Bolingbrook Park District News - December / January 2022 Edition by Bolingbrook Park District

NEWS DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022 EDITION

Where the fun is!

FREE

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEE PAGE 3

THE FUTURE FOR HIDDEN OAKS NATURE CENTER & HIDDEN LAKES TROUT FARM SEE PAGE 4-5

FALL FAMILY FUN RECAP

SEE PAGE 6-7

HELPING SUPPORT VALLEY VIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT’S 21ST CCLC PROGRAM

SEE PAGE 9

RENEW YOUR RESIDENT ID ONLINE SEE PAGE 12

The Monster Hike at Freaky Fun Friday was a big hit! Freaky Fun Friday took place on Friday, October 22 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center.

Join the Team that “Makes the Fun Happen!”

_______________________________

Have you ever wanted to be a part of something bigger than yourself? It takes a special person to be a part of the Bolingbrook Park District team. The Park District is a place where staff not only strive for excellence, but are also innovative, attentive and passionate about what we do. Every member of our team embodies these traits

from our incredible ground crew all the way to our executive director. Service to the community of Bolingbrook and making a difference in people’s lives are what drive us. ”It’s not a 9:00-5:00 desk job and I get the opportunity to see people learn new skills, learn teamwork and just have fun,” said Kai Wahlgren, Superintendent of Recreation. Every position in the district plays an integral part in making the fun happen for our community. We are looking to add to

our team with a variety of part-time positions ranging from grounds and custodial workers to personal trainers and customer care representatives. If you want to be an active part of the Bolingbrook community and love to engage with people, we have a position for you. Visit www.bolingbrookparks.org and click on the employment page for a current listing of available positions. Remember to check back often because positions change throughout the year.

bolingbrookparks.org

A Letter from the Executive Director Facility Directory Annerino Community Center Administrative Office 201 Recreation Drive P (630) 739-0272 | F (630) 739-1039 Relay 800-526-0844 Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge 335 E. Boughton Road P (630) 739-2377 | F (630) 759-1648 Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex 200 Lindsey Lane P (630) 739-1700 | F (630) 759-5651 Boughton Ridge Golf Course 335 E. Boughton Road P (630) 739-4100 | F (630) 739-1648 Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm 475 Trout Farm Road Hidden Oaks Nature Center 419 Trout Farm Road P (630) 739-2600 | F (630) 759-3056 Lifestyles Fitness 200 Lindsey Lane | P (630) 739-1705 Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park 200 Lindsey Lane | P (630) 739-1705

Board of Commissioners President Sue Vastalo svastalo@bolingbrookparks.org Vice President Jerry Hix jhix@bolingbrookparks.org Treasurer Dorothy Andrews dandrews@bolingbrookparks.org Secretary Jake McVey jmcvey@bolingbrookparks.org Commissioner Vacant

Where the fun is!

Hello and Happy Holidays! On behalf of the board and staff of Bolingbrook Park District, we all hope you and your families are doing well and enjoying a lovely holiday season. Bolingbrook Park District continues to operate and advance despite some of the continued COVID related challenges. We are open and offering as many recreation programs as possible. We absolutely love seeing you in our facilities, playing at our playgrounds, and enjoying the great outdoors in our parks and on our trails! Speaking of trails, we are nearing completion of a long-time dream of connecting the east side of Bolingbrook to the west side of Bolingbrook, via bike path. The bridge over the Lily Cache creek was the missing connection, and that is nearly done! You can also visit our newly renovated Century Park, with great amenities such as a dedicated pickleball court, basketball, and a brand-new playground! Speaking of brand new, have you visited our new website? We took our time, added some new features, and developed an amazing website. The finished product is a wonderful addition to our communication efforts. Speaking of communication, we have an amazing year in store for you in 2022. You can look forward to 5 more playground renovations (Bradford, Community, Freedom, Sunset, and Winston Woods), plus a return of our free community events and services. I hope your upcoming holidays are filled with joy and celebration. Thank you for your continued support of your Bolingbrook Park District programs, services, parks, and natural areas. Sincerely, Ron Oestreich, Executive Director

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 at Annerino Community Center, 201 Recreation Drive Bolingbrook, Illinois in the Board Room. 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.

