Bolingbrook Park District News - November 2020 Edition by Bolingbrook Park District

NEWS NOVEMBER EDITION

Where the fun is!

UPCOMING WINTER FUN AT BPD SEE PAGE 3

RENOVATION PROJECT UPDATES SEE PAGE 4

FREE

Fall Fun at Freaky Fun Friday!

ASHBURY’S SPECIALS AND EVENTS SEE PAGE 6

MORE WINTER ACTIVITES SEE PAGE 9

FREE NATURE PROGRAMS SPONSORED BY MEIJER SEE PAGE 10

Fall Fun at Freaky Fun Friday at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. See article on page 5

What is the Bolingbrook Park District News? _____________________ The publication you’re used to getting from us was our 100+ page program guide. We listened to your feedback about wanting something not as overwhelming, easier to digest, gives you more a sense of what goes on in programming, and was delivered more often to serve as a registration reminder. The publication you’re reading will do all of those things

and more. It will serve as your guide to all the fun that Bolingbrook Park District has to offer. You’ll see things like: • How to find program registration information. • Recaps of previous programs. • Upcoming program and events information. • How our team keeps Bolingbrook beautiful.

• Fun articles about what we’re up to behind the scenes. • Information about our staff. We hope you enjoy what you see in the coming pages and encourage you to visit our website: www.bolingbrookparks.org to find more information about programming, including our most recent digital program guide, that contains all the program information you’re used to seeing. We hope to see you soon! bolingbrookparks.org

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 S. 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 P (630) 759-2381 Hidden Oaks Conservation Area 419 Trout Farm Road P (630) 739-2600 | F (630) 759-3056 LifeStyles Fitness Center 200 S. Lindsey Lane | P (630) 739-1705

A Letter from the Executive Director Hello and Happy Winter! On behalf of the Board and Staff of Bolingbrook Park District, we all hope you and your families are doing well and enjoying the changing seasons. The global pandemic has allowed for some creativity in all of our operational areas. This publication is a result of a cost saving measure that allows for the promotion of our programs and services for a fraction of the cost of our traditional seasonal brochure. The real bonus is that I get to write to you six times per year now! Bolingbrook Park District continues to operate and advance despite the mandated operational restrictions. We are offering as many programs as possible, our fitness center is open via reservation, our indoor pool is open for lap swim and learn to swim lessons, Ashbury’s has new and exciting supper club options and our projects team continues to impress with the completion of 5 new playgrounds, the Pelican Harbor Lazy River Island, and the renovation of the Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex. We’re happy to report that the project is 90% complete! We invite you to visit our website to experience our digital fall program guide for November and December. We will continue to evolve and meet your programming needs in this ever-changing environment. Whatever your interests are, our team is prepared to provide you with world-class service and a wonderful experience you have come to know and enjoy. We hope your upcoming holidays are filled with joy and celebration. I know we are all looking forward to 2021. Although this has been our 50th Anniversary year, we will be happy to ring in our 51st year! Happy winter, everyone and thank-you for your amazing support of our staff, programs, services, parks, and natural areas. Sincerely,

Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park 200 S. Lindsey Lane | P (630) 739-1705 Ron Oestreich, Executive Director

Board of sioners

Commis-

Secretary Denise Allen dallen@bolingbrookparks.org Commissioner Dorothy Andrews dandrews@bolingbrookparks.org Treasurer Jerry Hix jhix@bolingbrookparks.org Vice President Melissa McCloud mmccloud@bolingbrookparks.org President Sue Vastalo svastalo@bolingbrookparks.org 2

Where the fun is!

Board of Commissioners Meeting Information The Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners have scheduled board meetings the third Thursday of each month. Normally, these meetings are held in the Board Room at the Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Drive). With the Phase 4 Guidelines of the State of Illinois’ Restore Illinois Plan, these meetings are now held virtually via ZOOM. To find the Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes, visit www.bolingbrookparks.org/board. Each date has a hyperlink that takes you to that month’s minutes or agenda. There are links to prior board meeting minutes available to view. To view one of the meetings, live, please follow the steps below: • Download the Board Meeting Agenda • Click the ZOOM meeting link on the first page of the document. • Board meetings begin at 7:00 pm and we ask that you enter the meeting 5 minutes prior to starting. • Please be sure to use your legal name. Any use of inappropriate names may result in ejection from the meeting. • Items for Public Comment may also be emailed to roestreich@bolingbrookparks.org by 4:30 pm the day of the meeting to be read during the meeting.

