To accommodate crews working on the Senior Center, from Thurs., Aug 1 through Sat., Aug 3 the Recreation Center elevator will be out of service. On Thurs., Aug 1, from 8am to noon, the Recreation Center locker rooms will be closed and the entrance to the Center will be limited to the southeast side, next to the lobby and the emergency exit. Also, on Thurs., Aug 1, from noon to 5pm, the Recreation Center’s pool and locker rooms will be closed and the hot water will be shut off. We appreciate your patience during this time.
To accommodate crews working on the Senior Center, from Thurs., Aug 1 through Sat., Aug 3 the Recreation Center elevator will be out of service. On Thurs., Aug 1, from 8am to noon, the Recreation Center locker rooms will be closed and the entrance to the Center will be limited to the southeast side, next to the lobby and the emergency exit. Also, on Thurs., Aug 1, from noon to 5pm, the Recreation Center’s pool and locker rooms will be closed and the hot water will be shut off. We appreciate your patience during this time.
A Triple Dose Of Fun Keeps This Family Connected To The Community
As part of our series of articles for this year’s National Recreation & Park Association theme “Where You Belong”, we had an inspiring conversation with Lesley Haycock about her busy summer of family fun at the Park District.
Lesley Haycock is busy this summer. When we caught up with her it was the first day of Park District Camps for two of her three daughters: Skyler who is 5½ and Riley, who is 3½. Zoey, the oldest at 8½, is going to Discovery Day Camp this year. That’s just the beginning of the busy summer season for the whole family. “We like to take advantage of so many great things the Park District offers,” said Lesley.
On any given day, that includes spending time at Rosewood Beach, “We always get Beach Passes.” Her number one tip: “Arrive early if you want a parking spot!” Yes, we hear that a lot. “We also get our annual pass for the pool, because we’re there almost every weekend.” We hear that a lot too, and it’s why belonging to Hidden Creek AquaPark is such a great way to connect with friends and meet new families.
ParkSchool was the focus of our conversation, because Skyler just graduated from Mighty Oaks, and Riley will be a Sapling this fall. “Then she’ll move up and be a Mighty Oak the next year.” Why ParkSchool? “We had heard such great things about it from the community—not a bad word from anyone. They raved about the teachers, and one of the things I really liked was the small class size, so we knew our kids would get the attention they needed to be ready for Kindergarten.” Lesley added, “I know you’ve heard it before, but Miss Ginny is amazing! Miss Samia is following in her footsteps, and she’s just as amazing, so I feel excited, and confident, and comforted that kids will have her moving forward.”
In case you have not heard, our Miss Ginny retired in June. We have a story about her on our website.
Everything grows at ParkSchool. “We’ve done lots of the afterschool Enrichment programs at West Ridge,” Lesley said. “The KidoKinetics class is wonderful because it exposes them to so many different sports. I think the first day they played Lacrosse”—she laughed—”which is something I never would have taught my 3½ year old. It was awesome!” That’s one of the most important things about growing up in Park District programs. Beginners get the attention they need in order to love what they’re learning. “We’ve done Clay Play, and the girls love the weekly mini-camps that happen between the end of school and the start of summer camps. “We’re going to do those again in August.” Zoey did the Sewing and Fashion design camp, “which was fabulous.” “She really wanted to learn to run a sewing machine, and these are the only classes for kids in the area. There was a fashion show at the end, and she loved it!” We see Project Runway in your future, Zoey. “I was able to drop Skyler off at the same location for her cooking class. The times line up and that makes it so convenient.” We try hard to make that happen for parents year-round, and we’re happy that it’s working.
Zoey also wants to learn to play chess (watch out world), and this August will be in our Chess Camp. “I don’t know where that came from,” laughed Lesley, “and it’s so great that the Park District teaches my kids things that I can’t!” “She also took Fencing in the spring, which is another thing that’s hard to find for young kids.” Fashion, Fencing, and Chess. You won’t find that combination for an 8½ year old anywhere but here. Zoey is truly the epitome of what we call a park district kid.
