The PLAYBOOK 2013
A weekly assortment of fun things to do at the Park Districtnuary
May 20
Make a big splash!
Summer might technically be a month or so away, but these 80 degree spring days make everyone ready for summer fun. And, what's more fun than an afternoon at the pool? Swimming...sunning...and stress free. The pool's a perfect place to get the whole gang together for that family reunion, graduation celebration, or birthday bash you're planning. Everyone loves a great pool party – particularly when the sun is blazing. And, the best part of a pool party is you get to sit back, relax, and enjoy your guests, because clean up's on us.
So, how do you get stated? Easy! Pick a date. Pools open June 8. Give us a call. It's that simple. If you are planning a birthday party, a Mystic Waters Splash Party is just the thing. Our staff will help you run the party and make sure everything goes smoothly. You and the kids will enjoy an hour and a half in the shaded birthday party area and have a special birthday lunch – pizza or hot dogs, chips, soda, and an ice cream treat. Then, everybody in the water! Float down the lazy river, thrill down the giant slides, and splash and play in Beluga Beach. No mess, no fuss, and no clean up.
Having a bigger affair? Want to invite the whole family, and friends, and your neighbors, and your co-workers? How about a private party at Chippewa Pool? Saturday and Sunday evenings, from June 15 through August 11, we rent Chippewa Pool for just these kinds of events. Parties are usually two hours, with the option to add a third. You will have the whole place to yourselves on a beautiful summer evening. And, with the new pool renovations, you will feel like you have stepped far away from your daily routine, into a perfect paradise. How do you get started and escape the mundane? Call us today and we will get you all set to enjoy an unforgettable night.
If you are more interested in a party on dry land, we have many options, from a traditional celebration, (think pin the tail on the donkey and hot potato) to a customized theme complete with crafts and games, run by one of our trained party staff. We have planned them all...princess parties, super hero parties, safari hunts and magic shows. And, we are always excited to help you bring your own idea to life.
Got a the young Rory McIlroy on your hands? Why not plan a mini-golf birthday party at Mountain View Adventure Center. Enjoy lunch in the shaded picnic pavilion...our concession serves up delicious hots dogs and pizza; cool, refreshing drinks; and ice cream treats. Then, hit the mini-links and go for the course record. Watch those hazards and waterfalls, though, as you negotiate your way through the 18 holes! The BMX bike and skate park are always open, and you can choose to add time in the batting cages for your young sluggers, as well.
Ready to get started? It's all here...www. DPParks.org.
See you around the parks!
May 13
Saturday’s Free For All!
Making weekend plans? Be sure to include the annual Spring Fun Fair on May 18 from 10am to 1pm. Start in the Juno Lighting Parking lot and put the kids in the driver’s seat at the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce Touch a Truck event. Kids can get behind the wheel of big rig, honk the horn and make the sirens whoop in safety vehicles, and explore fire trucks and police squad cars. Across the street, at Mountain View Adventure Center, the Pooch, Pet, and Pedal Parade kicks off at 10am. Come in costume, decorate your bike, leash your pet, and strut your stuff! Registration is at the event starting at 9am, and don't forget your bike helmet. If you don’t have a helmet, be one of the first 100 kids at the Des Plaines Community Foundation and Healthy Partnership tent to be fitted for a free one. After the parade, test your strength on the YMCA climbing wall, and bounce, climb, and wiggle through the inflatable obstacle course sponsored by the Des Plaines Park District.
While Mom and Dad are checking out the Health Fair and picking up some gardening tips, kids can ride through Safety Town sponsored by Maine Township & Cook County Sheriff’s Youth Services Department, and then grab a bag of popcorn from the Crime Stoppers table. Fishing, anyone? Don’t forget to bring your rod and reel for some catch and release fishing fun in the retention ponds at Mountain View. The Izaak Walton League will be on hand with tips on how to land the big one. The Des Plaines History Center will be at the fair with games for kids, and the Des Plaines Public Library will have a table for kids young and old to get a library card.
Then, we are off to the races! The Des Plaines Park District is hosting a 100-yard Kids’ Dash with prizes for the fastest runners in each of four age groups, and The Friends of the Parks is sponsoring a Rubber Duck race. Purchase a little quacker for only $1. They will be corralled at the top of the waterfall at Mountain View, and you can watch as they tumble and race over the falls to the finish line. The owner of the winning duck will split the pot.
