NEWS OCTOBER EDITION
Where the fun is!
UPCOMING FALL FUN AT BPD SEE PAGE 3
FREE
Congrats, Champs! ________________________________ This past month, two softball overnighters were held at Remington Lakes Sports Complex (811 W. Remington Blvd.). A total of 21 teams competed in the Co-Rec Softball Overnighter and the Men’s Softball Overnighter. Games were played starting Saturday evening and ending in the early hours of Sunday morning. For Athletics Manager, Ryan Kertson, he felt fortunate to have more teams than last year, which meant more prize money for the winning teams. “It was nice to see people out having fun and the teams were thrilled to be playing,” said Kertson. “It was all smiles and good vibes throughout both overnighters.” Team NJA (pictured above) won the Co-Rec Softball Overnighter on September 19-20 and the Boos Hounds (pictured below) won the Men’s Softball Overnighter on September 2627. Congratulations, teams!
ENJOY OUR OPEN SPACES SEE PAGE 5
SWIM LESSONS BRING THE FUN SEE PAGE 6 CHECK OUT THE OUTDOOR FITNESS STATION SEE PAGE 8
THEATRE COMPANY UPDATE SEE PAGE 10
For more information about our adult athletic leagues, please contact Ryan Kertson at rkertson@bolingbrookparks.org or (630)-783-5609.
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
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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
A Letter from the Executive Director Hello and Happy Fall! On behalf of the Board and Staff of Bolingbrook Park District, we all hope you and your families are doing well and enjoying autumn. The global pandemic has allowed for some creativity in all of our operational areas. This publication 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 fall 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 is serving hot and delicious meals, 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 late Autumn everyone and thank you for your amazing support of our staff, programs, services, parks, and natural areas.
LifeStyles Fitness Center 200 S. Lindsey Lane | P (630) 739-1705 Sincerely, Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park 200 S. Lindsey Lane | P (630) 739-1705 Ron Oestreich, Executive Director
Board of Commissioners 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.
Fall Fun at Bolingbrook Park District Friday, October 16:
Freaky Fun Friday 4:00-8:00 pm, Hidden Oaks Nature Center (419 Trout Farm Rd.), $7 _____________________________________
Friday, October 23:
Parkie’s Pumpkin Patch 6:00-8:00 pm, Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park (200 Lindsey Ln.), $10 per person, $7 with resident ID, $5 for aquatic members _____________________________________
Friday, October 23
Halloween Hide & Seek (Fun Friday’s) Ages 3-5 years, 11:00-11:45 am, Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.), $21 per person, $14 with resident ID
Friday, October 30
Not So Spooky Spookhouse Preschool Pajama Party Ages 2.5-6 years, 5:30-8:00 pm, Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.) $37 for first child, $18 each additional child. With resident ID: $25 for first child, $12 each additional child _____________________________________
Wednesday, November 18
Canvas Painting: Turkey Time Ages 16 years & up, 1:00-4:00 pm, Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.) $30, with resident ID: $24 _____________________________________
Wednesday, November 25
FREE Fall Tree Walk Sponsored by Meijer All ages welcome, 11:00 am-noon, Hidden Oaks Nature Center _____________________________________
Friendsgiving Party Ages 3-6 years, 10:00 am-Noon, Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.) $32 for first child, $17 each additional child. With resident ID: $22 for first child, $12 each additional child _____________________________________
Wednesday, November 11
Thursday, November 26
Sunday, November 1
Fired Ceramic Workshop: Harvest Pumpkins Ages 16 years & up, 1:00-4:00 pm, Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.) $37, with resident ID: $32
FREE Turkey Burner Workouts Ages 16 & up, 7:00-10:00 am, LifeStyles Fitness Center (200 Lindsey Ln.)
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER PROGRAM GUIDE AVAILABLE!
REGISTER TODAY! STEP-BY-STEP
Pumpkin Shoot: Sunday, November 1 from noon-2:00 pm. When Halloween is over, instead of waiting for your pumpkin to rot on your doorstep, shoot it with an arrow! On Sunday, November 1 from noon-2:00 pm, destroy your pumpkins as a family by shooting it with an arrow at our first-ever Pumpkin Shoot! Our staff at Hidden Oaks Nature Center will teach you to shoot the bow and arrow, then you get to shoot your pumpkin! Just $1 per arrow on-site (cash only) or $5 in advance for 10 arrows. All the money goes to help feed the animal residents at Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Register online at www. bolingbrookparks.org/pumpkinshoot. This program is just one of the many fall/Halloween-themed events coming up at Bolingbrook Park District.