Lesley offered the perfect description of what we’re all about: “It really is a place to try out so many different things, when you’re little, and see what you’re passionate about.” We loved hearing that.
Connections? “Skyler made some really close friends in her ParkSchool class. They would have play dates every few weeks, and one of them is going to Kindergarten with her in the fall, so I’m thrilled that she’ll have a buddy there.” “It’s really important for us to meet and know people in the community. In fact, we switched Zoey from gymnastics in Lake Forest to the Highland Park Gymnastics Pre-Team for the sole reason of meeting kids from the area. It’s that important.” “And I get together with the other moms. We’ve been out to dinner and had barbeques—so the connections through our kids are strong.”
We love the stories Lesley told us. They are about belonging, connecting, and caring about the community. We’re proud to be a part of those stories, and we work hard every day to stay connected to all of you.
If you have a story or two that you’d like to share, let us know. Until then, you can find all of our summer programs, activities, and events 24/7 at PDHP.org.
See you around the parks!
The Park District of Highland Park invites you to a meeting to discuss the accessibility of Park District facilities and parks for people with disabilities. Your view is important, and this is an opportunity to express your opinion.
The Park District of Highland Park will conduct a meeting to hear feedback about the accessibility of parks and facilities. There are two opportunities to participate in an in-person meeting.
Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, Walter E. Heller Nature Center Multipurpose Room, at 2821 Ridge Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035.
Wednesday, July 31, 2024, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. West Ridge Center Board Room, at 636 Ridge Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035.
Registration is requested. To register, please reach Amalia Schwartz, Planning Manager, at 847.579.4090 or [email protected]. If a modification is needed because of disability to participate, such as a sign language interpreter, please advise when registering.
Please complete the online survey if you cannot attend the in-person meeting. Your feedback is anonymous and will be used to improve efforts by the Park District.
The Park District of Highland Park retained the WT Group (WTG) Accessibility Practice in 2024 to develop an updated transition plan for parks and facilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A transition plan identifies access barriers and phases the retrofit work over time. John McGovern leads the Accessibility Practice at WTG, and will coordinate the first portion of the meeting. In the meeting, WTG will:
Review key ADA requirements for parks and facilities
Discuss the importance of community feedback in establishing retrofit priorities
Share observations of access barriers viewed at Park District of Highland Park sites
Ask for the access preferences and priorities of the members of the public in attendance
Close with a discussion about next steps for the Park District of Highland Park
Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) will join the discussion. NSSRA is an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities in their partner communities, including the Park District of Highland Park, through quality recreation services. NSSRA has created an environment of belonging through play since 1970, and it holds the distinction as the first Special Recreation Association in the country.
Thank you in advance for helping the Park District of Highland Park with our ADA Transition Plan.
As part of our series of articles for this year’s National Recreation & Park Association theme “Where You Belong”, we had a delightful conversation with Rachel Howard about her family’s experience with park district programs.
Rachel Howard is one of our most favorite people to talk with about the Park District, and especially about how her daughter Mia loves ParkSchool. The other day we got the latest on all things Mia, and learned a little about her brother Sam as well.
Last year when we talked with Rachel, Mia had just finished the school year as a Sapling. Now, Mia is 5 and a proud graduate of the Mighty Oaks preschool program. How is she doing? “She’s great! She went 5 days a week in the mornings,” said Rachel. “The program is fantastic. Miss Ginny and Miss Samia are incredible with the kids. It’s such a well-structured program that really gets the kids ready for Kindergarten. I’ve been so impressed with Mia’s growth, her independence, and how proud she was of the work she came home with. That’s been the most exciting thing—to see the pride she takes in the activities and all of the projects.” Being proud of what you’ve done. We couldn’t ask for a better outcome from Mia’s ParkSchool experience. Rachel continued, “Mia’s teachers have prepared her so well for the transition to Kindergarten. They really set the kids up for success as they enter elementary school.”
Our Miss Ginny retired in June after an incredible 39 years of making little lives better. You can read more about her in this story. Ask any Mighty Oaks parent, and they’ll tell you that Miss Samia continues to be amazing!
We talked about Mia making new friends and new connections at Mighty Oaks. “Yes! There were old friends who she had been with the year before, and there were lots of new friends this year as well.” ParkSchool kids tend to stay in the program. The smaller class sizes, the structure, and the connections to other families make it a place where everyone truly feels they belong. “Mia wants all of the kids in her class and her teachers to be with her when she goes to Kindergarten, because there is this warmth and sense of belonging to a community.” Well, we hope her friends go with her, but her teachers… not so much!
Did Mia do other Park District programs? “Yes!” (You can hear the smile.) “She did a Sports class, a Cooking class, and a Ceramics class after school at West Ridge. It’s so nice because she can stay at school and there’s a ‘bridge’ program where she played for a bit after Mighty Oaks. Then the teachers transition the kids to their after school classes, so parents don’t have to go back and forth.” How did Mia like those classes? “The Sports class (KidoKinetics) was great fun because they did some unique sports like Lacrosse and Pickleball. She also did Gymnastics on the weekends (at Centennial), which she loved.” We think “Keeping up with Mia” would make a great podcast!
“She’s formed a very strong bond with her friends and her teachers.” Connections, many of them lifelong, are what get built at your Park District. It truly is a place where you belong.
What’s next for the family? “My son Sam is 2½ and is in the Tot Stop camp this summer. He’s also done Gymnastics,” (at that age mostly tumbling, running, falling down), “and we love the Music class! We’re also registered for ParkSchool in the fall, so Sam will be a Sprout!”
That’s how the traditions continue and the connections grow at your Park District. We would love for you and your family to join us and be a part of everything we do. We invite you to share your stories with us. Right now, you can find all of our summer programs, activities, and events 24/7 on our website.
See you around the parks!
Looking for exciting activities for your kids on no-school days? Our Fall Fun Days offer a variety of engaging programs to keep them entertained and active. Join us for a few days full of fun and adventure.
Resident Registration Begins Wednesday, July 17!
Thursday, October 3
Rosh Hashana
9am-3pm: Stream Explorers | Ages 5-10
The STREAM Explorers School Day Off program offers a fun and educational day for children when school is out. Split between Heller Nature Center and West Ridge Center, this program features a variety of activities in Science, Technology, Recreation, Environment, Art, and more.
Children will start their day at West Ridge Center, where they will be bussed to Heller Nature Center to explore environmental science projects, interactive nature walks, and creative art activities. Later, they will be bussed back to West Ridge Center for hands-on technology projects, recreational games, and art experiences, where they will also be picked up.
The program provides a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children engaged and entertained throughout the day. It’s an ideal way for kids to spend a school day off, having fun and exploring new interests.
Locations: Children will start and end their day at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Rd, as well as spend part of the day at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd
The STREAM Explorers School Day Off program offers a fun and educational day for children when school is out. Split between Heller Nature Center and West Ridge Center, this program features a variety of activities in Science, Technology, Recreation, Environment, Art, and more.
Children will start their day at West Ridge Center, where they will be bussed to Heller Nature Center to explore environmental science projects, interactive nature walks, and creative art activities. Later, they will be bussed back to West Ridge Center for hands-on technology projects, recreational games, and art experiences, where they will also be picked up.
The program provides a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children engaged and entertained throughout the day. It’s an ideal way for kids to spend a school day off, having fun and exploring new interests.
Locations: Children will start and end their day at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Rd, as well as spend part of the day at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd
The STREAM Explorers School Day Off program offers a fun and educational day for children when school is out. Split between Heller Nature Center and West Ridge Center, this program features a variety of activities in Science, Technology, Recreation, Environment, Art, and more.
Children will start their day at West Ridge Center, where they will be bussed to Heller Nature Center to explore environmental science projects, interactive nature walks, and creative art activities. Later, they will be bussed back to West Ridge Center for hands-on technology projects, recreational games, and art experiences, where they will also be picked up.
The program provides a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children engaged and entertained throughout the day. It’s an ideal way for kids to spend a school day off, having fun and exploring new interests.
Locations: Children will start and end their day at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Rd, as well as spend part of the day at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd
The STREAM Explorers School Day Off program offers a fun and educational day for children when school is out. Split between Heller Nature Center and West Ridge Center, this program features a variety of activities in Science, Technology, Recreation, Environment, Art, and more.
Children will start their day at West Ridge Center, where they will be bussed to Heller Nature Center to explore environmental science projects, interactive nature walks, and creative art activities. Later, they will be bussed back to West Ridge Center for hands-on technology projects, recreational games, and art experiences, where they will also be picked up.
The program provides a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor activities to keep children engaged and entertained throughout the day. It’s an ideal way for kids to spend a school day off, having fun and exploring new interests.
Locations: Children will start and end their day at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Rd, as well as spend part of the day at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Rd
You write the story! Choose your own path in this adventure series as we explore role playing and rolling the dice to see which way our story will go. Use your imagination to write which direction our story will go and act it out.
This is a drop off program. Pre-registration required. Program is outdoors so please dress for the weather. Participants also attending Superheroes may bring a peanut-free sack lunch and stay at Rosewood between programs.
Soar through the air, use your mighty strength, and explore your own super powers! Superheroes are everywhere, see what wild animals also have super powers just like those in the comics. Then explore how you too have your own super human powers.
This is a drop off program. Pre-registration required. Program is outdoors so please dress for the weather. Participants also attending Once Upon A… may bring a peanut-free sack lunch and stay at Rosewood between programs.
To celebrate Parks and Recreation Month, we are featuring a series of personal stories that exemplify the value Parks and Recreation brings to our lives.
Jami Buss is well-known to many of you as a member of our Registration Team at the Recreation Center. Great smile, always welcoming, and a wealth of knowledge about all things Park District. Lots of you also know her husband, Michael Buss, who has been an Instructor at the Fitness Club for almost 9 years. His Group Fitness classes are very popular. The family connections to the District go even deeper: their three sons are all park district kids, just like Jami was as she grew up in Highland Park. Her memories are the perfect place to start her story. Here we go.
Talking to Jami reinforces why this Park District has been so important to residents for their entire lives. “One of my fondest memories, from when I was just 5 years old, is going to Safety Village,” said Jami. “In those days, it was in the parking lot at Centennial Ice Arena.” Safety Village is still going strong at West Ridge. “Our kids went, and they loved it!”
“I grew up near Centennial, and we enjoyed ice skating and the shows. That area was such a great place to explore. We did lots of hiking and fishing, and of course, sledding in the winter. When I was in Middle School, sometimes we would just hang out at the Ice Arena. It was always great fun, and looking back, I realize how important it was to all of us kids.” That’s what we do at your Park District—provide safe, fun places where kids and families connect and make their own memories.
Flash forward. About 12 years ago, Jami joined the Fitness Club and continued a lifetime journey of healthy activities. Belonging to a club, connecting with Highland Park residents, and making new friends is one of the most important ways to stay physically and mentally fit. It’s a big part of what we offer every day. “My kids would come with me when they were 2 and 4, and play in the babysitting room while I worked out,” Jami related. Those two kids were Leo, now 15, and Henry, 13. “When Leo was 2 and 3 years old, he also went to Mommy’s Morning Away at West Ridge,” Jami said. “The teachers were wonderful!”
Samson, who is 8, rounds out the family. All three boys enjoy many of our year-round and seasonal programs: Baseball and Football, Sports Camps and Summer Camps, and especially Into the Wild Lakeshore, where campers explore nature, go swimming and dig into beachcombing as part of their summer adventures. “During Covid, living near Sunset Woods Park, the outdoor resources became extra important to our family,” said Jami, “and as things opened up, we all realized what amazing programs and opportunities the Park District offers the community. It’s one of the reasons I came to work here a year ago, and now helping other people get connected to the Park District is one of the true joys of my job.”
