Recreations
Happy 50th Anniversary to the Franklin Park Ice Arena!
By: Carla Deak, Ice Arena Manager
On September 7, 2024, exactly 50 years after the Ice Arena’s grand opening, many special guests gathered to celebrate its golden anniversary. Familiar faces of past and present staff, along with volunteers who were instrumental in the development and growth of this beloved facility, came together to reunite and reminisce.
Slideshows, videos, and photo boards showcased a wealth of memories captured over the decades. The Park District’s archives offered pages upon pages of newspaper articles that told the story of the Ice Arena—from its early days before the building at 9711 Waveland Avenue even existed, right up to the present. Laughter and storytelling filled the air, and the pride and joy on everyone’s faces as they recalled favorite memories or spotted their names or photos created truly special moments. These moments reminded us how fortunate we are to still be thriving 50 years later, and how everything we’ve achieved has been thanks to the dedication of countless families, coaches, instructors, and staff. For this, we are truly grateful.
As the celebration continued, we welcomed former skaters and staff for a special reunion skate, followed by a public skating session at the nostalgic price of just 50 cents. Visitors enjoyed skating, snapped photos with Franklin the Penguin, collected fun giveaways, and even had their faces painted. A wonderful time was had by all.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable celebration! For those who couldn’t attend—or who would love to visit again—don’t forget that we offer year-round skating and hockey lessons for both kids and adults, as well as weekly public skating sessions. We also have exciting anniversarythemed events planned throughout the 2024-2025 season, and we hope you’ll be a part of it all!
FALL 2024
Location: North Park
Saturday, Oct 26 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Ice Arena FREE Saturday, Oct 26 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov 2 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: North Park More information on page 2!
Raising Awareness and Support for Breast Cancer
By: Liz Strack, Program & Aquatics Manager
This year marked the launch of our second annual Pink Out - Dance for a Cause event. The Park District of Franklin Park is proud to partner with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to support breast cancer research and raise awareness. We kicked off the month with Pink Out Week, starting on October 6 during our Pumpkin Fest event, where patrons could donate a dollar in exchange for a pink ribbon. Throughout the week, both staff and patrons were encouraged to wear pink, creating a sense of unity and building excitement for the main event on October 12. The event was a moving and uplifting experience, especially for the breast cancer survivors who attended. Their presence, along with the support of many other patrons, made the morning deeply emotional and inspiring.
While October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that this cause extends beyond just one month. Our goal is to raise awareness year-round, and we hope that our efforts, no matter how small, contribute to the larger fight against breast cancer.
Take Aim This Fall With Archery
By: Nathan Wick, Superintendent of Parks
We are excited to announce the launch of a new Archery program designed for young archers ages 8-14 years old. This program aims to engage, educate, and inspire participants of all skill levels. Beginning this fall, residents will have the unique opportunity to experience the thrill of archery in a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment.
Archery is more than just an ancient sport; it’s a dynamic and rewarding activity that promotes focus, discipline, and physical fitness. Our Archery program is primarily tailored for beginning archers, but it welcomes participants of all skill levels. Whether you’re a complete novice or looking to refine your skills, this program offers a comprehensive learning experience. Participants will not only grasp the fundamentals of archery but also build self-confidence and develop mental acuity through focused practice.
Registration for the Archery program is now open. For more details on class schedules, pricing, and registration, please visit our website. Get ready to draw, aim, and fire with us this fall!
Smash It Up! Join Us for the First Annual Pumpkin Smash Event
By: Jen Costa, Parks Service Assistant
As Halloween comes to a close and festive jack-o’-lanterns begin to fade, you might find yourself wondering what to do with your decaying pumpkin. Instead of tossing it in the trash, why not smash it instead? This year, the Park District is excited to host our first Pumpkin Smash event! At the Pumpkin Smash, we’re planning a variety of exciting and creative ways to smash your pumpkins! Join us at North Park on Saturday, November 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a fun-filled morning of pumpkin-smashing excitement.
The Pumpkin Smash isn’t just about having fun; it’s also an eco-friendly initiative aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainability. By smashing pumpkins instead of sending them to landfills, we can significantly decrease our methane emissions. Each year, pumpkins decomposing in landfills contribute to approximately 14% of methane emissions due to anaerobic decomposition. Since pumpkins are composed of about 90% water, they make excellent compost material. By turning these pumpkins into compost, we not only enrich our soil but also promote a healthier environment for our community and future generations.
Participants are encouraged to bring their old pumpkins, but please ensure that they are free of contaminants. We kindly ask that pumpkins do not contain candles, stickers, glitter, or any synthetic decorations, as these can interfere with the composting process.
This community event is a fantastic way to celebrate the end of the Halloween season while contributing positively to the environment. We can’t wait to see you at the Pumpkin Smash!
Explore the Observation Hive
By: Catherine Saponieri, Marketing & Communications Manager
The Sunflower Nature Center, located near the North Park playground, is buzzing with excitement as it introduces a new bee observation hive. This installation was awarded to the Parks Foundation of Franklin Park through a grant from The Bee Cause Project and Whole Kids Foundation. A special thank you to The Hive: Chicago’s Beekeeping Supply Store for providing the bees!
The observation hive is a vertical, glass-encased structure mounted on a wall, allowing visitors to safely observe the inner workings of a beehive without disturbing the bees. Connected to the outside through a small tunnel, the hive enables bees to come and go freely. Inside, the hive contains eight frames that hold honeycomb, providing space for bees to build their comb, store honey, and raise brood (baby bees).
We are excited to share more about our observation hive on social media, highlighting how it fosters awareness and appreciation for these essential pollinators.
Phone 847-455-2852 • Fax 847-455-9053
www.fpparks.org • contact_us@fpparks.org
9560 Franklin Avenue Franklin Park, IL 60131 Scan
@ParkDistrictofFranklinPark
@PDFPparks
@FPparks
The Centre at North Park is the perfect setting for an elegant wedding or anniversary, special birthday celebration, bridal shower, graduation party, family reunion, or corporate event. Call 847-678-4021 today to see our banquet facility, reserve a date, or discuss our menu options.