HOW TO FIND THE PROGRAM GUIDE: 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!
OR, simply scan this! PLEASE NOTE:
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Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex Renovation Project Update
Framing and drywall install in Pelican Harbor and LifeStyles locker rooms.
The new multi-purpose room.
As 2021 nears, the Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex renovation project and progress continues to be ahead of schedule. Contractors are busy with the following items: • Tile work on the walls of the LifeStyles locker rooms • Painting all locker rooms • Lockers install (locker rooms & pool area) • Concrete sidewalks in front of building • Landscape in front of BRAC
“Progress is going well, with most of the ‘heavy lifting’ out of the way,” said Chris Corbett, superintendent of projects & planning. “The project is coming together as we start on the finishing touches. You can really see how things are going to look when it’s done and that’s exciting.” For Ron Oestreich, nearing the end of the project is a highlight to a year that’s been challenging.
“I am excited to be completing a wish list item for our community since this facility was first built in 1996,” said Oestreich. “I am also excited to be bringing it in ahead of the original schedule, just in time for an exciting new year in 2021!” For more information about all the projects as a result of the successful 2018 referendum ask, please visit www.bolingbrookparks.org/ referendum.
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!
Enjoy Our Open Spaces
Indian Boundary Park (990 W. Boughton Rd.)
______________________________ It’s our job to provide as much fun as we can for you, the residents of Bolingbrook. We know that you’ve been challenged over the past few weeks and months. We know that some of you might come running back to us and that some aren’t quite ready yet to return. We understand that our facilities look different, our programs are different, and we all look different with our masks on. With all this change, we want to remind you that we can still offer fun, which then provides a little hope and a glimpse of normalcy. If you don’t want to come to a facility or do a program yet, that’s perfectly fine. What we can offer for you is our 1,100+ acres of open space. The leaves are going to be changing colors soon and there are some truly beautiful spaces that we encourage you to experience. Have you even been to Hidden Oaks
Gateway Wetlands (680 Feathersound Dr.)
when the leaves are all yellow and red? It’s simply put: breathtaking. Below you’ll find a few more pristine spots that we think are picture-perfect. If you go at the right time, it will just be you, your thoughts, maybe a critter or two, and the sounds of leaves rustling in the breeze. Run there, walk there, sit there, read a book there, do a cartwheel there. Just do you. When you’re ready to learn how to do a cartwheel, we’ll be here with a smile on our face ready to teach you. • Hidden Oaks Nature Center (419 Trout Farm Rd.) • Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm (475 Trout Farm Rd.) • Gateway Wetlands (680 Feathersound Dr.) • Indian Boundary Park (990 W. Boughton Rd.) • Pathways Pond (220 N. Schmidt Rd.) • Winston Woods (200 Winston Dr.)
Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm (475 Trout Farm Rd.)
Hidden Oaks Nature Center (419 Trout Farm Rd.)
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Swim Lessons Bring the Fun
SWIM LESSONS at Pelican Harbor Indoor / Outdoor Aquatic Park Even with the added safety measures, swim lessons have been going well the last couple of months. ___________________________________
Swim Lesson Checklist: Build confidence Learn to swim Be safe Have fun!
REGISTER HERE!
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Where the fun is!
One of the program areas that faced some of the biggest COVID-19 safety challenges at Bolingbrook Park District was swim lessons. The team at Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park have taken things seriously and have worked hard to provide a high-quality swim lesson program. Led by Christine Pfau, Assistant Aquatic Manager, swim lesson participation has steadily increased. “I knew it was going to be a challenge, but I was ready for it,” said Christine. From trying to get enough staff and equipment, to following all the safety measures to keep everyone safe, it certainly was a lot, but our staff have been amazing.” It all began back in June when the State of Illinois Restore Illinois Plan was released. Parents began calling and asking questions about what the program would look like. Pelican Harbor was the first facility to open up swim lessons in the area, which garnered a lot of interest. “We had a lot of new participants from Woodridge, Naperville, and other surrounding cities,” said Christine. “We were able to pioneer how new lessons would look and with our high training standards and fun lessons, we’ve retained a lot of those participants.” Morgan Phillips has been a swim instructor and lifeguard at Pelican Harbor for two years now. Even with the added safety precautions and smaller classes, when they’re all in the water, it feels normal.
