Bolingbrook Park District News - April / May 2024 Edition

Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge Launches New Menu as Spring Golf Kicks into Gear

SSpring has arrived! Area golfers and diners are just as excited as the staff at Boughton Ridge Golf Course to get the 2024 season rolling. Golfers are invited to join a league or simply book a tee time to get out and enjoy a quick round. You won’t regret taking some time out to enjoy this beautiful 45-acre course.

After you are done with your round, you will definitely want to stop by and try the new Steak Bowl offered at Ashbury’s at

Boughton Ridge. This gluten-free dish features grilled steak and mashed potatoes with merlot demi-glace. Another new entree includes the Smokey Hollow Burger. This half-pound burger features applewood bacon, onion jam, honey BBQ, cheddar and onion rings. A perfect way to end a round of golf.

If golf isn’t your idea of fun, don’t worry. Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge offers a beautiful patio to sit and enjoy the view

with friends. Relax and enjoy a glass of wine or a signature Deep Dish Bloody Mary. We are looking forward to great weather and great times at Boughton Ridge Golf Course.

Beautiful aerial view of Boughton Ridge Golf Course, 335 E. Boughton Rd.

a letter from the executive director

Dear Bolingbrook Community,

As we eagerly anticipate the warmth of the approaching summer, we are thrilled to share the exciting programs and initiatives the Bolingbrook Park District has in store for you. We are committed to providing diverse, engaging and enriching experiences for residents of all ages.

• Outdoor Adventures: Bolingbrook is full of beautiful parks and natural spaces. This summer, we invite you to explore our playgrounds, ballfields, courts, golf course, aquatic center, pathways and outdoor events. Participate in the Summer Parks Challenge to learn more about our parks and win prizes, or Visit Your Local Park to ride the trackless train, try the climbing wall, enjoy fun programs, stories and games. Don’t miss our Family Bike Challenge, Dog Sensory Hike, movies in the parks and concerts on the hill to connect with nature, socialize with family and friends and create lasting memories under the sunlit and moonlit skies.

• Fitness and Wellness Initiatives: Prioritizing health and well-being, we are introducing new fitness programs catering to all fitness levels. Try Zumba and Yoga in the Park, group fitness classes at Lifestyles Fitness Center, walking or running in Parkie’s 5k or Vino & Vinyasa at Ashbury’s. Our goal is to promote an active lifestyle and provide a supportive community for everyone on their wellness journey.

• Aquatics and Water Activities: Beat the summer heat with our expanded aquatics programs. From swimming lessons for all ages to aqua aerobics and Lazy River 5k’s, Pelican Harbor will be buzzing with energy. Additionally, spending summer days at Pelican Harbor promises a refreshing fun escape for the whole family.

As we embark on this summer journey together, we encourage you to explore the diverse offerings we have carefully curated. The Bolingbrook Park District is not just a place for recreation; it's a community hub where connections are made and memories are cherished. Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of enhancing your summer experiences. We look forward to seeing you at our events and programs, where the warmth of community spirit shines brightly.

Warm regards,

Mike Selep Executive Director

board of commissioners

meeting information

Elected by the public and responsible for setting policy, 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 Dr. Bolingbrook, IL.

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.

the district calendar

At’a Glance

APRIL

F 5

F 6

F 12

Pizza & PJs—April Fools Fun

5:30–7:30 pm

$37 ($25 w/Resident ID)

BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Adult Trip—Market Meet Up

10:00 am–4:00 pm

$50

ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)

Boot Camp

10:45–11:45 am

$7

BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)

SA 13 Evening Frog Walk

7:00–8:00 pm

Volunteer Park North Pavillion (200 Lindsey Ln.)

SA 20

SA 27

SA 27

MAY

Lifestyles Fitness

Open House

11:00 am–2:00 pm

BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Celebrating with My Grown Up—Fancy Spring Dance

4:00–5:30 pm

$30 ($20 w. Resident ID)

BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)

April Showers Archery

2:00–3:30 pm

$17 Beginners/$15 Intermediates

ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)

SA 18

SA 25

JUNE

SA 1

Kuiper’s Midwest Tulip Festival—Adult Trip

10:00 am–4:00 pm

$60 ($50 w/Resident ID)

ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)

Pelican Harbor Outdoor Aquatic Park Opens (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Pet Bandanas & Parade

3:00–4:15 pm

$12 ($10 w/Resident ID)

Volunteer Park North Pavillion (200 Lindsey Ln.)