Mark Your Calendars Wednesday, December 15 Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting 7:00 pm – Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Saturday, December 18 Parkie’s Reindeer Games

9:00-11:30 am $10 ($7 w/Res ID) Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Friday, December 24

Saturday, January 22

7:30 am $4 per class Zoom (Register at www.bolingbrookparks.org)

Ages 3-12 years old 12:00-3:30 pm $12 ($8 w/Res ID) Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Pop-Up Holiday Pump! Virtual Body Pump

Friday, December 31

Pop-Up Holiday Pump! Virtual Body Pump

7:30 am $4 per class Zoom (Register at www.bolingbrookparks.org)

Bolingbrook Ninja Warrior Event

Monday, January 24

Spring Program Guide Released www.bolingbrookparks.org

Saturday, February 12 Sunday December 19

December Dance Concert: Sugar Plum Dreams

2:00 pm $7 (ticket link: https://buy.tututix.com/BPD) Bolingbrook High School (365 Raider Way)

Winterfest - FREE

Thursday, January 13

Family Game Night – FREE

6:00-8:00 pm

10:00 am-2:00 pm Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)Friday,

February 18

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Friday, February 18

Rockin’ Red Zumba Party

Thursday, January 20

Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting

6:00-8:00 pm $9 pre-registration ($7 for members) Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

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

Winter PROGRAM GUIDE AVAILABLE NOW! STEP-BY-STEP HOW TO FIND THE PROGRAM GUIDE: 1. Visit www.bolingbrookparks.org 2. Click the button that says “View Program Guide” 3. Scroll through and find your fun!

A Bright Future for Hidden O & Hidden Lakes Historic T

Hidden Oaks Nature Center was built in 2009 with the assistance of the Forest Preserve District of Will County. _______________________________

Bolingbrook Park District’s Board of Commissioners voted on November 18th to sell the Hidden Oaks Nature Center and Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm to the Forest Preserve District of Will County. The Forest Preserve will take ownership of the property effective January 1. “This decision was not taken lightly. This began as a research project in January 2020 with the goal of preserving the property and reducing long-term bond and interest debt for the district,” said Ron Oestreich, Executive Director. “The Forest Preserve District of Will County has the expertise and means to enhance the nature experience on the property and keep it accessible for our residents.” Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm was acquired in 1988 with the aid of Corlands. The site was eventually purchased in 1990. It 4

Where the fun is!

The Forest Preserve District of Will County plans to keep the names of the facility and the property the same.

Oaks Nature Center Trout Farm has long served as a favorite fishing location within the area. Hidden Oaks Nature Center was built in 2009 with the assistance of the Forest Preserve District of Will County. The Forest Preserve provided funding for the acquisition of the land to build the nature center. The goal of both organizations was to preserve the property and provide an opportunity for the community to engage with nature. “We have always had a great relationship with the Forest Preserve District of Will County. Our park district team did a wonderful job over the last 12 years building the reputation of Hidden Oaks Nature Center to where it is today. We believe the Forest Preserve District will take the property, especially with its connection to Whalon Lake, to the next level in conservation, outdoor recreation and education,” said Oestreich. Proceeds from the land and facility sale will be allocated to the reduction of bond debt certificates from the construction of Hidden Oaks Nature Center and Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge. These are on one debt certificate bond that will see a 50% reduction because of the sale. The Forest Preserve District of Will County plans to keep the names of the facility and the property the same. They plan to increase the program and exhibit space by

Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm will continue to be stocked and host fishing derbies. transitioning the current classroom and office space. They will also expand rental opportunities to the community, make some improvements around the pavilion, and the pathways and campus landscape. Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm will continue to be stocked as well as host fishing

Environmental education programs will provide residents greater opportunities to learn about the environment.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County plans to increase the program and exhibit space and make improvements around the pathways and campus landscape.

derbies. Over 90% of the Forest Preserve’s environmental education programs are free providing Bolingbrook residents with greater opportunities to learn about the environment around them. “It has always been the mission of the park district to provide park and recreation services in a fiscally responsible manner. We feel this sale is the best for the district, our residents and allows for the continued preservation of this important piece of property,” said Oestreich. If you have any questions about the sale, please feel free to reach out to Ron Oestreich at (630) 739-0272. bolingbrookparks.org

Everyone

Fall Family Fun Rec

can

dance! Bolingbrook Park District offers programs in these areas:

This kid tried out his Halloween costume at BRAC Jam which took place on October 2.

After School

Toddler & Youth

Taking on the Lifestyles Fitness Challenge at BRAC Jam. Adult

For more information, visit www.bolingbrookparks.org/dance

The spooky Monster Hike at Freaky Fun Friday. 6

Where the fun is!

Enjoying a s’more at Freaky Fun Friday which took place on October 22.

cap

Bolingbrook Park District’s display at the Halloween Walk at Village Hall.

SWIM LESSONS at Pelican Harbor Indoor / Outdoor Aquatic Park

Many of our participants donned their full Halloween costume for their preschool, dance and gymnastics classes.