Get there early so you don’t miss any of the fun, then stay all afternoon and play mini-golf, or get in some practice time in the batting cages. The Mountain View concession stand will be open for tasty snacks, cold drinks, and ice cream treats. For more information on the Spring Fun Fair, call 847-391-5700.
See you around the parks.
May 6
Mother’s Day at Mountain View
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. So, after serving her breakfast in bed or enjoying a delicious brunch, you’ll need a wonderful way to continue the celebration. Gather up the family and swing into Mountain View Adventure Center, where you can treat Mom to 18-holes of adventure mini-golf. Our beautifully manicured course, complete with waterfalls, creeks, and bridges, is designed with a mining theme. Test your putting skills as you shoot your way around rock formations and course obstacles, up and around berms, and through tree stumps and wagon wheels. Challenge the mountain and go for the course record! Adults play for just $7 a round, and kids for $6. Mom wants more fun? Play again! Your second rounds are only $3 each. The waterfalls and ponds keep the course cool, but you can always serve Mom an ice-cold soft drink or an ice cream special from the concession stand. Mountain View is a perfect place for family time on any special day.
See you around the parks.
April 29
Grab your trombone, even if you can’t play...
and, march on over to Prairie Lakes! Can you sing? Can you dance? Do you dream of the Great White Way? Then come strut your stuff this week at the Footlighters auditions for The Music Man.
It’s a family affair! Footlighters Theatre Company is casting actors, singers, and dancers ages five to adult. Auditions will be held on Thursday, May 9: children ages 5–15 from 6:30–8:30pm, teens and adults from 8:00–9:30pm; and on Saturday, May 11: children ages 5–15 from 10:00am–noon, teens and adults from 1:00–3:00pm. Callbacks are scheduled on Thursday, May 16 from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
The Music Man is the story of traveling salesman, Prof. Harold Hill who blows into River City, Iowa, posing as a boys’ bandleader and instrument salesman. His plan to bilk the Iowans is foiled by the prim, Marian the Librarian who sees through his plan. Will she expose him? Will they fall in love? And what about all of those instruments?
The show won five Tony Awards on Broadway and the cast album won the first Grammy for Best Original Cat Album. The score features memorable songs such as Seventy-Six Trombones, Ya Got Trouble, and ‘Til There Was You. You will be humming along before you know it!
Auditions are held at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker Street. Prepare at least sixteen bars of a song that best shows your vocal range. An accompanist is provided. Script readings will follow the singing auditions. Dance auditions take place at callbacks. Please bring a recent headshot.
Rehearsals are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:00–9:30pm beginning Tuesday, May 21. The show runs July 25–August 4: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 2:00pm.
Call 847-391-5094 to schedule an audition time.
For more information about the show, visit the Footlighters audition website or call 847-391-5711.
See you around the parks.
April 22
It’s time for a night out!
The forecast for the end of this week looks promising. With the wild, wet weather behind us, it is time for a night out, for you and the kids. You want somewhere safe and supervised, where your kids can be with their friends, get away from their screens, and have a great time. Take them to Mountain View Adventure Center this Saturday night for the first Late Night in the Park of the season. From 7:00 to 11:00pm, kids in grades 5-10 can play unlimited rounds of mini-golf, warm up their spring swing in the batting cages, hit the skate and BMX bike park, and just hang out. The concession stand is open all night, so dinner’s covered, and no registration is required; you just pay at the door. There is always music playing and impromptu football games come together on the spot for more good times. You can take in a movie or get a bite to eat and not have to worry, because even if it does happen to rain, we move the fun indoors to Prairie Lakes Community Center.
FYI: The Des Plaines Park District will host a Free Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition on Sunday, April 28 from noon to 3:00pm at West Park, 651 S. Wolf Road. Registration begins at 11:00am. The competition is free for all boys and girls ages 7-14. Based on their performance, they have the opportunity
Based on their performance, they have the opportunity to go on to the Team Championships at Major League Ballparks and the National Finals at the 2013 MLB All-Star Game.
For more information about programs and events at the Des Plaines Park District call 847-391-5700 or visit www.DPParks.org.
See you around the parks.
April 15
How many acts of green can you commit?
Earth Day is April 22. Here is our challenge: How many acts of green can you commit between now and then?