10:00–11:30 am

M 15 thru

SA 20

TH 18

Week of the Young Child

Various events, times & locations—see the spring brochure for details.

Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting

7:00 pm

ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)

11:00 am–2:00 pm

SA 20 Touch a Truck

SA 20

BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Take Home Terrariums

2:00–3:30 pm

$15 ($12 w/Resident ID)

ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)

SA 11 Frisbee Fun

SA 11

TH 16

F 17

Winston Woods (320 Charlestown Dr)

Hand in Hand HikeMother's Day

2:00–3:00 pm

$12 ($10 w/Resident ID)

James S. Boan Woods (410 Schmidt Rd.)

Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting

7:00 pm

ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)

Flow and Glow Yoga

7:00–8:00 pm

Members: free

Non-members: $9

BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)

W

W

Amazing Adventures at Annerino

11:00 am–Noon

ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)

*Sponsored

F

$37 ($25 w/Resident ID)

BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Keep a look out!

Our summer brochure will be available April 22.

FAMILY BIKE CHALLENGE

Saturday, June 22 • 10:00–Noon • 200-T68

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

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 to build a five-card poker hand at the conclusion of the event. Best hand wins a small prize! Registration is per team of 2–4. Route distances range from 2–12 miles. Additional details provided before the event date.

TIE-DYE IN JULY

Saturday, July 13 • Noon–1:00 pm • 200-T68

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex— Volunteer Park North (200 Lindsey Ln.)

All ages welcome

Bring a white shirt or use a free bandanna to make your own tie-dye masterpiece! Inspiration, dye supplies and cleanup all provided. Creations will need to be washed at home. All offerings are while supplies last. All children need an adult helper.

FITNESS FACTS

Water is very important to your body. It regulates body temperature, blood volume and muscle contractions. These are all very important for effective exercise. If you work out without hydrating, you’ll get tired faster and won’t see as many gains from your effort.

*Registration is required for all events. For questions, please contact Hannah Grise, hgrise@bolingbrookparks.org.

Camp Alotta Fun—Summer Fun for Kids Kindergarten through 8th Grade!

SSusan Meier, our Day Camp, Reach and Enrichment Programs Manager, is excited for her third year as the leader of our Camp Alotta Fun summer day camp. “I’m looking forward to seeing the kids come back. Each year they get a little older and it’s so fulfilling watching them grow up,” said Susan.

‘Camp Lady’, as she is affectionately called, is proud of the field trip schedule that she has planned for the kids. They will be visiting the Field Museum and Haunted Trails, attending a glow event and a foam party with water inflatables, going to Touch-aTruck, an animal show, bowling and more! Susan states, “It’s rewarding for me to provide new and memorable experiences to these kids.”

Registration for Camp Alotta Fun is open. Be sure to register early. The first week of camp is June 3.

Scan for more information on Camp Alotta Fun

Enjoying one of the water inflatables at Camp Alotta Fun.

One of the many vehicles campers got to sit in at Touch-a-Truck.

Kids having a good time on one of the various scheduled field trips.

Prescribed Burning - Important for Natural Ecosystems

YYou may not realize this, but fire is a widely acceptable tool that is used to manage natural areas. "Natural resource managers use the technique of controlled burning as a way to restore natural ecosystems and promote native species and wildlife," said Dan Finn, our Natural Resources, Horticulture and Turf Manager. "This intentional use of fire as a management tool is called prescribed burning or prescribed fire."

Prescribed fire can help control some invasive species, stimulate native species, reduce leaf litter buildup, and increase species diversity. Let's explore what's accomplished in detail with prescribed burning.

Soil Rejuvenation

Fire rejuvenates the habitat. Nutrients that are tied up in the vegetation are returned to the soil and are used by plant roots, micro-organisms, and the soil itself. This leads to new growth and lush vegetation. This keeps the habitat healthy over the long term.

Increased Plant and Animal Diversity

Prescribed burning increases vegetative diversity which, in turn, attracts a wider variety of birds and other animals. This process also perpetuates many endangered plant species.

Competing Vegetation Management

Depending upon the desired composition and diversity of the forest or land, the use of prescribed fire can manage the competition for water, nutrients and growing space.

Wildlife Habitat Improvement

Prescribed burning stimulates seed germination of many species and provides open conditions at ground level for travel, loafing and feeding by birds, mammals and reptiles. Prescribed burning also influences the composition and structure of cover available for wildlife.

