

7:00 pm—Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Saturday, April 22

Week of the Young Child

- Touch a Truck

11:00 am – 2:00 pm . FREE

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Saturday, April 22 Road Rally

Vice President Jerry Hix jhix@bolingbrookparks.org

Treasurer Dorothy Andrews dandrews@bolingbrookparks.org

Friday, April 14 Pajama Party-Earth Day Every Day

5:30-7:30 pm

$37 ($25 w/ Resident ID)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Monday, April 17 Week of the Young Child Kicks Off FREE events all week long through April 22

Wednesday, April 19 School of Rock Trip

11:00 am – 5:00 pm

$75 ($65 w Resident ID Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Secretary Jake McVey jmcvey@bolingbrookparks.org

3:00-8:30 pm

$129 ($109 w/ Resident ID)

Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Saturday, April 22

Earth Day Service Project

2:00-4:00 pm . FREE

James S. Boan Woods (410 Schmidt Rd)

Wednesday, April 26

Loose Parts Art

6:00-7:30 pm

$10 ($7 w/ Resident ID)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Board of Commissioners Meeting Information

The Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners have scheduled board meetings the third Thursday of each month. All meetings are held in the Board Room at Annerino Community Center, 201 Recreation Drive, Bolingbrook, Illinois.

To find the Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes, visit www.bolingbrookparks.org. Each date has a hyperlink that takes you to that month’s minutes or agenda.

Commissioner Frank McKay fmckay@bolingbrookparks.org

Calendars

Saturday, April 29

Preschool Prom

4:30-5:45 pm

$38 ($25 w/ Resident ID)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Saturday, May 6

Pickleball Doubles Tournament

9:00 am – 6:00 pm

$50 per team

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Wednesday, May 10

Underground Chicago Pedway Tour

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

$65 ($55 w/ Resident ID)

Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Saturday, May 13 May Dance Concert

2:00 pm

Tickets at tututix.com

Bolingbrook High School (365 Raider Way)

Saturday, May 13

Hand-in-Hand Hike

3:00-4:30 pm

$10 ($7 w/ Resident ID)

James S. Boan Woods (410 Schmidt Rd)

Thursday, May 18

Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting

7:00 pm—Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Friday, May 19

Preschool Pajama Party - Safari

5:30-7:30 pm

$37 ($25 w/ Resident ID)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Saturday, May 20 Evening Frog Walk

- Sponsored by Meijer

7:30–8:30 pm FREE

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Wednesday, May 24

Gardens and Gems Tour Trip

9:00 am-5:00 pm

$45 ($35 w/ Resident ID)

Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Wednesday, May 31 Summer Concert Series

7:30-9:00 pm FREE Roger C. Claar Performing Arts Center (375 W. Briarcliff Rd.)

Spring

Saturday, June 3 Egg Drop Challenge

10:00-11:00 am

$12 ($9 w/ Resident ID) Central Park Pavilion (201 Recreation Dr.)

Thursday, June 8

Neighborhood Movie SeriesWakanda Forever

8:30 pm FREE - Sponsored by UChicago Medicine | AdventHealth Bolingbrook Volunteer Park South (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Wednesday, June 7

Summer Concert Series

7:30-9:00 pm FREE

Roger C. Claar Performing Arts Center (375 W. Briarcliff Rd.)

Friday, June 9 Visit Your Local Park

10:00 am-12:30 pm FREE Central Park (201 Recreation Dr.)

Wednesday, June 14

Summer Concert Series

7:30-9:00 pm FREE

Roger C. Claar Performing Arts Center (375 W. Briarcliff Rd.)

1. Visit www.bolingbrookparks.org

2. Click the button that says “View Program Guide” 3. Scroll through and find your fun! REGISTER

FAMILY BIKE CHALLENGE

Saturday, June 24 . 10:00 am–1:00 pm

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex

All ages welcome

Teams will be given a bike route to travel to stations throughout Bolingbrook to complete a task. Once successful, you will receive a playing card. Who will have the best five card poker hand at the conclusion of the event? Register as a team of four. Route distances range from 2–12 miles. Additional details provided upon registration.

*For questions about these events, please contact Hannah Grise at

Mike Selep Selected as Bolingbrook Park District’s New Executive Director

following the resignation of Ron Oestreich this past January. Sue Vastalo, Park Board President, announced the selection of Mike Selep to fill the role of Executive Director during the March 16 board meeting. “We had an impressive selection of candidates to choose from. Mike rose to the top because of his high level of experience within the field of parks and recreation, as well as his familiarity and involvement within our community,” stated Vastalo.

with Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. He is also currently an adjunct faculty member with the University of St. Francis and serves as past President of the American Camp Association Illinois.

