Recreations Transforming Our Parks: Our 3-5 Year Renovation Plan
By: Dan LoCascio, Director of Parks and Recreation
The Park District is excited to announce a comprehensive 3-5 year plan to enhance our beloved parks. Among our 17 parks, Linden Park (est. 2001), Willow Park (est. 2002), and North Park (est. 2003) have been prioritized for the first phase of exciting upgrades.
On Tuesday, April 23, we hosted a dynamic Park Planning meeting at North Park, inviting the community to collaborate with our landscape architects, Hitchcock Design Group. Attendees voiced their preferences for new play equipment designs for Linden and Willow Park, two smaller parks whose footprints will remain unchanged. Additionally, 19 participants from our After School Program shared their insightful input on the upgrades.
North Park, our largest and most visited park, underwent a more extensive review. We evaluated its current usage, identified potential improvements, and gathered ideas for new amenities. Our landscape architects synthesized this valuable information into a comprehensive design, which was unveiled to the public at our June 25 concert. Residents shared their thoughts on current amenities and suggested enhancements, leading to a collaborative design process.
Stay tuned for updates and project timelines on our website and social media as we move forward with these exciting park transformations! Join us in this journey, participate in future planning meetings, and watch as our parks evolve into even more welcoming and dynamic spaces for everyone.
New Website Coming Soon
By: Mauricio Hernandez, Marketing Intern
Earlier this Spring, a survey was conducted among our community to gather insights regarding their opinions and feelings about our website. Utilizing this valuable feedback, we’ve created a comprehensive blueprint for our new website that incorporates the preferences and perspectives expressed by our community.
Making our website more mobile-friendly is something we have prioritized. This enhancement ensures that our visitors can seamlessly navigate and access our site without encountering distortion or usability issues.
We have also significantly improved the ActiveNet integration on our website to enhance user experience in finding programs and registering
for activities. This update will ensure a smoother and more intuitive experience for our users.
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our new and enhanced website, designed specifically with our users in mind. Stay tuned as we prepare for the official launch in early August, just in time for the Fall 2024 registration period.
Check Out The New Zamboni Advertisment
By: Catherine Saponieri, Marketing & Communications Manager
The latest advertisement to hit the ice at the Franklin Park Ice Arena has fans buzzing with excitement.
The Zamboni now proudly features an advertisement for its newest sponsor, the Underpass Lounge. This eye-catching display not only adds a vibrant touch to the ice-cleaning machine but also underscores the importance of community partnerships.
Located just a few blocks from the arena, the Underpass Lounge is a popular spot in the community. Known for its cozy atmosphere, diverse menu, and wide selection of beverages, it attracts many local patrons. Visit underpasslounge.com for more information.
Interested in advertising at the Ice Arena or sponsoring an event? Email csaponieri@fpparks.org for more information.
Sustainability Edition
• 95% of the lighting at the Community Center, North Park, and Ice Arena has been updated to LED.
• The Community Center and Ice Arena have established rain gardens to help filter stormwater back into the ground.
• Our Summer Camps, Early Childhood Programs, and Ice Arena Programs now use ePACT, a digital record-keeping system, to help eliminate the use of paper.
Celebrating 50 Years with ‘Franklin’s Favorites’ Ice Show
By: Anne Raucci, Skating School Director
The Franklin Park Ice Arena celebrated its 50th Anniversary with the “Franklin’s Favorites” Ice Show, featuring flashbacks from past shows. A total of 102 skaters, including 25 soloists, performed routines suited to their skill levels.
Rehearsals began in March, reflecting the dedication of skaters, parents, and staff. The event highlighted the strong skating community, with a special reunion photo and a slideshow of photos from past skaters. We also honored graduating seniors, Caitlin Ude and Brad Jacobson, for their significant contributions. Thank you to everyone who helped make this milestone event possible!
The Cicada Invasion: Nature’s Brief Benefit
By: Jen Costa, Parks Service Assistant
The recent cicada invasion, marked by their noisy presence in our parks, has ended. This event was unique, as it was the first time since 1803 that two different cicada species emerged simultaneously—a phenomenon that won’t occur again until 2245.
Cicadas have a short lifespan above ground, primarily focused on mating. Males emit loud calls to attract females and die shortly after mating. Females lay up to 500-600 eggs in woody plants before dying. In about six weeks, the eggs hatch, and the young cicadas burrow underground for the next 13-17 years. Despite their noisy presence, cicadas provide several ecological benefits. They aerate the soil, promote healthier plant growth through natural
The Return of Sunset Swim
By: Matt Hurtado, Recreation Intern
Join us for our Sunset Swim at the Pool on Pacific on July 26, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.! This event is back by popular demand, as the community has eagerly awaited its return.
Relax in a serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a busy day or week, or simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the pool under the stars. Concessions will be open, offering delicious snacks to keep you energized throughout the night. Admission is $6, or free for those with a pool pass.
Your attendance will help us gauge interest in future Sunset Swims. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to make the most of your summer nights. We look forward to keeping you cool and entertained this summer!
pruning when laying eggs, and decompose to release nutrients into the soil. Additionally, they serve as a food source for various animals, contributing to the ecosystem’s health.
So, while cicadas might have been a nuisance, they played a crucial role in enriching the soil, supporting tree health, and feeding local wildlife.
9560 Franklin Avenue Franklin Park, IL 60131
Phone 847-455-2852 • Fax 847-455-9053 www.fpparks.org • contact_us@fpparks.org
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Participate in this summer-long activity, the Park Passport Adventure. This self-guided exploration allows participants to learn about our parks through interactive questions. All ages are welcome to participate and learn about the Park District of Franklin Park. Scan the QR code below to learn more:
