Did you know that park districts are one of the largest employers of youth in Illinois?  The Naperville Park District relies on teens as referees in our popular soccer program, as lifeguards, swim instructors, and guest services staff at Centennial Beach, as camp assistants, and in park maintenance.  Click here to check current job opportunities.

The Park District also offers classes to help get you start your own business as a babysitter.  In addition, keep in mind that there are classes to help you discover your talent for painting, cooking, music, or other activities that may lead to a career or a lifetime hobby. Click here for more information about Park District programs.

Although many high school students are busy with activities at their own schools, we know that they sometimes need something to do that’s just fun, different, and open to students from the whole community.   The Park District’s Youth Ambassadors plan community-wide special events for teens each year, such as Battle of the Bands, the Bags Tournament, and the Mr. Naperville contest. 

How do you get involved with the Youth Ambassadors?  To serve as one of the Youth Ambassadors from one of Naperville’s high schools requires a teacher recommendation, good academic standing, and leadership experience, either through a club, sport, or other activity. However, any student can participate in the annual events, and attendees are welcome to bring friends. 

One of the Youth Ambassadors representing Neuqua Valley High School this year, senior Keenan Kassar, said, “serving as a Youth Ambassador has been a great experience over all.”  The recent Leadership Conference for Youth Ambassadors and other student leaders was a productive time, according to Keenan, involving “lots of ideas…and great conversation.” 
 
The Youth Ambassadors Leadership Conference was held on Feb. 18 at the Riverwalk Community Center in downtown Naperville. Over 100 students attended, hearing keynote speaker, Mike Selep, CEO of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, and then brainstorming ways to incorporate the ideas into their specific clubs and activities and at their respective schools.

Lauren Bast, a Youth Ambassador from Waubonsie Valley High School, and also a senior, said that the Leadership Conference is the Youth Ambassador event she looks forward to the most.  “It’s the one opportunity we have to get together with kids from all of the Naperville high schools, from every kind of activity.” 

In addition to serving as a Youth Ambassador, Lauren has been involved with the Park District as a volunteer throughout her high school years. The summer prior to her freshman year, Lauren won a Naperville Park District photo contest and then began taking photographs of special events and programs for the Park District.  “I love my photo assignments,” said Lauren.  “It gives me an excuse to go where I normally would not go.” 

Lauren’s photos have appeared on the front cover of the Park District Program Guide many times.  At last summer’s dedication event for the WNBA’s Candace Parker (a former Naperville resident), Lauren served as the official Park District photographer, and once again, her photo was used for the Winter 2010 Program Guide cover.  Her experience as a volunteer has proved invaluable in preparing her for a career in photography.  “At the Candace Parker event, I got to be with the press, and learn from the professionals.  It was a great experience,” said Lauren. 

The Park District offers many volunteer opportunities to middle and high school students, ranging from simple, one-time projects, such as stuffing envelopes, to creative assignments, such as photography, and positions with ongoing responsibility, such as coaching a sport.  Click here for more information about volunteering at the Naperville Park District.

For teens looking for work, fun, or volunteer opportunities, your Park District offers a variety of activities and ideas.  Our staff is open to suggestions, and welcomes your ideas and enthusiasm.
   
                                       

          2010 Youth Ambassadors Leadership Conference

You’ve heard that “eat local” is the new “organic.”  While organically grown food offers many benefits, so does locally grown produce.  Naperville gardeners say that there’s nothing quite like growing the vegetables and fruits yourself.  If you have too much shade in your yard, or too many rabbits, or no yard at all, the Naperville Park District has a solution for you:  rent a garden plot!

The Community Garden Plots on West Street offer full size, half size, organic, and raised garden plots for first-time and returning gardeners.  Registration for garden plots will open to Naperville Park District residents on February 22nd and to nonresidents on March 8th.  Click here to see registration details and to view the 2010 Garden Plot Map.