Swim Lesson Checklist: Build confidence Learn to swim Be safe Have fun!

This toddler found the perfect pumpkin at Parkie’s Pumpkin Patch which took place on October 29. bolingbrookparks.org

We make the fun happen! _______________________________

John Chase

Superintendent of Facilities

John Chase joined the Bolingbrook Park District team in 2009 as a personal trainer, helping clients work toward life goals through fitness. John assumed the role of Fitness Manager for the district’s Lifestyles Fitness operation in 2011 where he instilled a culture focused on building member relationships, developing a world class team, and introducing new programs and initiatives to keep the center fresh and exciting. “One of the things I enjoy most is the opportunity to see, firsthand, the results our daily efforts have on people,” said Chase. “The laughter, the smiles, those moments when someone discovers something about themselves or the world around them are exciting to me.”

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John currently serves as the Superintendent of Facilities at the Bolingbrook Park District, supporting a talented team responsible for Pelican Harbor, Lifestyles Fitness, the Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex and adult trip programming. “I came to this career after having worked in several other fields. Being a member of this team has been the first career where I could say I truly enjoy the colleagues I work with, the work we do, and the guests we serve,” said Chase. “It’s rare to find an opportunity to truly enjoy your work and I feel fortunate to be in that position.” When John is not at the park district, he can be found paddling a kayak on one of the Midwest’s Great Lakes, mountain or road biking, mountaineering, or just enjoying time lost in the woods. John can be reached at jchase@ bolingbrookparks.org or (630) 783-6533.

Call 1.855.MyAMITA (692.6482) to schedule an appointment with one of our top physicians. Same-day and Weekend Appointments Available!

160519 AHMG Family Where the Medicine fun is! Bolingbrook Park District 8.125 x 5.5 Ad.indd 1

AMITAhealthMedicalGroup.org 5/9/16 3:46 PM

Bolingbrook Park District Helping Support Valley View School District’s 21st CCLC Program _______________________________

Valley View School District launched a new 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program during the pandemic in 2020. This federally funded program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The Valley View program is held at five sites throughout the community.

“We have been supporting this important initiative since the beginning,” said Mike Baiardo, Director of Recreation and Facilities. “Our team began providing dance, fitness and nature programs when the program started. It has been such a great working relationship that the school district approached us about expanding our support.” An exciting new feature to the program is the addition of Family Enrichment Nights. These are events that are focused on reaching the families of students who participate in the 21st CCLC program. Valley View School District approached the park district for assistance with providing the staff and resources to offer these

Purchase a Bolingbrook Park District Gift Card! Gift cards can be found at any park district facility.

enrichment events for families. “The school district really wanted activities that students could participate in with their families,” said Baiardo. “These are great opportunities for students to be with their parents and siblings in a relaxing and fun environment further building a strong foundation for these kids to succeed in school. We were so excited to jump on board.” The first Family Enrichment Night was held in November. “We truly appreciate the school district reaching out to us to be a part of this program. I am excited to see the response and the impact these activities will have over the next few years,” said Baiardo.

• • • •

Learn to Skate Classes Learn to Skate for Hockey Classes Rockin’ Public Skate Your Home on Days Off School!

ICE SKATING AND HOCKEY ARE LIFETIME SPORTS!

630.679.1700 • ROCKETICE.COM ROCKET ICE ARENA • BOLINGBROOK, ILLINOIS

bolingbrookparks.org

Printed Program Guides are Back! Dream Big Work Hard

Never Give Up

_______________________________

The pandemic brought many changes, including moving our program guide to a digital version. This move allowed us to adapt as the world around us was changing daily. We know some loved the digital version and some were not raving fans. The good news is that we are settling back into normal operations and we can now adapt again to meet the needs of all our residents. Starting with our spring guide, we are bringing back our printed guide for those that love to hold the guide in their hands, make notes and keep it on their counter as a reminder. If you were on the side of the digital guide, don’t worry. We will continue to post the guide online for you. Our new website also has improved program search functions, so you can view programs through that method as well. There are no judgements here. We love digital native residents and our printed brochure crowd. We appreciate your patience as we have adapted over the last couple years. We will continue to make

improvements to help you find the programs and services that you are looking for. Check out below how to sign up to receive the printed guide and when the digital guide will be available.

Sign up to receive a printed brochure. Scan the QR code below and complete the form or call (630) 739-0272 and request to receive a printed copy of the guide. You may also stop by the Annerino Community Center or the Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex and ask a Customer Care Representative to add you to the mailing request.

The spring digital guide will be available at www.bolingbrookparks.org on January 24.