Schedule of Events Thursday, November 19

Virtual Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting 7:00 pm (ZOOM link available at www. bolingbrookparks.org/Board) _______________________________________

Wednesday, November 25

Friendsgiving Party Ages 3-6 years, 10:00 am-Noon, Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Thursday, November 26

Free Turkey Burner Workouts 7:00-10:00 am, Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.) _______________________________________

Thursday, December 17

Virtual Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting 7:00 pm (ZOOM link available at www. bolingbrookparks.org/Board)

Friday, December 11

FREE Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt presented by Meijer 6:00-7:15 pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center (419 Trout Farm Rd.) _______________________________________

Saturday, December 19

Parkie’s Reindeer Games 9:00-11:30 am, Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park (200 Lindsey Ln.)

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER PROGRAM GUIDE AVAILABLE!

HOW TO FIND THE PROGRAM GUIDE: New 80’ Flag Pole

1. Visit www.bolingbrookparks.org 2. Scroll down until you see the Program Guide Cover 3. Click the button that says “View Program Guide” 4. Scroll through and find your fun!

_____________________________________

When you drive on I-55, you’ll see the newest addition to Bolingbrook Park District – an 80’ flag pole on Frontage Rd. by the Annerino Community Center. This project took shape thanks to the vision of our Executive Director, Ron Oestreich. With his efforts working with the Foundation for Bolingbrook Parks, the entire project was donated, leaving no costs to the taxpayers of Bolingbrook. This included the pole, flags, concrete, electrical, and crane services. Thank you to everyone involved, including our Platinum Partners: WB Olson, FGM Architects, Cosgrove Construction, Upland Design, KemperSports, Vista National, Engineering Resource Associates, Eliott Construction, Lyons and Pinner, and Stevenson Crane.

OR, simply scan this!

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bolingbrookparks.org

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex RENOVATION PROJECT UPDATE _____________________________________

The Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex renovation project that began back in April of this year is progressing and continues to be ahead of schedule. The following items are currently ongoing or have been completed: • Landscaping outside • Painting in locker rooms, hallway, and staff area • Ceiling tile inside locker rooms and pool vestibule • Electric and lighting throughout the building • Tiling of fitness locker rooms • Installation of lockers As the project nears completion, the remaining items to complete are the epoxy flooring, door, counter, and bench installation, and the installation of toilets, sinks, and plumbing fixtures. I am excited for our patrons to experience a brand-new feel to BRAC,” said Ron Oestreich, executive director. “The brighter lights, new flooring, new spaces, new pool entrance, and the updated fitness and aquatic locker rooms are impressive. We are certain everyone will love the look and feel of the new BRAC!”

Exterior view of the new multi-purpose room.

For more information about all the projects as a result of the successful 2018 referendum ask, please visit www.bolingbrookparks. org/referendum.

Pelican Harbor reception desk area.

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

Dream Big

Work Hard

Never Give Up

For more information, visit www.bolingbrookparks.org/gymnastics 4

Where the fun is!

Fun Events Bring People to Hidden Oaks & Pelican Harbor

A Red-Shouldered Hawk at Hidden Oaks Nature Center on Freaky Fun Friday. _____________________________________ In consecutive weeks, Bolingbrook Park District hosted fun events for families to have fun at. Freaky Fun Friday was October 16 at Hidden Oaks Nature Center and Parkie’s Pumpkin Patch was Friday, October 23 at Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park.

The weather at Freaky Fun Friday changed at least five times. It was sunny, rainy, windy, cold, then back to sunny again. But that didn’t stop participants from taking part in all the fun that was offered. Those in attendance learned about bats, crawfish, snapping turtles, opossum, and other creepy critters. Other than the monster hunt, s’mores by the fire, mask and puppet crafts, the highlight of the event was the birds of prey. Pictured below are the various bird that were shown to the audience. There was a Red-Shouldered Hawk, Barn Owl, and a Barred Owl. Those in attendance voted on pumpkins that were decorated by the six different preschool classes at Bolingbrook Park District. The winners were our students from the Soon 2B3 class. “It really was a great event,” said John Chase, Supt. of Facilities. “Nature really showed off with the different colors of leaves, the changing of the weather, and the creatures that people got to engage with – they sure got their money’s worth!” Parkie’s Pumpkin Patch was the first time an open swim was held at the indoor pool since prior to the COVID-19 shutdown back in March.

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“People really enjoyed playing in the pool and going down the slides,” said Christine Pfau, assistant aquatic manager. “Everyone had a blast and I had fun too! It was nice to see everyone having a good time.” Participants got to swim around the activity pool and pick out a pumpkin. Once they dried of and their pumpkin was dry, they got to decorate their pumpkins with paint and stickers.

Parkie’s Pumpkin Patch was a success at Pelican Harbor.