Naperville residents, Don and Lorie Piel, have tended 2 garden plots at West Street for 19 years. “We really like connecting with the soil, working with our hands, and getting outside in all sorts of weather,” says Don Piel.  “It’s a calming influence.”  His wife, Lorie, agrees. “I love the beauty, the quiet, the alone time.  It’s a place to think, pray, and recharge.”

While gardeners enjoy the quiet time, they also value the feeling of community that grows each season. “We see our neighbors there, and meet people from different cultures as well.  We all go to the pump for water, and while we’re there, we swap recipes and ask advice,” says Lorie.

Gardening provides a well-rounded workout, including strength, flexibility, and endurance training.  Everyone can participate, from the smallest child to the grandparents, including those with special needs.

How does a beginning gardener get started?  Several organizations in our area are ready to answer your questions and to give instruction as you go, from selecting the seeds to enjoying the harvest. The University of Illinois Extension in DuPage County offers gardening classes and a gardening help line. Our local gardening clubs, the Naperville Community Gardeners and the Naperville Garden Club, offer programs and a wealth of information about gardening. Additionally, you can count on the other gardeners at the West Street Garden Plots to share advice as to what has worked for them.
 
As for the rewards of gardening, the harvest speaks for itself. “We have plenty for our family and lots to share with others,” says Lorie Piel. 

Many gardeners regularly donate fresh produce to Loaves and Fishes. Jody Bender, Community Relations Director for Loaves and Fishes, appreciates the gardeners’ generosity. “The community gardener program offered by the Naperville Park District has been an important part of the ability of Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry to provide fresh produce for our client families," said Bender.

To the gardeners, giving is part of the gardening culture and just one of the many benefits of time spent tending their crops. “We feel healthy,” remarked Lorie Piel.  “It’s the exercise, being out in nature, and actually eating the vegetables.  You do feel obliged to eat what you have grown, and that’s a good thing!”


One day's harvest from the Piels' garden in 2009

Don’t let the cold, dreary days of winter keep you indoors. Within minutes of your neighborhood, you can find a park with trails and walking paths that can provide the perfect setting for a brisk walk, run, or cross country ski outing. It’s amazing what getting out in the fresh air can do to revitalize your day.  Here’s a sampling of trails that the Naperville Park District offers in the north, central, and south sections of Naperville. 

North Parks Trails
The Riverwalk remains the most popular walking destination in Naperville. Even in winter, its charm and beauty attract walkers who enjoy the quiet atmosphere and well-maintained paths located in the heart of Naperville’s downtown. If you haven’t taken a walk lately, try a short walk on your lunch break, or bring the stroller and show the kids what’s happening along the river in winter. 

For a walk in the woods, try Burlington Park, located at 1003 Douglas Avenue or Seager Park, found at 1163 Plank Road. Parking is available on site at each of these parks.

Central Parks Trails
While the road construction continues along South Washington Street, the DuPage River Trail remains open for walking, running, bicycling, and inline skating. This popular trail segment begins at Burr Oak Park, continues through Veterans Park and Pioneer Park, ending at Hobson Road. Once the City of Naperville’s Washington Street and 75th Street intersection project is complete, the trail will pass under 75th Street and continue down Washington Street to Ring Road and Knoch Knolls Park.

Goodrich Woods, located at 25W507 Hobson Road, between Washington Street and Naper Boulevard, offers a peaceful, wooded setting with a loop trail. Interpretive signs identify some of the native plants found in the woods, so that you can enjoy a self-guided nature walk and learn about what will come to life here in the spring.

South Parks Trails
Our most extensive wooded trails are found at Knoch Knolls Park and DuPage River Sports Complex. There is plenty of room to cross country ski, walk, run, or snow shoe on the wider trails. These can be accessed most easily just west of the parking lot at DuPage River Sports Complex at 2807 S. Washington Street.

Springbrook Parkway, located at 2359 Nottingham Drive, provides an interesting place to walk, with trails following Springbrook Creek, just south of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Springbrook Prairie.

