Don’t miss these upcoming holiday events:
April 8 – Doggie Eggstravaganza
April 9 – Free Egg Slide ice skating event
April 15 – Egg Hunts with the Easter Bunny
April 15 – Aqua Egg Hunt - SOLD OUT
April 16 – Easter Brunch – SOLD OUT
Free Community Walking Events
By Hoffman Estates Park District
You’re invited to a series of free walking events, called Hoffman Walks. The next event is Sat. April 8 from 9-11 a.m. at Charlemagne Park. On one Saturday each month, HE Parks will host a 2-hour walk at a park or facility open to all ages and abilities. Participants can walk as long as they’d like.
“Walking is a great way to improve health, well-being and peace of mind,” said Mike Kies, director of recreation and facilities for HE Parks.
The benefits of walking are numerous, including boosting energy, reducing the effects of sitting, improving strength and heart function. In September 2015, the Surgeon General issued a Call To Action to increase walking among Americans of all ages. It stated that one out of every two adults in America living with a chronic disease such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes, and recommended that increasing activity level through walking can significantly reduce risk of chronic disease.
“We felt that walking is an easy, entry-level type of activity,” said Colleen Palmer, superintendent of recreation for HE Parks. “Our hope is that once an individual makes walking a habit, that this will lead them to more kinds of activity.”
Registration is not required.
Sat. April 8, 9 AM at Charlemagne Park (3799 Bordeaux) – Stroll around this beautiful park pond to celebrate spring and all its critters and flowers!
Sat. May 6, 9 AM at Fabbrini Park (1670 Glen Lake Road) – Bring mom for a walk in the park. All moms in attendance will get a special gift.
Watch for more events to come in the Summer Guide. For more information, visit heparks.org.
Spend spring break staying active with SPD
By Schaumburg Park District
Help your little sprout blossom this spring with chess, Lego and active adventures.
Among the choices during spring break is the full-day So Cool Spring Break Camp, at Meineke Recreation Center, 220 E. Weathersfield Way. The camp features games, field trips and crafts. Other camps take place at Bock Neighborhood Center, 1223 W. Sharon Lane.
“Spring break camps are a safe and fun option for children when they’re off from school,” said Kathleen Benson, Bock manager and general program coordinator. “It’s an excellent way to keep them engaged while making memories during their break.”
The full list of options includes:
- So Cool Spring Break Camp at MRC, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, March 27-31* (ages 6-12) *Register for select days or entire session.
- Chess Scholars Spring Break Chess Camp, 9 a.m.-noon, Monday through Friday, March 27-31, Bock (ages 5-12)
- LEGO Mindstorms Invasion of the Robots Mini-Camp, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesday through Wednesday, March 28-29, Bock (ages 9-14)
- Pre-Engineering Spring Break Mini-Camp with Lego Robotics, 10-11 a.m., Tuesday through Wednesday, March 28 and 29, Bock (ages 6-9)
For more information, call (847) 985-2141 or visit parkfun.com.
Party with your pals at Schaumburg Park District
By Schaumburg Park District
Seventh and eighth graders— text your friends and let them know The Party’s Back!
The Party’s Back is set for 7-10 p.m., Feb. 3, at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road. Junior high students from District 54 and other schools are invited to enjoy a night of music, dancing and food. A photo booth also will be available during the festivities.
“We have a whole new theme,” said Meineke Center Manager Mike Wold. “This is a great way for teens to spend their Friday night!”
Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
For more information, call (847) 490-7020 or visit parkfun.com.
Smoking Ban Ushers In a Healthier New Year
By Hoffman Estates Park District
There is no better time than the present to stop smoking. That’s because as of January 1, 2017, smoking is prohibited at all Hoffman Estates Park District (HE Parks) properties, except for Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club. All facilities and parks are now smoke free, including electric cigarettes. This ban was put in place because establishing a smoke-free park system directly supports its mission “to provide healthy and enjoyable activities” in its facilities and parks. HE Parks made the decision because the effects of smoking and secondhand smoke are the cause of many diseases and health conditions leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths annually.
“The Park Board of Commissioners felt that this step was necessary to fully encourage a healthy lifestyle for all our residents,” said Park Board President Mike Bickham. “People come to our parks and facilities to take part in healthy activities. We don’t think they should be exposed to secondhand smoke in the process.”
The Grim Statistics
The health effects of smoking and secondhand smoke exposure are numerous. Here are some facts, according to the American Lung Association and the Centers for Disease Control. (Sources: Lung.org and CDC.gov)
- Smoking causes death. More than 438,000 Americans die every year from smoking. Yet, these deaths can be avoided. Death by smoking is the leading cause of preventable death by such diseases as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer.
- Secondhand smoke causes death. More than 41,000 people die from exposure to secondhand smoke each year. These deaths also can be prevented.
- Smoke increases illnesses in children. Kids exposed to secondhand smoke suffer more illnesses during their childhood, including asthma and ear infections.
- Smoking increases SIDS in infants. Exposure to secondhand smoke increases healthy infants’ risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Smoking generates pollution. Millions of cigarette butts are littered each year across the country.
“Hundreds of children visit our facilities and parks each day,” said Executive Director Dean Bostrom. “Seeing adults smoking outside our facilities and in our parks sets a poor example for our impressionable young people. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle for everyone is our main goal.”