Need some ideas? Plant an extra tree in your yard. Pick up stray garbage when you’re out and about. Clear some leaves or debris away from a storm drain. The options are many, and can involve actions big and small. Take a nature walk. Visit one of our many green spaces, and be sure to come to the 6th annual Earth Day Youth Fair on Saturday, April 20, from 1:00-4:00pm at the Cumberland Terrace fieldhouse, 426 S. Warrington Road. Sponsored by the Des Plaines Park District and the Des Plaines Environmental and Energy Program (DEEP Green), children of all ages can make craft projects using recycled and repurposed materials, plant a bean, learn about community recycling drives, and receive a free 6” evergreen plant. The Coast Guard Auxiliary will also be at the fair, with great information about safe boating and how we all can protect our waterways. These activities are intended to educate, entertain, and inspire in the spirit of Earth Day, and our goal for your visit is to show you how easy it is for you to make a change in our world.
Earth Day is a free, family event that will help you get ready for spring in the parks. For more information about programs and events at the Des Plaines Park District call 847-391-5700 or visit www.DPParks.org.
See you around the parks.
April 8
Just tea for two…and two for tea!
It’s girls’ day out! What could be better than sharing an elegant afternoon sipping tea while enjoying an array of finger sandwiches and fancy desserts with your daughter? Ladies, young and young at heart, are invited to the annual Des Plaines Park District Tea for Two: Mother and Daughter Tea on April 13 from 11:00am until 1:30pm. Sample fruit flavored teas, green, black, and chamomile teas, and even a special blend imported from England. It’s quite posh!
Whether you’re a mother, a grandmother, a cousin, an aunt, or just a special person in the life of a girl ages 3-14, you will delight in this special occasion designed just for you. Wear your "fanciest" spring dress and hat and have fun with crafts and games. Guests will also be entertained by a fashion show of the latest styles, courtesy of Twice Around Consignment and Resale Shop in Des Plaines, and have a chance to get a sneak peak at the Artistry in Motion Spring Showcase Dance Concert. We are so sure you will like what you see, that guests at the Tea will receive a buy one, get one ticket to the Saturday, 2:00pm show.
A professional photographer from the Des Plaines Camera Club also will be there to preserve your memories of this special day.
The Tea is held at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker Street in Des Plaines. For registration details and more information visit www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.
So, how do you take yours?
April 1
Beginning April 5, you can hit a golf trifecta!
The temps are on the rise, and we are counting down. Five days until Lake Park Golf Course opens for the season. And, with the weather projected to be in the fifties this weekend, there is no better time to get in a round of golf.
1. Lake Park is a par-3, 18 hole sporty course, that is a perfect place to practice your short game, and a great place to introduce your favorite little duffers to this wonderful sport. With our Sticks for Kids program, young golfers can pick up a set of clubs free of charge and hit the links. Holes raging from 50 to 115 yards make Lake Park a great course to learn to play. Memberships and 10-play punch passes are available, and lessons begin in May.
2. Mountain View Adventure Center also opens on April 5. Grab the family and enjoy 18 holes of adventure mini-golf. It’s a fun course, with an old-time mining theme, full of creeks, bridges and beautiful waterfalls. Keep an eye out for the interesting signs and mining-town objects along the way.
3. Looking for nine holes and lunch? The challenging par-3 course at Golf Center Des Plaines is for you. Grab a bite to eat and play a round, or hit the 1-1/2 short game area to practice those bunker and chip shots. With in-and-out privileges all day, you can keep your short game in shape morning, noon and night.
For leagues, lessons or learning more about how to golf in Des Plaines, visit www.DPParks.org or call 1-847-391-GOLF.
See you around the parks.
March 25
Time to warm up your swing
The calendar might say it is Spring, but the temperatures say otherwise. And yet, you feel like it’s time to get your swing out of storage and hit the links. Stop by Golf Center Des Plaines and shed those extra layers in one of the heated bays on the three-tiered range. With the heaters on, the bays are 25 degrees warmer than the outside air. So, while the temps hover around the thirties this week, you will feel like it is in the fifties.
The bays have a state-of-the-art, automated tee up system, that keeps a golfer’s stance consistent and helps to banish those hooks, shanks, and slices. Tee heights can be set up to 2” making it perfect for those popular, large club heads. Then, get in some bunker and chip shot practice on the 1½-acre short game area, which will help build confidence and control. Now, ready for a round? Take the challenge at the Golf Center’s Rick Jacobson designed, 9-hole, par-3 lighted course.