If you would like to meet others who enjoy walking, check the upcoming walking events at Get Fit Naperville.

We hope you can get out and explore some of these wonderful trails!

As a grant writer at the Naperville Park District, I look for ways to enhance the Naperville Park District’s mission, programs, and parks with funding from the outside.

For example, an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is currently funding the improvements at Winding Creek Park. The $400,000 grant enabled us to add permeable pavers, wetland plantings, a multi-use path, and upgrades to the ball fields and playground at the park.

However, it’s eye opening to realize that the Park District’s efforts to save money through efficiencies result in an equally important source of budget relief from the inside.

Here are a few examples of these significant cost savings:

Significant savings in 2009-2010

The Naperville Park District’s renewed Aaa bond rating will result in ongoing savings in financing future capital projects. As announced at the January 14 board meeting, our business services department was able to re-finance a 2001 bond issue at significantly lower interest rates, creating a savings for the District of $159,000.

Through the 2009 construction season, competitive bids allowed the Park District to secure construction contracts for park development projects at 16% under budget.  The savings add up to more than $900,000.

Even our efforts to bring green technology and practices to the District have generated savings of over $60,000 just in 2009. 

Of course, outside grant funding, donations, sponsorships, and partnerships in the community provide support that is vital for our new initiatives and growth toward our vision as a park district.

Equally important, our commitment to efficient operations, effective planning, and flexibility as an organization on the inside will go a long way toward saving tax dollars as we work to fulfill our mission--to provide recreation and park experiences that enrich the quality of life for our community.

No matter which activity you choose, from walking around your neighborhood to trying the newest fitness craze, getting yourself moving will bring immediate benefits:  more energy, stress relief, social opportunities, and sharper mental focus, to name just a few. 

The Naperville Park District offers many fitness classes close to home and easy on your budget. It’s not too late to sign up!  Click here to view a list of favorites.

What’s New

• Zumba® combines Latin rhythms with easy-to-follow dance moves and resistance training. Fast and slow rhythms alternate to provide toning and strengthening exercise along with fat-burning cardio that will make you feel great! 

Participants in this popular class enthusiastically recommend it.  “It’s high energy, with great music,” says Tracy T.  “I found it easy to follow,” adds Joyce P, “It wears off some of the stress, and some of the extra weight, too!  I really look forward to the class.”

• Turbo Kick provides a total body workout designed for all fitness levels. You’ll never be bored, as it includes cardio kickboxing, dance, core and leg strengthening, abdominal work, and yoga cool down.  Keep warm this winter while experiencing a well-rounded, challenging workout!

• Hula Hoop Yoga is the latest variation of yoga, suitable for ages 12 and up.  Burn as many calories as running in an exhilarating, low impact, total body workout.  Enjoy the creative, fluid movements while toning your waist, strengthening your core, and getting great cardio conditioning.

• Belly Dancing Cardio adds another fun way to work out while practicing a traditional dance form. Benefits include shaping your waist, legs, and arms as well as getting your heart rate up.

Tried and True Favorites

Some of our most popular classes include Low Impact Aerobics, Pilates, Cardio Blast, and Get on the Ball.  Dale T. started Low Impact Aerobics a year and a half ago, and is still going strong. “The teacher teaches with passion; you feel motivated each time, and there’s always something new.”   Now is a great time to jump into any of these classes. 

Click here to register for any of the above classes.

There’s something so comforting about fall. Maybe it’s the cooler weather that means throwing on a cozy sweatshirt and a pair of jeans. Or, perhaps it’s the pot of chili on the stove that’s enjoyed before heading out to a football game. Whatever makes it fall for you, the Naperville Park District has five additional fun ways to celebrate the upcoming fall season.