Whitetail deer are a good example of a species that thrives after fire. In habitats where fire has been suppressed over a long period of time, all the vegetation growth eventually gets out of reach for a deer. After a fire, a lot of the vegetation is brought back down to ground level within reach and it’s more nutritious and the deer are much more healthy. In our grassland habitats, post-fire

Every year in early spring and late fall, Bolingbrook Park District staff conduct prescribed burns in selected natural areas. Safety is our highest priority. All burns are led by an Illinois Certified Prescribed Burn Manager, and carried out by staff certified in wildland fire safety.

There are many variables we consider when determining which sites to be burned such as wind speed and direction, vegetation moisture, and humidity levels.

environments provide a variety of foods that attract insect populations that are necessary to support many of our native bird species.

Disease Control

Finally, prescribed fire helps reduce some fungal diseases such as root rot since it affects the makeup of the forest floor. It most likely does this by destroying some of the fruiting bodies and cauterizing tree stumps.

Scan for more information on natural areas management

Matt Sienko, Natural Resource Crew Leader, reviewing the plans with the crew before a burn.

B 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 15-20. This weeklong jubilee offers a variety of free activities to honor the early childhood years. The event kicks off with a children’s entertainment show sponsored by Fountaindale Public Library, which will take place at the Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex at 5:30 pm. Week of the Young Child will close out with

the popular Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, April 20 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, gymnastics and ninja classes, a Zumba dance party, sports offerings and more. Here is a complete line-up for the week.

Celebrating children and their families with a week of FREE fun activities!

MONDAY, April 15

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln)

5:30 pm Children’s Entertainment Show—Gym

In partnership with Fountaindale Public Library

TUESDAY, APRIL 16

Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr)

12:30–1:15 pm Ninjas (ages 3–5 years)

1:30–2:15 pm Gymnastics (ages 3–5 years)

2:00–3:00 pm Outdoor Art (ages 2–5 years w/adult)—Central Park Pavilion

3:30–4:30 pm Sensory Play & Animal Crafts (all ages)

WEDNESDAY, April 17

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln)

12:15–1:00 pm Creative Movement Dance (ages 3–5 years)

2:30–3:30 pm Little Learners Open Play (ages 13 months–2 years)

5:30–6:15 pm Zumba Dance Party (all ages)

THURSDAY, April 18

Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr)

3:00–5:00 pm Day One Sports (ages 3 years and up)

5:30-7:30 pm Free Wall Climbs (ages 6 years and up)

FRIDAY, April 19

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln)

4:00–8:00 pm free Open Swim at Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park (all ages)

SATURDAY, April 20

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln)

11:00 am–2:00 pm Touch a Truck (all ages)—outside (parking lot)

baking highlights

So many community members had fun with their Parkie the Pelican holiday cookie cutter! Thanks to everyone who participated, especially those who shared their fun memories with us. What

Safe Solutions for Joint Pain

Brandon Pardi, MD — Orthopedic Surgeon, UChicago Medicine AdventHealth

WWhen you’re healthy and moving well, you may not give your joints much thought. Your hips swivel and sway and your knees carry you up the stairs and down sidewalks.

But when arthritis, injury or another illness or condition affects these important structures, you may find your mobility limited. The activities you love — from gardening to exercising to just getting into a bath or shower — grow difficult and painful.

If you’re experiencing joint pain, or restricted mobility our orthopedic specialists are here to offer solutions. They always begin with conservative treatments like medication, injections and physical therapy. However, they are also skilled surgeons who are capable of relieving joint pain due to arthritis and other conditions using modern joint replacement technology.

When Joints Break Down

Normally, joints allow you to travel through your day with fluid motion. But wear and tear over years of use, diseases like osteoarthritis or injuries can increase pain, swelling and stiffness.

Your orthopedic specialist will first try conservative treatments.

These can include:

Medications

Injections

Braces, canes or other aids

Physical therapy

Rest or lifestyle modification

Following conservative measures your orthopedic specialist might recommend a surgical procedure to replace the worn-out cartilage and bone with a knee or hip replacement. These surgeries performed with modern techniques and by skilled surgeons have shown an excellent ability to relieve pain and restore function to millions of patients.

How Joint Replacement Surgery Works

With joint replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon removes the very end of the damaged bone and cartilage and replaces that with a new smooth metal and plastic surface. This new surface allows a pain free and improved range of motion that restores mobility and improves patient’s quality of life.