Golf Center Des Plaines is located at 353 N. River Road, one block north of River Road, and is open daily from 8:00am to 10:00pm. For more information about these facilities, leagues, and fees, call 847-391-GOLF or visit www.DPParks.org
See you around the parks.
March 18
Des Plaines Park District Salutes Volunteer Soccer Coaches
Spring soccer at the Des Plaines Park District kicks off this week and over 300 children will suit up for the season under the guidance of volunteer coaches. Volunteer soccer coaches at the Des Plaines Park District are the backbone of the program. They are positive role models who stimulate, encourage, and inspire their team, while teaching them the importance of fair play and working together. They insure that practice sessions are fun and skill-based rather than competitive. They also make sure every child learns to play every position.
At the Des Plaines Park District, we know that for young children, the love of the game begins with their first experience on the field. For many, soccer is their first organized team play experience. Our volunteer coaches participate in a NAYS (National Alliance of Youth Sports) training seminar to learn how to set up drills; how to promote good sportsmanship; and how to establish a positive learning experience. Many have a child in the program, as well. Their goal is to provide an inclusive, supportive atmosphere for all.
So, now that our sweepers, wingers, and strikers are on their way to an exciting, season, the Des Plaines Park District says, “Thanks Coach!”
If you are interested in becoming a soccer coach, please contact Joshua Cantres, Athletic Supervisor, at jc@DPParks.org. For more information about soccer at the Des Plaines Park District, visit the Athletics Program pages at www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5711.
See you around the parks.
March 11
What’s your game?
Kids can’t wait for Spring Break...and with only two weeks of school left, it is time to start planning. This year, let’s get the kids off the couch and away from all of their screens. We have four Spring Break Sports Camps, for ages 4-14, that are fun, instructional, and perfect to help them get game!
1. Baseball Camp, for 4-6 year olds. We start with the basics: hitting, pitching, catching, and base running, and play games each day. All your little slugger needs is a glove; we provide the fun! Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2:00-3:30.
2. LaCrosse Camp, for ages 7-9. It’s the hot new sport. Learn how to pass, shoot, cradle, and guard that goal. Game play guaranteed everyday! Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:30-4:30.
3. Chicago Bulls Basketball Skills Camp, for ages 6-14. Learn the individual techniques of ball handling, passing, shooting, rebounding, offensive and defensive play, and how to play on a team. Every young player should start here! Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, noon-2:00pm.
4. Chicago Storm Soccer Camps, for ages 4-13. Professional and collegiate players and coaches will work with your child on skills and strategies. Kids learn to dribble, pass, shoot, and score through game-like instruction. Children are divided by age and skill. Monday and Tuesday, 9:00am -noon
For more information visit www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.
See you around the parks!
March 4
Spring Break at the Des Plaines Park District: Keeping Kids Safe and Active
Spring is in the air and right about now your children are counting the days until Spring Break. For kids it is a week’s reprieve from school and homework. For parents, it can be a stressful time, as they try to keep kids active and engaged while they are working. What can parents do to avoid the “Mom, I’m bored…” syndrome?
The Des Plaines Park District has the answer: Sign your children up for Kruisin’ Kids or Leisure Lizards. Both of these school day-off programs offer kids, kindergarten through eighth grade, a supervised “stay-cation” with friends, and parents the assurance that their children will have a great, safe experience.
Leisure Lizards meet at the Administrative and Leisure Center, 2222 Birch Street from 9:00am to 5:00pm for $24 a day. At the Leisure Center, trained staff organizes gym sports and games including floor hockey, soccer, basketball, and dodge ball; board games and crafts; karaoke contests; play time in the Game Room; and special outdoor activities, weather permitting. Kids rotate through activities during the day to keep their interests piqued.