We can tell you that it’s a joy just to be around Jami, and we’re grateful to have her as part of our family.
We would love to hear your personal and family stories. Send us a wonderful memory or two that we can share. Until then… See you around the parks!
To kick off Park and Recreation Month, we’ve put together a list of activities to celebrate where you belong in Highland Park! All month long, we’re highlighting the ways our community is stronger, more vibrant and more resilient because of parks and recreation. Keep your July busy with these fun events and activities!
Enjoy a day at Rosewood Beach – build a sandcastle, play ball in the water, read a book and relax, the possibilities are endless under the sun!
Grab a paddle and play some pickleball at one of our 16 courts at Danny Cunniff Park
Walk the trails at Heller Nature Center – visit the beehives, play at the Wander Woods Nature Play Space, or read a book along Constance’s Story Trail
Take part in our Independence Day Events – a morning remembrance ceremony, an afternoon parade along a new route in Downtown Highland Park, and the return of the family friendly 4th Fest.
Visit the Art Exhibit at Heller Nature Center – the Art Exhibit features a new artist every few months. Observe the beautiful paintings and photographs displayed in the Prairie Room.
Play a game of basketball! We offer indoor Open Gym at the Recreation Center of Highland Park and have 11 outdoor parks with basketball hoops.
Support local vendors at the Ravinia Farmers Market – visit Jens Jensen Park every Wednesday at 7am-1pm for locally grown and sourced goods. You’ll find something new and different every week!
Catch a fish! We have 4 parks to go fishing – Danny Cunniff Park, Foley’s Pond, Larry Fink Memorial Park and The Preserve of Highland Park
Start your day in the most breathtaking way at beach yoga – enjoy yoga with a beautiful view at Rosewood Beach
Bring the family to River’s Edge Mini Golf – do you have what it takes to get a hole-in-one at our 18-hole mini golf course?
Try something new and learn to sail, kayak and paddle board at the North Shore Yacht Club
Too hot to be outside? Spend a few hours ice skating at Centennial Ice Arena during pubic skate at 2:40-4:10pm on Wednesdays, July 17, 24 and 31.
Did you know that more than 117 species of birds have been identified at The Preserve of Highland Park? Take a walk through the 100+ acre property and try to find as many birds as you can.
Enjoy free live music at Sunset Valley Golf Club on Friday, July 19! Bring a few friends for an evening of live entertainment featuring music by Mike Jansen!
Check out our Free Park Pop-Up Series! Enjoy Animals in the Park on Friday, July 12 and Concert in the Park on Sunday, July 21!
Love the outdoors? Volunteer with us! Become part of the team working to restore our natural areas – volunteers meet most Fridays at Heller Nature Center
Gather a group of friends/family and head to our Teams Course at Heller Nature Center – challenge yourselves through thought-provoking ground-level puzzles that can only be accomplished by all members working as a cohesive group.
Get fit at Aqua Fit – enjoy the warm weather and get in a great workout in the waters at Hidden Creek AquaPark.
Take off into outer space and play at the rocketship playground at Sunset Woods Park – this newly renovated playground is ADA compliant and has a Titanic Tides tot lot located adjacent to it
Wind down the night and enjoy cocktails at the new Lagos Bar & Grill at Sunset Valley Golf Club.
Pack a lunch and have a picnic in one of our parks – 18 out of our 44 parks has at least one picnic table. Or bring a blanket and be one with nature!
Find the hidden rock garden at Millard Beach. Sift and sort stones like basalt, granite, quartz, sandstone, and limestone.
Book a tee time at Sunset Valley Golf Club – our golf course features 18-holes and is enjoyable for every level golfer
Try out our two 9-hole disc golf courses located within Larry Fink Memorial Park and Danny Cunniff Park. Enjoy this fun twist on golf and frisbee!
Let your pups run around at our two open dog parks at Debbie Gottlieb Beitler Dog Park and Moraine Beach. Dog parks are open every day from dawn to dusk. Membership is required.