These procedures take place in the safety of a hospital with specialized protocols and teams devoted to the care of knee and hip arthritis. Following surgery, you will begin physical therapy including strengthening exercises, walking and stairs right away. Modern pain control regimens include nerve blocks and a multimodal approach to medication that alleviates pain in multiple different forms. Most patients go home either the same day of surgery or the following day.

Following discharge from the hospital a nurse and therapist will assist in the patient’s recovery from the comfort of their own home.

How to Know When Joint Replacement is for You

Working closely with your health care team is the best way to know if joint replacement surgery is a solution for your joint pain. To

assess your condition, your orthopedic specialist will first obtain basic knee and hip x-rays to evaluate your degree of arthritis.

Your orthopedic specialist is there to answer all your questions about managing your pain and choosing a treatment. If your physician suggests joint replacement, he or she believes this offers you the best chance to reduce your pain and increase your comfort and mobility.

Your medical team will work with you to schedule your surgery. You will be given a pre-surgical packet to help guide you through the process. Your doctor and the health care team are there to provide answers to your questions and assist you in the process.

We’re Here for You When You’re Ready

If you’re experiencing joint pain, it could be time to consider the variety of options out there to help relieve your pain. Our leading orthopedic experts will be here for you with a compassionate spirit, and a combination of non-operative and operative treatment options.

Brandon Pardi, MD is a fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon with specialized training in surgical and non-surgical care of knee and hip conditions including pain, arthritis, avascular necrosis and post-traumatic arthritis. Learn how he can help restore your vibrant, active lifestyle, call (630) 759-1248 for more information or to schedule an appointment!

View Dr. Pardi's professional profile:

Brandon Pardi, MD — Orthopedic Surgeon, UChicago Medicine AdventHealth

We’re Here to Help You Enjoy Every Step

Your joints are incredible machines. They were made to bend and flex. To walk miles. To climb. Joint pain shouldn’t keep you from the life you want to live.

Using minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery, the expert orthopedic surgeons at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group can bring you a shorter recovery time, better fit, less scarring and fewer risks, putting you back in motion fast.

Call 630-759-1248 to schedule an appointment in Bolingbrook, Woodridge or Hinsdale. Or visit ChicagolandOrthoExperts.com

facility directory

Annerino Community Center (ACC) Administrative Offices

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

Boughton Ridge Golf Course

335 E. Boughton Road

P (630) 739-4100 | F (630) 739-1648

Lifestyles Fitness

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex

200 Lindsey Lane | P (630) 739-1705

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (BRAC)

200 Lindsey Lane

P (630) 739-1700 | F (630) 759-5651

Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex

200 Lindsey Lane | P (630) 739-1705

©2024 UCM-AH AH-1042

Meet Chavonda

CChavonda Cochran joined Bolingbrook Park District in January, 2011 and became our first Customer Care Manager. She

brought years of experience, as she worked for Lane Bryant for 17 years, where she started as a sales associate and worked her way up to District Manager in Training. Chavonda also worked as a store manager at Charlotte Russe before coming here.

In her role, Chavonda manages the 20+ members of the customer care team. This involves hiring, training, supervising and evaluating team members to create an environment for success at the Annerino Community Center, Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatics Complex and Pelican Harbor Indoor Aquatic Park. She also fields customer questions, handles registrations and supervises our Birthday Party Sales Coordinator. In 2023, her department fielded 54,430 phone calls!

Chavonda works closely with managers and supervisors in all other departments to increase sales, update policies and establish procedures for client services. Her hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, as she is a recipient of the Susan Hoster-Suggs award for Excellence.

Chavonda says the most rewarding aspect of her job is making sure customers leave our facilities happy. “Sometimes it’s a challenge to help customers to understand processes. If I do a good job of explaining the reasons behind why things need to be done a certain way, they can leave satisfied, knowing that we are looking out for their best interests. That brings me joy,” said Chavonda.

Chavonda has two children, Myles and Tyler, as well as two grandchildren, Westyn, 4 and Wrylie, 3. When she’s not at work, she enjoys traveling to watch Tyler play college hoops at Toledo University, attending other sporting events, and shopping for home décor for herself or others. You may also run into her in one of our Zumba or ChicagoStyle Stepping classes.

Chavonda can be contacted at ccochran@ bolingbrookparks.org or (630) 783-6628.

ABOUT US

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

Our mission is to provide meaningful recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities that enhance their overall quality of life. See our latest program offerings at www.nwcsra.org.

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 815-552-9776.

Join

Be

Chavonda Cochran – Customer Care Manager