Kruisin’ Kids travel each day, in Park District buses, to a variety of popular local venues for sports, games, food, and fun. On Monday, March 25, the Kruisin' Kids will visit Happenings Family Fun Center, and Waterworks Indoor Aquatic Center, an indoor swimming play land. Tuesday, March 26, they travel to Enchanted Castle and ride the go-karts, try their luck in the game room, and play mini-golf. Wednesday, March 27, they will visit Chuck E. Cheese for video games and pizza, and spend the afternoon at Sky High Trampolines. On Thursday, March 27, the Kruisin’ Kids will split the day between Brunswick Zone and the Orbit Skate Center. Friday, March 29, the Kids will bounce, play, and jump at the American Academy of Gymnastics and then visit Cici’s Pizzeria. Each Kruisin' Kids trip includes lunch and costs $35 for the day.
Parents can customize their child’s week, choosing them to stay at the Leisure Center some days and take trips on others. The Des Plaines Park District also offers before and after child sitting, from 7:00-9:00am and from 5:00-6:00pm. Our goal is to provide parents with safe, affordable Spring Break options, and insure that kids have a great time everyday,” said Desiree van Thorre, Aquatics and Youth Programs Supervisor. “These school day off programs are less expensive than babysitting, and give kids a chance to try new sports, games, and activities, hang with friends, be active and have fun,” van Thorre said.
Want more information? It’s all here: www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.
See you around the parks!
February 25
All I want is a room somewhere...
Got a party coming up? Planning a bridal shower? Club meeting? Business conference? Then you know how much planning and work it takes to make the event a success. Is there enough parking? Do I have enough space? Where can I get chairs? Tables? Catering? Don’t worry; we’ll work with you to create a party, benefit, reception, or corporate event that your guests will remember for years to come. Here are three reasons why renting a room at one of the Des Plaines Park District facilities can take the stress out of your hosting.
1. Location, location, location...
Whether your event is a cozy gathering or a large convention, the Des Plaines Park District has a facility that is perfect for your get together. At Prairie Lakes Community Center, we have ten room combinations that can accommodate form 35 to 135 guests. The Mountain View and Multi-Purpose rooms also have kitchens with a range, an oven, and a refrigerator. Prairie Lakes has complimentary WiFi for all of your electronic communication needs and plenty of outlets for your equipment. The Prairie Lakes Theatre seats up to 298 and is available for daily and weekly rentals to groups, individuals, and organizations for special events, training programs, concerts, plays, and musicals. The theatre is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system to enhance your program, and dressing rooms are available backstage. The Arndt Park Fieldhouse, which can accommodate 100, and the Cumberland Terrace Fieldhouse which can accommodate 35, are also available for rent. Both have kitchens and private parking lots. The Banquet Facility at Golf Center Des Plaines is perfect location for a catered event. Food and beverages are provided by the Club Casa Cafe, including alcoholic drinks. Wait staff and bartenders are available, and the room can hold up to 100 people.
2. Equipment.
When you rent a Des Plaines Park District facility, you can specify the number of chairs and tables you need and the room configuration style that best fits your event. Want the tables set up for family style dining? No problem. Want your tables and chairs set up around the perimeter of the room so you can have a dance floor? No problem. Need a head table and rows of chairs for a presentation? We can do that, too. No matter whom you are hosting, we can help tailor the room and furniture to your event’s best advantage.
3. Clean-up is a breeze!
The celebration is a success and now you are tired. When you choose to rent a Des Plaines facility, you have chosen a less backbreaking option. You don’t need to worry about cleaning the entire house, rearranging the kitchen, and taking out all the trash. We have that covered. It is one of the main reasons so many people like to have their child’s birthday party at one of our facilities.
We will take the hassle out of the planning and tailor the party to your child’s specific interests.
Want more information? It’s all here: www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.
See you around the parks!
February 18
How to choose the perfect health club!
If you are looking for a way to ditch those extra winter inches, joining a health club is a great way to get started. Yet, with so many different kinds of facilities to choose from, how do you find the right fit for you? Here are ten things to consider...
1. Convenience of hours. Is my health club open early and late? Can I come in on my lunch hour? What about weekends? The Prairie Lakes Fitness Center is open Monday to Thursday 5:30am to 10:30pm, Fridays from 5:30am until 9:30pm, and weekends from 7:00am until 5:00pm.
2. Quality and variety of equipment. Do you want to circuit train and get a full body workout? Looking for top of the line equipment? Want to be able to plug in and watch TV or listen to music? Our line up includes Airdyne, Lifefitness, Cybex, and Precor equipment, to name a few, so you can cycle, crunch, curl, and cross train all day long. The center also has a Cardio Vision System, which includes individual receivers on most of the fitness equipment, so you can watch and listen to programs from your choice of six flat panel TV screens.