Get fit with a personal trainer at the Recreation Center of Highland Park – it’s never too late to get started working towards a healthier and strong you. You can also get a free 1-week trial at the Recreation Center of Highland Park!
Have you seen our hopscotches around our facilities? Find and hop on our hopscotches at the Recreation Center of Highland Park and Deer Creek Racquet Club!
Learn the rules of the road! Bring your kiddos to Safety Village behind West Ridge Center and teach them basic safety procedures when outside – includes crosswalks, stop lights and signs, what to do when there is a train, and more. Make it more fun and bring bikes and helmets.
Don’t forget to register for our Fall programs on Wednesday, July 17 for residents. Save the date and register for our fun autumn events and more!
In our third and final installment of Parks in Mind, a video series in collaboration with Endeavor Health that explores mental health and recreation, Dr. Fazio and Kyle answer the following questions:
Are there different types of stress? How can someone tell if their stress is a problem?
What are the best ways to manage stress?
What mindfulness techniques can people use to promote their emotional well-being?
Meet Our Mental Health Professionals
Lindsay T. Fazio, PhD is the System Director of Wellbeing & Vitality for Endeavor Health. Her role is to develop and drive the strategic plan to bring wellbeing to each and every team member no matter their role or responsibility within the organization.
She received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Indiana State University. She completed her residency in medical psychology at St. James Hospital and Health Centers. Dr. Fazio’s passion is promoting wellness began 20 years ago teaching physicians and physicians-in-training. She works with departments and health systems nationally to monitor burnout provide a programatic series of strengths-based interventions to promote resiliency and engagement across all members of the healthcare team.
Kyle Kovski, LCSW is dedicated to supporting the emotional wellbeing of individuals within Endeavor Health. His dual role as the Wellbeing Support Advisor and System R.I.S.E. Clinical Coordinator showcases his commitment to fostering resilience and creating a supportive culture within the organization.
With his educational background in Social Work, Kyle brings a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and mental health to his role. His clinical experience across different age groups and symptomatology provides him with a nuanced perspective on addressing the diverse needs of individuals. Kyle’s focus on supporting medical professionals is especially impactful, given his firsthand experience in Family Medicine Residency programs support Behavioral Health Education. He recognizes the unique challenges individuals are faced with daily and advocates for the importance of stress management and resilience techniques in mitigating the impact of trauma.
By drawing from his expertise in trauma and emphasizing the importance of holistic wellbeing, Kyle empowers individuals to navigate challenges effectively. His efforts not only benefit the individuals he directly supports but also contribute to creating a culture of support and resilience within Endeavor Health.
In our second installment of Parks in Mind, a video series in collaboration with Endeavor Health that explores mental health and recreation, Dr. Fazio and Kyle answer the following questions:
How do environmental factors, such as access to the outdoors and natural settings, influence emotional well-being?
The surgeon general recently declared that the United States is amid a loneliness epidemic. What are some steps that we can take to create a healthier social network and stave off loneliness?
Meet Our Mental Health Professionals
Lindsay T. Fazio, PhD is the System Director of Wellbeing & Vitality for Endeavor Health. Her role is to develop and drive the strategic plan to bring wellbeing to each and every team member no matter their role or responsibility within the organization.
She received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Indiana State University. She completed her residency in medical psychology at St. James Hospital and Health Centers. Dr. Fazio’s passion is promoting wellness began 20 years ago teaching physicians and physicians-in-training. She works with departments and health systems nationally to monitor burnout provide a programatic series of strengths-based interventions to promote resiliency and engagement across all members of the healthcare team.
Kyle Kovski, LCSW is dedicated to supporting the emotional wellbeing of individuals within Endeavor Health. His dual role as the Wellbeing Support Advisor and System R.I.S.E. Clinical Coordinator showcases his commitment to fostering resilience and creating a supportive culture within the organization.