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Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge Continues to Adapt Despite Changing Protocols _____________________________

SWIM LESSONS at Pelican Harbor Indoor / Outdoor Aquatic Park

Swim Lesson Checklist:

Many program areas have had to adapt to the changes as a result of COVID-19 and the State of Illinois’ Restore Illinois Plan. But the team at Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge has had to come up with a variety of solutions with a short timeline in order to adapt. Here are just a few things they’ve had to plan for since March: • March 17-May 28: Closed for business • May 29-June 25: Outdoor dining only, 50% capacity, reduced hours, no banquets • June 26-August 25: Indoor dining available, 50% capacity, 50 guests maximum for events • August 25-September 17: Outdoor dining only, 50% capactity, reduced hours, 25 guests maximum for events • September 18: Reopened for indoor dining, 50% capacity, 50 guests maximum for events • October 23 – present: Outdoor dining only, 50% capacity, reduced hours, 25 guests maximum for events. Even with the challenges, there have been some bright spots. Golf has been safe to play and there was a high demand for it at Boughton Ridge Golf Club. That alone helped the outdoor dining. General Manager Jake Clara

and his team got creative with events to provide some fun and relief for guests with the Country Music, Comedy Nights, and the Nine, Wine & Dine golf series. Our team has been very understanding throughout all the changes and challenges this season,” said Clara. “As restrictions were lifted and the team rejoined our efforts, the manner in which every one of them “rolled with the punches” and continued to focus on happy, loyal guests was impressive, even inspiring.” With the weather being unfavorable for outdoor events, the team is limited to curbside offerings two days a week and hosting small events. With that in mind, Jake and his team have come up with an innovative idea to open for a Supper Club option. This series of small recurring events will feature a pre-planned menu for up to 25 guests. Menus from Chef James will feature a variety of options including Buttermilk Fried Chicken, the Ashbury’s Famous Fish Fry, and a modified version of the popular banquet buffet option – The Little Sicily, which serves grilled locally produced Italian sausages with baked mostaccioli I’m excited to continue to safely serve folks in our community and provide a moment of fun and relaxation for families,” said Clara. For the most recent supper club options, visit www.boughtonridgegolf.com, call (630) 783-6602, or follow Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge on Facebook.

Build confidence Learn to swim Be safe Have fun!

Fish Fry Supper Club at Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge 6

Where the fun is!

Everyone can

dance! Bolingbrook Park District offers programs in these areas:

After School

Maintaining a Healthy Tree Population

Non-Competitive

_____________________________

You may have noticed you’ve been around town that the Nature Resources team at Bolingbrook Park District have been removing a number of trees. Rest assured, there are good reasons for this. At the start of 2020, Bolingbrook Park District worked with Graff Urban Forestry Professionals on an inventory of all the trees across the 1,100+ acres of open space. Of the 4,438 trees that were inventoried, a number of them were rated as a 5, which means they were up for immediate removal. Trees rated with a 1 were noted as specimen perfect trees. On average, we received a rating of 2.88, which is above average. As summarized in the final report: “Bolingbrook Park District should be commended for its commitment to maintaining an overall healthy tree population. BPD is clearly committed to maintaining this tree population,

and continuing to improve it in the future.” Daniel Finn, the Horticulturist/Arborist for the park district is in his second year in his current role. He graduated from University of Illinois-Chicago with a degree in Earth & Environmental Science. He worked closely with Graf to understand the final report and what to do with it in the future. “It’s important to have a diversity of tree species,” said Finn. “If a fungus or disease moves through, it won’t wipe out half the trees in the park district.” Not including the 400 acres of natural areas, it is estimated that there are 5,200 trees across Bolingbrook that our teams maintain. A total of 140 trees have been removed as they were either dead or in poor/hazardous condition this year. In addition, 58 trees will be planted during this fall season, either as replacements or memorial trees. For more information about our memorial tree program, please visit www.bolingbrookparks.org/memorialtree.

Competitive (DanceForce)

Adult

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

Bolingbrook Garden Club uses Hidden Oaks Community Garden to Grow and Donate Vegetables

That Bolingbrook Park District was created on August 11, 1970? The first building was a white farm house.