About HE Parks
Providing first-class parks, facilities, programs and services for a dynamic community of more than 50,000 in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, HE Parks operates two community centers, twin ice arenas, a premier 18-hole golf course, state-of-the-art fitness center, family aquatic center and more than 70 parks. Facilities include Triphahn Community Center & Ice Arena, Willow Recreation Center, Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, Prairie StoneTM Sports & Wellness Center, Seascape Family Aquatic Center and Vogelei Park & Barn.
In 2013 HE Parks was accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). It has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and is the recipient of the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks & Recreation Management by the National Recreation & Parks Association; the highest national honor in the public recreation category.
For more information visit heparks.org or call 847-885-7500.
Win Free Classes in HE Parks Photo Contest
By Hoffman Estates Park District
Hoffman Estates residents can earn their way to free classes and programs by entering to win the I Love HE Parks photo contest.
Before midnight on Jan. 15, residents can pick up an I Love HE Parks magnet or sticker at any HE Parks facility. Then, they may post a photo of themselves at one of the park district’s programs, parks or facilities on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with these two hashtags: #MakingLifeFun and #HEParks and tag the park district with @HEParks.
The photo should demonstrate what the resident loves about the HE Parks. For each photo posted, participants will be entered into a drawing to win gift cards that can be used on memberships or classes. For every “Like” the photo gets, the participant will receive an additional entry in the drawing. Each quarter, one $100 gift card will be given away along with two $50 gift cards.
The park district’s social media accounts can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @HEParks. Official rules are posted at heparks.org/2016/12/win-park-district-bucks-2 and also in the Winter 2017 Guide.
Ring in the New Year before naptime with the Schaumburg Park District
By Schaumburg Park District
Make a resolution to celebrate with your tot at the Schaumburg Park District’s Itsy Bitsy New Year’s Eve Countdown.
Set for 10 a.m. to noon, Dec. 31, at The Sport Center, 1141 W. Irving Park Road, the event features inflatables for climbing and a variety of toys and games for children ages 1 to 6. Trikes, big wheels and motorized jeeps also will be available. A noontime balloon drop will ring in 2017.
“This is a fun event for little ones to ring in the New Year,” said Karen Shannon, manager of The Sport Center. “They’ll have an opportunity to spend time playing with their parents and socializing with other children.”
Cost is $10 per family for residents and $15 per family for non-residents. Day-of registration is $15 per family for residents and $20 per family for non-residents. The first 200 registrants will receive a free noisemaker and lei.
For more information, call (847) 891-1266 or visit www.parkfun.com.
Winter Registration Begins Mon. Nov. 21 at Hoffman Estates Park District
By Hoffman Estates Park District
The Hoffman Estates Park District (HE Parks) announces that registration for winter programs opens on Monday, Nov. 21 at 8 a.m. online at heparks.org and at all HE Parks facilities. Winter Guides were mailed to every household in Hoffman Estates, and is also available online at heparks.org.
New this season is a class for kids age 4-11 called Ninja Warrior. In this class, kid will gain endurance and strength with climbing, crawling, jumping, flipping, hanging and swinging. The class is similar to the popular television show with the same name. The class is offered on Wednesdays at Vogelei Barn, from 10-10:45 a.m. for kids age 4-6 and from 6:45-7:30 p.m. for kids age 6-11. For more information contact Program Manager Jody Dodson at [email protected] or 847-285-5432.
For adults, HE Parks added a Wiffle® Ball League. Teams are being recruited now for a competitive and a non-competitive league. The games will be played at Cannon Crossings Park starting in April. For more information, contact Athletic Manager Kyle Thomas at [email protected] or 847-285-5429.
The 50+ Club is planning a group trip to Niagara Falls in April 2017. The popular trips sell out quickly, as they are affordably prices and provide a stress-free travel experience for adults age 50 and over. For more information, contact 50+ Coordinator Rica Cuff at [email protected] or 847-885-7500 ext. 626.
In addition to programs, the Winter Guide also includes park and facility information and a list of all Winter events including Winter Fest, Breakfast with Santa, the Daddy-Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Date Night and more.
Visit heparks.org to browse all the park district has to offer in 2017.
Winter Fest – Sat. Dec. 10
By Hoffman Estates Park District
The Hoffman Estates Park District is hoping for snow to make our Winter Fest the perfect way to celebrate the season. Bundle up and come outside for the crafts and activities at Bridges of Poplar Creek. Activities include crafts, games, fun in the snow, and sleigh rides. Come out and play – snow or no snow, we’ve got fun in store! This event is free! heparks.org. For more info, contact Jody Dodson at 847-285-5432 or email [email protected].
Try Hockey for Free
By Hoffman Estates Park District
Never tried the greatest game on earth? Boys and girls age 4-9 are invited to give the hockey a try, for free! Meet our great coaching staff whose goal is to help you learn and love the game. Equipment will be available for use, including skates, but if you own a bike helmet and/or hockey stick, please bring them along. Even if you are new to skating, don’t worry. Come out and give it a try!
The Triphahn Ice Arena Center is home to the Chicago Wolves and the area’s popular Wolf Pack Hockey Club. We’ve introduced hundreds of boys and girls to the world of hockey over the years. The event runs 1:50-2:50 PM but come 30 minutes early to get fitted for skates.
The event is free, but you must register in advance at the following website: Register for Try Hockey for Free Event