With his educational background in Social Work, Kyle brings a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and mental health to his role. His clinical experience across different age groups and symptomatology provides him with a nuanced perspective on addressing the diverse needs of individuals. Kyle’s focus on supporting medical professionals is especially impactful, given his firsthand experience in Family Medicine Residency programs support Behavioral Health Education. He recognizes the unique challenges individuals are faced with daily and advocates for the importance of stress management and resilience techniques in mitigating the impact of trauma.
By drawing from his expertise in trauma and emphasizing the importance of holistic wellbeing, Kyle empowers individuals to navigate challenges effectively. His efforts not only benefit the individuals he directly supports but also contribute to creating a culture of support and resilience within Endeavor Health.
Walter the Raccoon seems to have left behind some items in our parks, can you help find them?
Each day this week, Walter will leave a clue here (and on our Facebook) about which park he’s visited. When you find Walter with the item left behind at one of our parks, scan the QR code to see what fun activity you can do and enter our drawing to win prizes and a gift card!
Friday, May 24
Walter has almost all of his items back! He’s still missing his hiking boots, though. Can you help him find them in one of our parks? Here’s your clue:
“Our Prairie is abuzz with bees,
You can also walk among the trees,
In the winter you can bring skis,
Finding my home base should be a breeze!”
Thursday, May 23
Where have Walter’s binoculars gone? Can you help him find them in one of our parks? Here’s your clue:
“The ocean is far away from here,
But there is still a beach that we hold dear.
It’s the only beach where you can swim,
But wait till it’s warmer before diving in!”
Wednesday, May 22
Walter can’t find his hiking stick! Can you help him find it in one of our parks? Here’s your clue:
“I thought I’d grab my fishing pole,
And head on past the Pickle Ball or Tennis Courts.
There’s a great little fishing hole,
Where you can see animals of all sorts!
If you see ice you’ve gone too far.”
Tuesday, May 21
Walter’s backpack has gone missing! Can you help him find it in one of our parks? Here’s your clue:
“I’ve been spending all my time today,
On space ship slides and the swing set.
I’ll end my day in the perfect way,
By watching a lovely ____________.”
Monday, May 20
Walter misplaced his map! Can you help him find it in one of our parks? Here’s your clue:
“Not far from where I play Mini-golf,
I went looking for birds I could observe.
But now my Map has wandered off,
So I’m looking for it at the ___________.”
Spring is here, and all around us, animals are waking up and getting ready for an exciting summer. Our bees are gathering pollen from the earliest flowers, Illinois is set to see two periodic broods of cicadas, and frogs and toads can be heard calling all around. Among this waking wildlife is a little arachnid that concerns us each year: the tick. Unfortunately, there will be more ticks this year. The surprising answer as to why actually has to do with acorns. The past two years have been good for acorns, which is good for mice, which is good for ticks. This year, however, we are seeing fewer acorns, which means less mice. With a tick population lagging slightly behind this trend, this year we have lots of ticks with less mice to feed on.
In Illinois, there are typically two common tick types: the deer tick, which carry Lyme disease, and the wood tick. Deer ticks are small and hard to spot, so look out for rashes or bullseye shaped spots on your body. Wood ticks are larger, and while they may not carry Lyme, they are known to carry other germs that may be harmful to humans.
There is a third tick to look out for this year. The Longhorned Asian Tick has been discovered in Illinois (the 20th state they have been found in so far) and is considered invasive in the US. Currently, it is expected that the tick carries some germs that are dangerous to humans, but we do not know if they can transmit them yet. They are known to be dangerous to livestock and some pets. If you come in contact with a tick, immediately remove it—if you can, try to trap it (a piece of tape works) and keep it. Doctors can sometimes test a tick that bit you to see if there is cause for concern.
Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5 percent permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings. Alternatively, you can buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
Check your body and clothing for ticks upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your own backyard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Place tick-infested clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors.
Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tickborne diseases. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and is a good time to do a tick check.
Talk to your veterinarian about tickborne diseases in your area and prevention products for your pets and livestock.