3. Other amenities. Can I wind down and clean up after my work out? Our friendly staff will greet you with a warm towel, and, after your workout, you can enjoy the showers, sauna, and whirlpool in our clean, beautiful locker rooms.
4. Group fitness classes. Does the fitness center offer any walk-in classes so I can vary my workout? Yes! Six days a week, Prairie Lakes Group Fitness classes offer a variety of classes from cardio to muscle conditioning. Or try resistance training, body bar sculpture, weights, step, dance and sports moves to jazz up your workout routine.
5. Studio classes. Does the fitness center offer any specialty fitness classes? At Prairie Lakes, we are always on the lookout for the latest fitness trends. We offer Piloxing, Pilates, Yoga, Cycling, Zumba for all ages, and Fitness Kickboxing, with enough time and day options to fit your schedule.
6. Indoor sports opportunities. What else can I do to get a cardio workout? What if I want to get together with friends for a little one on one? We have two courts available for racquetball or walleyball play, and we rent racquets and balls. Basketball or volleyball more your thing? We have court time available for games or one on one play beginning at 3:30pm.
7. I’m mostly a walker, but treadmills bore me. Any other options? Yes! We have a free indoor walking track on the second floor.
8. Qualified staff. What if I need help getting started? Can someone show me the ropes and check my form? Before you begin, sign up for a fitness assessment with one of our certified personal trainers. They will analyze your exercise history, check your cardiovascular and muscular endurance, take your blood pressure and health history, and help you develop a safe, effective, and highly motivated exercise regime to meet your goals.
9. Safety and emergency procedures. Is the staff trained to handle emergencies? The staff at Prairie Lakes is first aid and CPR certified. We also have an AED, automatic external defibrillator on site.
10. Child care. I have little ones, but I still want to take an hour for myself to get in shape. While you work out, your child, ages 3 months to 10 years, will be well cared for in our babysitting room. Hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am until noon and 5:00pm to 9:00pm, and weekends, 8:00am until noon.
Want more information? It’s all here: www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.
See you around the parks!
February 11
Happy Valentine’s Day!
It's that time of the year again, so if you are looking for a way to show how much you care, let’s get right to the heart of the matter. February is heart health month, and the perfect time to get that heart pumping. Exercise significantly reduces your risk of heart disease, as well as improves your overall look...and, isn’t that the best gift you could give yourself or someone you love? Check out this list of five of the best exercises “straight from the heart.”
1. Walking. We were born to walk. Whether you rack up miles on one of our treadmills, walking is a natural way to improve your fitness. Wear supportive, comfortable walking shoes, strap on your iPod, and get moving.
2. Running. Though more challenging than walking, running is another heart-healthy activity that the human body is ready-made to do. In addition, it is one of the best ways to burn calories, especially the chocolate kind.
3. Cycling. Cycling is a low-impact exercise that gets your heart pumping, builds strength, and tones your lower body. Check out our cycling classes today. We are pedaling from early morning to evening. Mount up!
4. Swimming. For a full body fitness workout that’s great for your heart, swim laps in the Rosemont indoor pool. It’s open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00-9:30pm, Thursday and Friday from 6:30-9:30pm, and Saturday from 1:00-4:00pm. Aqua exercise classes start up again in March.
5. Circuit training. If your heart has a mind of its own, circuit training will not only keep you motivated, it will improve your strength and endurance. Enjoy a full body workout in the Prairie Lakes Fitness Center, or try a Group Fitness Class, such as Cardio/Tone or Fitness Express, which combines cardio routines with weights, medicine balls, body bars, tubing, and more.
Want more information? It’s all here: www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.
See you around the parks!
February 4
The Cure for Cabin Fever!
Are your kids bored? Feeling trapped inside because of the weather? Spending way too much time in front of the TV or playing video game? We have three ways to cure their cabin fever and get them out and about and feeling good.
1. Friday, February 8 is Fantastic Friday. Kids in grade K-6 are invited to an evening of fun with friends at the Leisure Center. What is there for them to do? Choices include: gym sports and games, board games, arts and crafts, Rockband, Guitar Hero, and in the Teen Center Game Room: pool, foosball, electronic basketball, air hockey, PlayStation, Xbox, Makoto Arena 2, Jumpin’ Jackpot, and Dance Dance Revolution. The evening is supervised by our staff who just love to get in the game. Registration is accepted at the door and pizza and pop are available for purchase.