“Mike’s varied experience within the field will help guide our team into the future. He is an active listener who is open to hearing what our community needs are,” said Vastalo.

TThe Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners completed an extensive search to find a new Executive Director

Mike currently serves as the Executive Director of the Northern Will County Special Recreation Association (NWCSRA) which provides services to individuals with special needs in Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Plainfield and Lockport. Prior to NWCSRA, Mike served as the Executive Director of the Mokena Community Park District. His other professional experiences include Professional Services Director and Interim Director with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), Program Coordinator with West Suburban Special Recreation Association, Special Projects Assistant and Accountant/Information Technology Coordinator with the Schaumburg Park District, and the Assistant Director and Superintendent of Recreation

Mike has been a resident of Bolingbrook with his wife, Julie, and his children, Morgan and Joshua, for the past 28 years. They have been active within the park district the entire time. Julie is familiar face within the district serving as a valued preschool teacher. Morgan proudly serves in the US Army and Joshua is a second year student at Iowa State University. “I am so excited to serve the community that I love. My children grew up in this park district,” stated Selep. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with the amazing Bolingbrook Park District team and to create new connections within the community.”

Mike will begin his new role on Monday, May 1.

Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park . 200 Lindsey Lane . (630) 739-1705

A facility of the Bolingbrook Park District . bolingbrookparks.org

Mike Selep, CPRE, MPS

Is it Allergies?

SSniffling, sneezing, watery eyes, and coughing: We’ve all been there. What starts as a tickle in the throat or a sneeze here or there can quickly turn into symptoms that last for days — sometimes weeks. But as common as these symptoms are, it can be hard to tell what exactly is causing your congestion. With spring’s arrival in the Chicagoland area, your symptoms may be allergies.

Allergies are not caused by a virus or by bacteria. Instead, allergy attacks are caused when your immune system overreacts to an allergen like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. Your body releases too many histamines, which cause symptoms such as:

• Coughing

• Nasal congestion

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Sore throat

• Watery eyes

Allergies are even more common than a cold: It’s estimated that more than 50 million Americans suffer from some type of allergy. Seasonal allergies may occur at certain times of the year when allergens are present (trees in spring; grass in summer; ragweed in fall). Some individuals suffer from environmental allergens, such as dust, mold, or animal dander, which are present year-round.

You can ease your seasonal allergies by avoiding contact with allergens. For instance, limit your time outside when pollen counts are high. Over-the-counter medications such as Claritin or Zyrtec and nasal sprays can help, too.

How Can I Tell If It’s Allergies, a Cold or COVID-19?

Allergies, colds, and the coronavirus may be caused by different sources, but their symptoms are similar. This handy cheatsheet may help you tell the difference.

Virginia Ann Smith-Bronstein, MD, Board-Certified Otolaryngologist

You may have allergies if:

• Symptoms include itchy eyes, rashes, nasal congestion or sneezing

• Symptoms last longer than 10 days (with no fever)

• Mucus is clear

• Symptoms worsen during certain times of year, after being outside or when leaving windows open

• You notice “allergy shiners” (dark undereye circles)

You may have a cold if:

• Symptoms last all day long and are worse at morning and night

• You begin to feel better after seven to 10 days

• Your symptoms include fatigue, body aches, fever, and a sore throat

Coronavirus variants tend to have similar symptoms, but there are some notable differences, and the severity of symptoms is unique to each person.

• Symptoms typically develop between two to five days after a person is exposed to the virus, and they typically last a few days to a few weeks

• Common symptoms include dry cough, fatigue, fever, sore throat, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes

• Serious symptoms include chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath

Seek immediate attention if you have serious symptoms.

We’re Here to Help

Virginia Ann Smith-Bronstein, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) physician with UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group. She sees children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics and is accepting new patients at her Bolingbrook, Plainfield, and Hinsdale offices. Please call 630.861.6275 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Congratulations are in Order!

View Dr. Smith-Bronstein’s online profile

Congrats to our gymnasts after hosting a home meet on Saturday, March 11! Our Level 2 & 3 teams placed 1st, our Level 4 team placed 2nd, and Tillina finished 1st on vault, 3rd on floor and 4th in All Around in her age group!

Kudos to our Pelicans swim team for earning 2nd place at the divisional conference swim meet on March 5!

Getting Ready for Golf Season

Move on to hitting range balls

SSpring is finally here! The flowers are starting to bloom. The grass is getting greener. Temperatures have risen (hopefully). But, is your golf game ready for the season? Hopefully you’ve been practicing during the long winter months. If not, here are a few tips to ensure that you have a safe, productive and enjoyable golf season.