Need I say more? Hop on a hayride with family and friends and take a tour around beautiful Knoch Knolls or Seager Parks. Take a break and warm-up by a cozy bonfire while you sip hot chocolate or hot cider. Bring some food to cook over the open fire and make it an unforgettable event that you’ll want to make an annual tradition. This year, we’ve also added hayrides earlier in the afternoon to accommodate young families. Hayrides, which begin in mid-September, are available for families and larger groups.

Get the whole family into the Halloween spirit with this annual celebration of the holiday! Each child receives a pumpkin along with lots of fun decorating supplies to create their own one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Refreshments, games, a hayride and keepsake photo all are included.

An annual fall tradition for preschoolers and their parents, Wonderful World of Wheels is a great way for kids to get up close and personal with some really big and exciting community vehicles! In the past, this free event has featured a fire truck, moving van, school bus, dump truck and many more. Definitely bring a camera for tons of terrific photo opportunities, too! The event is held at the Garden Plots parking lot on West Street the first Wednesday in October.

Another free event for the kids, Halloween Happening has been providing not-so-spooky fun for nearly three decades! Held the Sunday afternoon before Halloween, kids (and even parents) come dressed in costume and enjoy games, prizes and lots of candy as they visit four themed lands. And, this year, Diego from “Go Diego Go!” will be there to greet everyone, courtesy of event sponsor, Comcast.

“Fall” and “fitness” combine in this new Park District offering that gets families running together and training for the Naperville Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day! If you’ve always wanted to run a 5K, but didn’t know quite how to prepare for it, this program is for you. If you’d benefit from the motivation of family and friends participating right along with you, then register now! The program includes group runs organized by Roadrunner Sports, nutritional advice from Whole Foods, automatic registration in the 2009 Turkey Trot and much more.

For more information on these and other Naperville Park District programs, please call 630-848-5000 or visit www.napervilleparks.org. We’re also now on Facebook, so join in the online conversation and help us stay in touch with you. We’ll help you have a fabulous fall!

What’s green about Naperville?  Our beautiful parks quickly come to mind.  With over 2,500 acres, the Naperville Park District provides green space in every neighborhood. The Naperville Park District also is continuing to build a “green” reputation with regard to our operations, and we’re looking to do even more in the coming year.

 Our 2009 environmental initiatives:

·         We formed a cross-functional Green Team comprised of employees, with a mission to identify, implement, and track environmental initiatives that are aligned with the overall Naperville Park District mission. This mission is “to provide leisure experiences that enhance the quality of life in our community.”

·         What do Pioneer Park, Sportsman’s Park, Naperbrook Golf Course, and Frontier Park have in common? Each of these locations has a prairie restoration in progress, which is part of the Naperville Park District’s initiative to restore native habitat, including prairie, wetland, and woodlands. Each acre that is restored brings back diverse plants that benefit the ecosystem and attract birds and other wildlife.

·         Increasing energy efficiency is another initiative, and this includes the installation of programmable thermostats, motion-activated light switches, and efficient light bulbs and fixtures. Our Information Technology department recently purchased a handy device called a “Kill a Watt,” which measures the energy demands of computers and other office machines. Data from the Kill a Watt revealed that turning off computers on evenings and weekends could cut the cost of running these machines by 63%!

·         In 2009, the Naperville Park District is discovering new ways to reduce and handle waste.  SCARCE (School and Community Assistance in Recycling and Composting Education) conducted two waste audits in conjunction with the park district this spring, showing us that we need to improve our recycling labels and containers. Naperville Park District staff is reducing paper use by using electronic communication whenever practical. Staff members were given reusable cups, and for special events, the district is discontinuing the use of Styrofoam cups, substituting recyclable or compostable cups.

 What’s on the horizon?:

·         New capital projects at the Naperville Park District in 2009-2011 will add a pervious parking lot, undertake shoreline restoration and the posting of educational signs (Winding Creek Park), develop a small interpretive center focusing on nature (Seager Park), and expand the DuPage River Trail in DuPage River Park.

 Here’s how you can get involved with our “green” efforts:

·         Recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans in specially marked containers in our parks and facilities.