Bolingbrook’s Seeking Its Very Own Ninja Warrior Champion

Ages 18 mo. & up Skill Development & Classes Team Gymnastics

For more information, visit www. bolingbrookparks.org/gymnastics

Where the fun is!

_______________________________

Bolingbrook Park District is looking to determine who is Bolingbrook’s Ninja Warrior! The event will be held on Saturday, January 22 in the Gymnastics Studio at the Annerino Community Center. It is open to kids ages 3 ½ years to 12 years old. “A ‘ninja’ has the ability to combine agility, speed, strength, momentum and balance while moving through many obstacles,” said Laney Haupert, Gymnastics, Cheer, Ninja and Theatre Manager. “There is also the grit aspect of a ‘ninja’ that never gives up. They are determined to make it to the finish line. The event is meant to allow kids to give it their all. It isn’t about who ends up on top, it is about who is willing to try.” The event will feature two age groups. The first is for kids 3 ½-6 years from 12:00-1:30 pm. The second age group is for kids 7-12 years and will be held from 1:45-3:30 pm. Spectators will be allowed to come watch the event and cheer on all the participants. “Kids love to have people watch them and cheer them on. It is a great confidence builder when people cheer for them regardless of how they do,” said Haupert.

Spectators will have plenty to keep them entertained. The kids will compete for the fastest time to climb the 10-ft warped wall, bounce across the inflatable Air Trak, swing on a giant rope and navigate through various ninja obstacles. Everyone will walk away with a certificate of completion featuring their completion time. They will also have the opportunity to take a photo at the finish line. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in both categories. Participation in the event is only $12 or $8 if you have a current Resident ID. Those interested can register at the Annerino Community Center or the Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex. “We are so excited to offer this event. It is a great opportunity for the kids to burn off some energy in the middle of winter and see what they are capable of accomplishing,” said Haupert. The event is held at the Annerino Community Center, 201 Recreation Drive. Registration details can be found online at www.bolingbrookparks. org. You may contact Laney Haupert at LHaupert@bolingbrookparks.org with any questions regarding this exciting event.

NEW PLAYGROUNDS Coming Summer 2022! Winston Woods - 200 Winston Dr.

Community Park - 600 Kingsbrooke Crossing

Freedom Park - 1600 Park Place

Sunset Park - 1500 Waterside Drive

Bradford Park - 490 Bradford Drive

bolingbrookparks.org

New Feature on Website Allows Residents to Renew Their Resident ID Online Bolingbrook Park District launched its new website in October. The new site features an option for current Resident ID holders to renew online. Obtaining a Bolingbrook Park District resident ID card allows Bolingbrook residents to qualify for discounted rates for activity registrations, services and Pelican Harbor memberships. Card holders had to physically come into a community center to renew their card every year. “We understood that this process was not ideal for our ongoing cardholders,” said Kimberly Smith, Director of Marketing and Customer Care. “We knew we needed to make the process easier for our residents. We were able to accomplish that for our renewing customers.” New Bolingbrook residents or individuals who have never registered for a program with the Bolingbrook Park District will still have to come into the Annerino Community Center,201 Recreation Drive, or Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex, 200 S. Lindsey Lane, to set-up their household within our registration system. This initial set-up ensures everyone in the household is accounted for in our registration system, which allows for online registration and

in-person registration. To register a Resident ID household in the Bolingbrook Park District database, the individual must be a permanent resident of the household. Individuals do not have to be related as long as they live full-time in the household. Proof of residency is required to have a resident household established. To set-up your household, you will need a current photo identification and a completed new household form detailing a complete list of all the members of your household that live at the address. Once you have your household initially established in our registration system, you no longer need to physically come into a community center to renew it every year. Renewal is easy, simply follow these directions: 1. Visit www.bolingbrookparks.org. 2. Click on the Programs & Events link at the top of the page. 3. Click on the Resident ID Information link which is found under the Registration header within the pop-up menu. This will take you to the Resident ID Information page. 4. Scroll to the Proof of Residency for Activity

Registrations and Memberships portion of the page. Click on the RENEWING Households button. 5. Complete the form that displays and attach a photo of your current photo identification. Please note that once the renewal is complete, the photo identification is deleted. We do not store that information. 6. Then click submit. 7. You will receive a receipt that states you completed the resident ID renewal process. It can take up to 48 hours for the renewal to go through. You may use that receipt as proof of renewal during that time period. “We hope that our residents will take advantage of this new feature. Some residents may still choose to renew in person, which is perfectly fine. We are excited to offer the online renewal option for those that would like to use it,” said Smith. Residents with any questions about our Resident ID process can call the Annerino Community Center at (630) 739-0272 or the Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex at (630) 739-1700 and speak with a Customer Care Representative.