Check your grips

Have they lost their tackiness? A slick grip on your golf club can have a major impact on your golf swing and performance. Increased grip pressure to ensure the club is secure will decrease the speed of your swing and cause a loss of distance.

Practice short swings then full swings

Find a good open spot and grab your putter but leave your golf ball in the bag. Use this time to do a few putts to establish your rhythm and tempo. Afterwards, you can start doing the same with a short iron. Start with 50% swings, then 75% swings and work your way up to full swings. This will get the muscles in your back and torso to loosen up. Aim to complete 100 golf swings a day to build up your muscles and range of motion again. While doing so, make sure that your grip and posture are correct.

Again, start with shorter clubs and work your way up to the driver. Practice all aspects of your game – especially the short game. Putting, chipping, pitching and bunker shots require a great deal of feel, which is something that you need to gain back after a long break. It’s a good idea to devote 75% of your time practicing those shots.

Set

goals for the golf season

What is it that you want to achieve? Are you looking to set new low scores? Are you looking for more distance off the tee? Do you want to fix swing faults? Take some time to write down goals for the entire season. It’s always a good idea to set deadlines, as well. This leads us to our next tip – Remember to have fun!

Remember to have fun

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Set realistic expectations. You’re going to be a little rusty. Your scores probably aren’t going to be close to where you want them to be, especially for the first few rounds. With that being said, take it easy on yourself. Try not to get frustrated. Take each stroke as a learning opportunity. Take notes on what you need to work on at the range. Always set aside practice time between rounds. You can have just as much fun on the practice range

as on the course. Use this time to enjoy the outdoors. Use it to improve your attitude and your perspective on life.

About Boughton Ridge Golf Course

Located at 335 E. Boughton road and situated on 45 beautiful acres, this nine-hole, 2205-yard, par 32 course features contoured fairways and water on seven holes. The Lily Cache Creek meanders through five holes and feeds a large lake, which borders three holes. Twenty-one sand traps lay in wait and provide plenty of challenge to even the strongest players. Watered tees, fairways and greens provide lush turf and reward wellplayed shots.

Our course is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play. Test your accuracy with our fairways, water hazards and sand traps; we have everything you need to challenge you and improve your game!

Book Tee Times Golf Events

CChris Finn, our Buildings, Grounds & Natural Resources Director is pleased to share information on additional grants from ComEd for LED light replacement in various locations within the Bolingbrook Park District.

LED lights are up to 80% more efficient than fluorescent lights. They convert 95% of their energy into light and only 5% is wasted as heat. They also use far less power to provide a strong and consistent output at a lower wattage. On average, at least five fluorescent light bulbs would be discarded in the lifespan of one LED lamp. They reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by 80%.

Sports Field Projects

Late last year, the lights were replaced at the Central Park tennis courts, football field, and the softball/baseball fields at 201 Recreation Drive. Features include fully programmable timers, ambient dimming and more effective light focusing, all adding up to an estimated annual energy cost savings of about $17,666.

The Lily Cache Soccer Field lights at 1397 Hassert Road are scheduled to be replaced this spring. They’re actually going to be the

same lights that were used at the 2023 Super Bowl! The estimated annual energy cost saving is $19,750.

The total cost between both projects was $609,136 and the District paid only $113,250 due to the grant.

Building Projects

This year all the lights have been converted to LED at our Buildings & Grounds headquarters at 301 Recreation Drive. They are equipped with motion sensors which will turn off any light after there is no movement after 10 minutes. The

project cost was $48,004 with the District paying $18,732.

Also this year, a total of 32 gymnasium lights at the Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex at 200 Lindsey Lane were replaced with LED lights with motion sensors. The project cost was $22,838 with the District paying $12,122.

We’d like to thank ComEd for these grants. Come on out and reap the benefits of our new lights.

Visit bolingbrookparks.org for more information on the District.

Bolingbrook Park District Shines Brighter Thanks to ComEd Grant New Playgrounds in May!

Light fixtures were replaced at the Central Park tennis courts, football field and softball/baseball fields.

Rendering of new playground at Balstrode Park (181 Thackeray Dr).

Rendering of new playground at Erickson Park (398 W Briarcliff).

We ALL Make the Fun Happen!

We had a BLAST at Winterfest which took place on February 4 at the Annerino Community

The Rockin’ Red Zumba crew after an incredible workout on February 17.