Community Gardens at Hidden Oaks Conservation Area ___________________________________

Longtime Bolingbrook resident Dennis Dill is one of the 20 members of the Bolingbrook Garden Club. He and the team spent this summer growing vegetables at the community gardens located at the Hidden Oaks Conservation Area. In total, they donated nearly 550 pounds worth of vegetables to the West Suburban Community Food Pantry. 2019 was rough with the bad weather and weeds. But in 2020, Dennis was proud of the results of his seven plots, with one solely dedicated to growing tomatoes. They grow everything from squash, cabbage, tomatoes, hot peppers, and carrots. From July-September, Dennis would make trips to the food pantry

about every three days. “I can’t eat all this stuff and I like to grow it,” said Dennis. “The pantry normally gets canned food for food drives so these fresh vegetables are a nice change of pace.” Now retired after 45 years in the transportation business, Dennis enjoys his time working in the gardens and is extremely passionate about everything that happens in the plots. “I’ve always wanted to do it,” said Dennis. “My parents when they retired maintained a big garden and I just enjoy being outside and in the garden and having the opportunity here to help people.” The Community Garden Plots go on sale April 1. To learn more about the plots, please visit www.bolingbrookparks.org/gardenplots.

We conducted a community-wide survey in 2020. You can find the results, along with past community-wide surveys at www.bolingbrookparks.org/ StrategicPlan.

A big thank-you to Isaac from Troop 222. He completed his Eagle Scout Service Project by designing and building a raised bed at the Community Gardens at Hidden Oaks Conservation Area. Thank you, Isaac and congratulations! 8

Where the fun is!

Winter Activities at Bolingbrook Park District ___________________________________

It seems like we are just getting into the fall season and BAM here comes winter. Just because the weather is unfavorable, doesn’t mean the fun has to be! We have tons of things for you do to that are holiday-themed and just plain fun! If your kids have some e-learning fatigue, then our winter break camps are perfect for them to get out of the house and have fun with their friends! Camps will run the week of December 21-23 and then again the week of December 28-30. We have a few different options depending on age, interest, and scheduling: • Sports Camp (ages 3-12) - BRAC • T-Ball & Micro Soccer (3-6 years), 10:0011:30 am • Sports Mania (3-6 years), 3:00-4:00 pm • Basketball & Floor Hockey (7-12 years) 10:00-11:30 am • Sports Mania (7-12 years), 3:00-4:00 pm • Preschool Holiday Camp (ages 3-5 years) BRAC, 9:30 am-Noon

• Camp Alotta Fun (Kindergarten-8th Grade) BRAC, 9:00 am-4:00 pm • Nature Camp (ages 6-12 years) - Hidden Oaks Nature Center - 9:30 am-3:00 pm To fill your holiday needs, we have an exciting slate of programs that cover a wide variety of interests. We have weekly programs and an all-new event at Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park called Parkie’s Reindeer Games. Check it all out below! • Free Turkey Burner Workouts - Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex, Thursday, November 26, 7:00-10:00 am • Ornament Making - Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Saturday, December 5, 1:00-2:00 pm • Glitzy Girlz: Daddy/Daughter Holiday Gift Class (ages 3-11 years w/parent) Annerino Community Center, Tuesday, December 8, 5:30-6:15 pm • Santa Virtual Visits (all ages welcome) December 10, 11, 17-19, 5:30-8:30 pm • Free Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt presented by Meijer - Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Friday, December 11, 6:007:15 pm

• Help the Gingerbread Man Build His House (ages 3-6 years w/adult) - Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex, Friday, December 18, 10:00 am-Noon • Parkie’s Reindeer Games (ages 0-12) Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park, Saturday, December 19 • Art Projects (ages 16 years & up) - Annerino Community Center • Sillkscreen Christmas Fired Ceramic Workshop, Wednesday, December 2, 1:00-4:00 pm or 6:30-9:30 pm • Snowy Night Centerpiece Gloss Enamel Painting, Wednesday, December 9, 2:004:00 pm or 6:30-8:30 pm • Snowman Fun Canvas Painting Wednesday, December 16, 1:00-4:00 pm or 6:309:30 pm • Holiday Hustle Challenge (ages 16 years & up) - Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex, November 12-January You can find out all of what is offered and register for your fun in the November/December Digital Program Guide at www. bolingbrookparks.org.

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

ABOUT US

INCLUSION SERVICES

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 Justice Park District.

Our partner districts work collaboratively with Northern Will

Our mission is to provide meaningful recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities that enhance their overall quality of life by creating a community that empowers, connects and provides limitless possibilities.

choice in the least restrictive environment. In order to secure the

County Special Recreation Association to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with a disability who wish to participate in a program through the park district. All individuals who meet program eligibility requirements should be provided the opportunity to participate in recreation programs of their appropriate level of support for a successful inclusion experience, a minimum of two weeks advance notice to the district hosting the program is requested. For additional questions regarding inclusion support you can contact the Accessibility Services

Join our mailing list: email msiebert@nwcsra.org

Manager for NWCSRA at 815-407-1819 ext. 204.

Be sure to also “Like” us on Facebook!

bolingbrookparks.org

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt

FREE Nature Program