“It’s a lot smaller. It used to be six kids in class and now the most I ever have is two,” said Morgan. “They do get a lot of one-onone instruction and have an opportunity to grow in class. They love it, they love being in the water.” Part of the reason swim lessons have been so successful outside of the implemented safety measures has been communication with parents. From an initial phone inquiry to the last day of lessons, there’s never a break in communication. “We want everyone to feel welcome and not rushed,” said Christine. “When all the questions are answered and the parents feel comfortable, it really allows the focus to be on the kids and that they’re having fun, smiling, and learning.” Safety protocols: • Instructors wear a mask and face shield while in the water. • Class sizes limited to two participants per instructor. • Participants required to practice social distancing and remain six feet apart. • Limited to one parent per participant to limit the numbers of people inside the facility • Locker rooms, common areas and equipment are sanitized after each lesson. Staff use personal protective equipment when cleaning. • Hand sanitizer is provided at pool deck entry points, exit points and multiple places throughout the facility.
Nature in Art
Everyone can
dance! Bolingbrook Park District offers programs in these areas:
The Wild Homeschool Adventure Group participated in our Nature in Art program at Hidden Oaks Nature Center on Friday, September 11. They learned about cave drawings and got to create their own! Thank-you for coming out and we’re glad you had fun!
After School
Happy Retirement! Non-Competitive
Competitive (DanceForce)
Bolingbrook Park District has Spanish Ambassadors ready to help our Spanish Congratulations to Ron Bettenhausen, who has retired from Bolingbrook Park District after more than 22 years in our natural resources department. He began in 1998 as a Horticulturist and has loved sharing his knowledge and teaching others. Bolingbrook is a beautiful place because of Ron and his hard work. All the best with your future endeavors, Ron and we thank you for your years of service. You will be missed!
speaking residents.
Adult
To speak to one of our ambassadors, please call (630) 783-6688 or email spanishinfo@bolingbrookparks.org For more information, visit www.bolingbrookparks.org/dance bolingbrookparks.org
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NEW Outdoor Fitness Station ________________________________ We’re excited to announce that we’ve added an outdoor fitness station to the playground at Remington Lakes Sports Complex (811 W. Remington Blvd.). You can get a free workout on the following equipment: • Cardio Walker • Plyometric Boxes (6”, 12”, and 18”) • Captain’s Chair • Sit-Up/Back Extension • Horizontal Chin-Up • Leg Press • Push-Up Station • Balance Board
Remington Lakes Sports Complex (811 W. Remington Blvd.)
great during these times, but nothing beats being able to see your workout friends in a safe and proper manner. Our outstanding instructors will get you motivated and keep you happy and healthy,” said Piasecki. Les Mills is a company that designs workouts for our group fitness instructors to learn and then teach our participants. Every year they release new formats of their classes based on evidence-based research to make them more fun, challenging, and effective. They test key health factors such as obesity, heart disease, along with investigate motivational and behavioral aspects of fitness. “If it’s your first time coming to a class, you can expect a workout that is suitable for all. BodyPump is considered the most popular barbell program and is all about high reps and low weights. You will be working all the major muscle groups from rows to presses, carefully demonstrated by our instructors,” said Piasecki. “This is the perfect event to come out and try a class and we will do our best to get your heart pumping and your body moving!”
Try New Group Exercise Classes Outside at the Les Mills United Day ________________________________ Come join LifeStyles Fitness Center in the parking lot at the Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.) as we launch all-new formats of Les Mills group exercise classes including: Body Pump, Body 8
Where the fun is!
Attack, and GRIT Cardio. Each class is just $7 and registration is limited to 25 people per class. To commemorate the day, LifeStyles is offering a limited-edition t-shirt for $10. Each release, Chris Piasecki, LifeStyles Fitness Center Manager enjoys seeing his members engage with each other, being happy, and healthy. The only difference this year is that particpants will get to be outside socially distanced, with the scenery of the lake in the background and the music playing. “Virtual and live-stream classes have been
Les Mills United Day Schedule: • 7:00-8:00 am: Body Pump • 8:15-9:15 am: Body Attack • 9:30-10:00 am: GRIT Cardio Register online at www.bolingbrookparks. org/lesmills. For more information about group exercise classes, please visit www. bolingbrookparks.org/groupexercise.
Bolingbrook Park District Presents Check to AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center Bolingbrook Foundation
________________________________ Thank you to those that participated in the Parkie Cares Virtual 5K. Thanks to your dedication, we were able to present the AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center Bolingbrook Foundation with a check for $1,847.72. The goal of the event was to provide an activity to keep our community healthy and active, but also help those working so hard to take care of us on the front lines of the COVID-19 fight. From June 27-July 4, over 100 people completed a 5K and received a limited-edition t-shirt. Thank you to those that participated and help make this possible!