Park District to offer Week of the Young Child Celebrations

Bolingbrook Park District is looking forward to the annual Week of the Young Child celebrations from April 17-22. This weeklong jubilee offers a variety of free activities to honor the early childhood years. The week kicks off with children’s entertainer Magic by Randy who

is sponsored by Fountaindale Public Library. The performance will take place at the Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex at 5:30 pm. The weeklong celebration will close out with the popular Touch a Truck event on Saturday, April 22 at the Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex from 11:00 am-2:00 pm.

Other events throughout the week include free open swim at Pelican Harbor, a Zumba dance party, a variety of sample classes, and more. Here is a complete line-up for the week.

MONDAY, April 17 Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln)

5:30 pm Magic Show —Sponsored by Fountaindale Public Library

TUESDAY, APRIL 18 Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr)

10:00–11:00 am Furs, Feathers & Scales (all ages)

12:30–1:30 pm

1:45–2:45 pm

Ninjas (ages 3–5 years)

Gymnastics (ages 3–5 years)

WEDNESDAY, April 19 Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln)

12:15–1:00 pm

5:00–5:45 pm

6:00–6:45 pm

THURSDAY, April 20

3:00–5:00 pm

5:00–7:00 pm

5:00–7:00 pm

FRIDAY, April 21

3:15–4:00 pm

4:00–7:00 pm

SATURDAY, April 22

11:00 am–2:00 pm

Creative Movement Dance (ages 3–5 years)

Little Learners Sampler Class (ages 18 months–2 ½ years)

Zumba Dance Party (all ages)

Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr)

Day One Sports (ages 3-6 years)

Tae Kwon Do (ages 3 & up)

Free Wall Climbs (ages 6 & up)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln)

Art and Science Mash-Up (ages 3–6 years)

Free Open Swim (all ages)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln)

Touch a Truck

Community Center!

Meet Our Staff!

A

A smile is all it takes to make Susan Meier’s day. Susan oversees the Day Camp, Reach and Enrichment programs for Bolingbrook Park District. She knows that a smile on the kid’s faces in her programs mean she has done her job well. Her mission to enrich a life has been met. Susan originally planned on becoming a social worker. She was asked to complete 50 volunteer hours in order to move closer to her goal of working within the social work field. She chose to volunteer with the Bolingbrook Park District special events team not knowing it would change her future path. She fell in love with the field. “Until then, I didn’t even realize this was a field I could go to school for, “ said Meier. “I realized I could still help people, but in a different way. Instead, I could help enrich their lives to have fun!”

Susan attended Illinois State University and earned a degree in Recreation Management. Upon graduation, she spent six years working for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She assisted with several special events at their theme parks and both water parks. “I worked at Typhoon Lagoon

and learned every position which helped me understand the operation as a whole,” said Meier. She also ran sporting events at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports. Susan eventually decided to come back to Illinois for a position at Fox Valley Park District overseeing their customer service team, child care, café and Lego programs. She then came back to Bolingbrook as the Customer Care Assistant Manager and transitioned into the Day Camp, REACH and Enrichment Programs Manager in 2022.

“My favorite part of working for the Bolingbrook Park District is the family-first culture,” said Meier. “My husband and kids are always welcome, and even encouraged, to attend the events we host, and it’s so wonderful to see and meet the other families in our Bolingbrook community.”

Susan lives in Bolingbrook with her husband, Russ, and children, Liam, Caitlin, and Nolan. When Susan isn’t at the Park District, she loves spending time with friends and family.

Susan can be reached at smeier@ bolingbrookparks.org or 630.783.6644.

ABOUT US

Northern Will County Special Recreation Association (NWCSRA) represents the partnership between Bolingbrook Park District, Lockport Township Park District, Plainfield Park District, the Village of Romeoville, Brookeridge Park District and JusticePark District.

Our mission is to provide meaningful recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities that enhance their overall quality of life.

INCLUSION SERVICES

NWCSRA works collaboratively with the park district to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with a disability who wish to participate in a program through the park district. Individuals should be provided the opportunity to participate in recreation programs of their choice in the least restrictive environment. For additional questions regarding inclusion support, contact Carrie Gascoigne at 815-407-1819 ext. 9776.

Susan Meier Day Camp, Reach and Enrichment Programs Manager

Northern Will County Special Recreation Association

Park Amenities

BOLINGBROOK PARKS

TRAILS

1 Lily Cache Greenway by Prairie Trails Park

2 Lily Cache Greenway Trail by Bloomfield Oasis / Lily Cache Sports Complex

3 DuPage River Greenway by Indian Boundary Park / Hidden Lakes

4 Knights of Columbus Park

5 Gateway Wetlands

6 ComEd Greenway