2. Saturday, February 9 is Middle School Drop-In. Kids in grades 6-8 are invited to a night out at Prairie Lakes Community Center. If they are looking to just hang out with their friends, this is the place. We also have music, dancing, karaoke, and Guitar Hero. Rather play sports? We have basketball, walleyball, volleyball, racquetball, and dodgeball tournaments run by an energetic staff. Registration is accepted at the door. Pizza and pop are available for purchase.
3. Don’t forget that Saturday is also the annual Des Plaines Park District Royal Ball. All princesses ages 4 to 14 are invited to this magical evening with their very own Prince Charming. The dinner dance offers food, music, activities, a professional photo of dads and their daughters, and plenty of memory making moments. The Royal Ball one of our most popular events; so don’t wait to sign up, because the dance always fills quickly!
Want more information? It’s all here: www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.
See you around the parks!
January 28
The Park is having a ball.
Let’s dance! Put on you red shoes and dance the night away on February 9 at the annual Des Plaines Park District Royal Ball. All princesses ages 4 to 14 are invited to this magical evening with their very own Prince Charming. The dinner dance offers food, music, activities, a professional photo of dads and their daughters, and plenty of memory main moments. The Royal Ball one of our most popular events; so don’t wait to sign up, because the dance always fills quickly! Grandfathers and uncles, you are invited to dance the night away with your little sweethearts, too.
Want more information? It’s all here: www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.
See you around the parks!
January 21
Let’s Get Physical
2013...a new year...a new you. The resolutions resound in your head, but the truth of the matter is, that while you have all kinds of good intentions, you don’t have any more time. No time to make a specific commitment to a class, on a specific day, at a specific time. Yet, you want to feel better, get fit, and do something just for you. We can help! Check your schedule against ours. We have Group Fitness classes that meet from 6:15 in the morning to 6:15 in the evening. No six or eight week commitment. Just show up, pay at the door, and get ready to see results. Want to tone those abs, work your core, punch up your cardio, or just stretch out those muscles? There is a class for you. From beginner to advance workouts, our Group Fitness classes offer a variety of workouts from light aerobics and weight training to body bar toning and step. Push yourself a little harder and have fun doing it. Start now.
Want more information? It’s all here: www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.
See you around the parks!
January 14
Defy gravity on the slopes this weekend.
No snow here at home? Now worries...fix your eyes on that sea of powder, and kiss the clouds goodbye, because at Ski Brule the conditions are always perfect to make your run last forever. This weekend, pack up your skies and boards and join us for our annual Family Weekend Trip to U-Nah_Li-Ya and Ski Brule. Whether you’re tackling the black diamond bumps or the bunny hill, Ski Brule provides the best winter slopes experience with prime snow conditions on beginner, intermediate, and advanced ski runs, a snow boarding arena, miles of pristine trails, and Whitewater Trail tubing park. After a day of breathtaking fun, we make tracks to the Homestead Lodge for the famous “all you care to eat” BBQ dinner. Dine on pulled pork, barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, baked beans, sauerkraut, salad, and dessert. You family weekend includes transportation, two nights lodging, six meals, and your Ski Brule lift ticket. Ski and snowboard equipment rental and lessons are also available. If you have always wanted to try this energizing sport...here’s your chance.
Want more information? It’s all here: www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.
See you around the parks!
January 7
9 at 9 or 12 on 12
January resolutions. We all make them, and break them. This year, why not resolve to have more family fun. We make it easy! Let's start this Saturday. Dust off your golf clubs, assemble your foursome, and bundle up! It's time for the Des Plaines Park District's annual Chili Open Golf Tournament. Whether you're a master or a duffer, enjoy nine holes of golf at Golf Center Des Plaines in the glorious January sunshine. Tee times at 9:00am or noon on January 12. The more snow, the merrier. Although, you will want to avoid those snowmen and chili dips, until you get inside. Then, feast on Club Casa's famous chili. It is just the thing to warm your bones after a morning on the links.
The Chili Open is fun for all ages 8 and older. Now, this is the kind of resolution everyone can keep.
Want more information, visit the Golf Center Des Plaines or call 847-803-GOLF. See you around the parks!