Northern Will County Special Recreation Association SAFETY • FUN • TEAMWORK INCLUSION • INTEGRITY 10 Montrose Drive, Romeoville, IL 815-407-1819 • www.nwcsra.org

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.

Join our mailing list: email msiebert@nwcsra.org Be sure to also “Like” us on Facebook!

Where the fun is!

Acres

Skate Park

Fishing

Biking, Hiking

Restroom

Pavillion/Shelter

Picnic Tables

Parking Lot

Roller Hockey

Volleyball

Soccer Fields

Football Field

Cricket Fields

Baseball/Softball

Basketball Courts

Tennis Courts

Pickelball Courts

Playgrounds

.= Disability Accessible R= Lighted Facilities t= Port-o-let z = Zipline

Concessions

B O L I NGBROO K PA RKS

(S=sand P=paved)

Park Amenities

Arrowhead Pond 349 W. Robinhood Way

3.4

Balstrode Park 181 Thackeray Drive

6.2

Blackhawk Pond 600 Blackhawk Lane

3.3

Bloomfield Oasis 1614 Prairieview Blvd

Bradford Park 490 Bradford Place

6.8

Bulldog Park 351 Blair Lane

19.2

Central Park 201 Recreation Drive

71.7

Century Park 1675 Apple Valley Drive

Champions Park 1600 Firethorn

8.8

Cider Creek Park 1755 Apple Valley Drive

ComEd Greenway 811 Remington Boulevard

Community Park 600 Kingsbrooke Crossing

Drafke Park 1125 Quail Run

6.7

DuPage River Greenway 990 W. Boughton Road to Concord Lane

92.2

Erickson Park 398 W. Briarcliff Road

0.5

Freedom Park 1600 Park Place

4.3

Gateway Wetlands 680 Feathersound Drive

49.9

Heritage Park 702 Paxson Drive

5.6

Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm 475 Trout Farm Road

Indian Boundary Park 990 W. Boughton Road Indian Chase Meadows 525 Pheasant Chase Drive

62.4

34.2

Ivanhoe Park 190 Falconridge Way

James S. Boan Woods 410 Schmidt Road

47.1 / 27

Jaycee Park 550 Lily Cache Lane

7.2

Johansen Farm Park 770 Hartford Lane

1.6

Knights of Columbus Park 190 Northridge Avenue

18.4

Liberty Park 298 N. Orchard Drive

Lilac Park 1561 Clear Drive Lily Cache Greenway Park 1422 Parkside Drive

3.5

Lily Cache Greenway Trail 1357 Hassert Blvd

191.2

Lily Cache Sports Fields 1387 Hassert Boulevard

Lily Cache Sports Fields-West Campus 1505 Trails End Lane

32.1

Lions Park 220 W. Briarcliff

5.4

Pathways Pond 220 N. Schmidt Road

3.6

Plimmer Park 401 Lily Cache Lane

10.5

Poplar Park 870 Poplar Lane

3.6

Prairie Trails 1370 Danhof Drive

48.4

Remington Lakes Sport Complex 811 W. Remington Blvd.

Riverbend Park 1940 Danube Way

1.2

River Hills Park 2290 Misty Creek Trail

3.6

Rotary Park 470 E. Briarcliff Road

6.8

Schraeder Park 469 E. Briarcliff Road

1.3

St. Francis Park 299 White Water Drive

2.3

Sunset Park 1500 Waterside Drive

7.4

The Forest 1399 Carriage Lane

0.8

Veterans Park 1877 Leeds Road

Volunteer Park 200 S. Lindsey Lane

66.2

Winston Woods 200 Winston Drive

42.1

Wipfler Park 549 Rockhurst Road

10.5

bolingbrookparks.org

3 4

TRAILS 1

Lily Cache Greenway by Prairie Trails Park

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

DuPage River Greenway by Indian Boundary Park / Hidden Lakes

Knights of Columbus Park

Gateway Wetlands

ComEd Greenway

201 Recreation Dr. . Bolingbrook, IL 60440

HAPPY. HEALTHY. TOGETHER. As a member of Lifestyles Fitness, you’ll enjoy the following benefits: New selectorized equipment

MEMBERSHIPS

Unlimited group fitness classes

$29 / month

Special monthly events Access to certified personal trainers A facility of Bolingbrook Park District

. 200 Lindsey Ln.

$25 / month for students & seniors (630) 739-1700

. bolingbrookparks.org