Pictured here (L-R): Bolingbrook Park District Director of Marketing & Customer Care, Kim Smith and Supt. of Facilities, John Chase. Obed Cruz, Chief Nursing Officer, and Mike Jostes, Executive Director of the AMITA Health Medical Center, Bolingbrook Foundation.
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
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Theatre Company Performers Get Creative with New Show COVID-19 has been a challenge a lot of people including the BPD Theatre Company. The performers, led by Janelle Kolsh, have made the best of an unusual situation with creativity and a positive attitude. “It has been great for the performers to ease back into class and since it’s such a great group of kids we can really get creative,” said Janelle. The cast is working toward a show this holiday season titled “The Day Santa Got Mixed Up,” which will be performed for parents. It provides yet another challenge for a show that requires 15 characters to be played by only five performers. “It’s so different for right now and I’m happy they’re willing. They’ve just been dying to do something and they’re just excited to be here, which makes it fun,” said Janelle. Even with all the safety protocols in place, once the masks are off and the kids are settled into class, they can get back what they all enjoy doing. The benefits of being back in the theatre program are endless, but Janelle’s main focus is simple: build confidence, trust, and have fun.
“I try to give them a safe environment where they can make mistakes and be themselves,” said Janelle. “I want them to trust everyone in their theater group that they’re going to know their lines and rely on each other.” For more information on our theatre program, please visit www.bolingbrookparks. org/theatre. Get to know Janelle Kolsh: • Joined Bolingbrook Park District in July of 2015. • Teaches the following programs: 1. BPD Theatre Company (Writes, directs, and casts shows) 2. Improv Only! 3. Acting 101 4. Advanced Scene Study 5. Choreography for Theatre • Received her BA in Theatre at Lewis University. • Worked as a Production Assistant for Broadway musicals like Wicked, The Addams Family and Billy Elliot.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SUMMER PARKS CHALLENGE WINNERS!
Tenille and Reagan Jackson
The Zaboth family
To help celebrate our 50th Anniversary, we challenged YOU to get out to our parks. This is the second time we’ve done our Summer Parks Challenge and it seems you enjoyed it just as much as the first time! The challenge was simple, go to parks, answer questions about that park, and have fun! Those that turned in the form got a limited-edition Bolingbrook Park District adventure bag and were entered in a drawing to win a $50 Bolingbrook Park District gift card.
We heard a lot of feedback saying how much of a positive experience it was for families. It was both fun and served as an excuse to get out to some parks that you may never have thought of going to. Thank you to all of you who participated and if you didn’t get to do it this year, we’ll be sure to offer it up in the future. Congratulations to the winners of the $50 Bolingbrook Park District gift cards!
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Where the fun is!
Sophia and Colton Hargrove with their mother, Erin and grandmother, Kathleen
For a complete listing of our parks, playgrounds and open spaces visit www.bolingbrookparks. org/parks
Bolingbrook Park District
Meet Our Staff !
Preparing your child for Kindergarten
Ready for Kindergarten! __________________________________
Pre-K
Mike Baiardo, Director of Recreation & Facilities
4 Year Old Preschool 3 Year Old Preschool Soon 2B3 Preschool Little Learners
Ages 2-3 years
3 Sites Annerino Community Center 201 Recreation Dr. Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex 200 S. Lindsey Ln. Hidden Oaks Nature Center 419 Trout Farm Rd.
LEARN MORE: www.bolingbrookparks.org/preschool
• Been with Bolingbrook Park District since 2013 • Prior to Bolingbrook Park District, he was Superintendent of Recreation at Alsip Park District and a Recreation and Facility Supervisor at Morton Grove Park District • Degrees & Certifications: 1. Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University in Park and Recreation Administration. 2. Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Mike oversees nine full-time staff members, including two Superintendents and seven program mangers that cover the following program areas: • Early Childhood/Preschool • Dance • Gymnastics, Cheer, Ninja • Athletics • LifeStyles Fitness Center • Hidden Oaks Conservation Area • Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park He is in charge of setting the vision for the recreation and facilities departments, which produces all the external programs and services that Bolingbrook Park District offers based off of the needs of the community.
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201 Recreation Dr. . Bolingbrook, IL 60440
45-minute reservations • Socially distanced fitness equipment • $3 per reservation
$7 Group Exercise Classes • Limited to 9 per class
Open for Lap Swimming • 45-minute time slots • $4 per reservation • Must register 24 hours in advance
Reserve your space at www.bolingbrookparks.org/fitness BOLINGBROOK RECREATION & AQUATIC COMPLEX (200 LINDSEY LN.)
Register online at www.bolingbrookparks.org/lapswim Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park (200 Lindsey Ln.)