·         Volunteer for spring and fall park clean up:  upcoming dates are Oct 10-17, 2009.  For volunteer information, visit our website at http://www.napervilleparks.org/webpages/index.aspx?webpageid=1000363

·         Register your child for our new environmental preschool at Knoch Knolls Park, Toadstools and Pollywogs.  http://www.napervilleparks.org/recenroll/Activities/ActivitiesDetails.asp?ProcessWait=N&aid=5200

·         Visit one of our 26 preservation areas in a park near you. (Preservation areas are marked PA on the park map) http://www.napervilleparks.org/docs/749557f8-b428-40b6-ae56-19b39540af3f.pdf

·         Stop in to see our South Maintenance Facility, which is the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certified building in Naperville; this is a designation given by the U.S. Green Building Council. At this southern Park District location, we offer program registration in addition to the same services that are offered at the downtown Naperville office. Hours and address are here: http://www.napervilleparks.org/webpages/index.aspx?webpageid=1000408

Park District staff is very excited about the progress we’ve made to date on our environmental initiatives and look forward to our continued progress. We hope you’ll join with us to help make Naperville an even “greener” community.

Before the Millennium Carillon was constructed in Naperville, the idea of a carillon wasn't even on my radar. However, I find that the more I learn about the structure and its history, the more I appreciate it. What amazes me the most is the fact that carillon musicians, known as carillonneurs, come from near and far to play in our summer concert series. This year, carrillonneurs representing respected American universities will play, in addition to a gentleman from the Netherlands and twin sisters from Portugal. In fact, I heard that the sisters are planning on playing a few selections from the band Metallica in addition to some more classical selections - wow!

The Summer Recital Series is held every Tuesday evening through August 25; concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. and they're free. Carillon concerts are truly family-friendly, and many guests bring blankets, folding chairs and picnics to enjoy.

For those of you who aren't quite sure what a carillon is, I'm happy to fill you in on what I know about Naperville's unique instrument and tower:
- In order to be classified as a carillon, there need to be a minimum of 23 bells
- The keyboard on which the musicians play is called a "clavier" (pronounced: kla-vee-ay)
- Naperville's carillon has 72 bells and actually is known as a "Grand Carillon" because its bells span four octaves. Ours is one of only four Grand Carillons in the entire world!
- The 72 bells have a combined weight of 32.5 tons, and the heaviest bell (Big Joe, named after Naperville's founder) weighs a staggering 5.8 tons
- Moser Tower is 16 stories tall and has 253 steps that lead up to an observation deck where the Chicago Skyline can be viewed on a clear day
- The adjacent Visitor Center depicts the history of Naperville, its surrounding Riverwalk and nearby Centennial Beach (admission to the Visitor Center is free)
- Just this year, we started offering Carillon weddings. We're very excited to provide brides with a unique outdoor venue and beautiful focal point like the Naperville Riverwalk. And, just think of the spectacular bridal party pictures that can be taken at the very top of Moser Tower!
- Probably one of the most notable things about the Carillon is that it was built with tremendous community support, with individuals and businesses donating funds and volunteer hours to complete the project. The Carillon is made possible through a tri-party agreement between the Naperville Park District, Millennium Carillon Foundation and the City of Naperville. This is only one example of many in Naperville's history where the community has come together to make something special happen. This community spirit really is an important part of Naperville’s culture.

What I've given you here is only a taste of what the Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower is all about. If you'd like more information, I invite you to visit www.napervilleparks.org or www.naperville-carillon.org. Tours of the Carillon are offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for only $3/person (children ages 4 and under are free) And, be sure to join us for one of the summer concerts this season. Pay us a visit, and suddenly the Carillon will be on your radar, too!

The spring weather certainly hasn’t been an indicator that warmer weather is on the way, but rest assured that summer will be here before we know it. And, that begs the question, “What are you and your family doing this summer?” It seems that conversations in many circles throughout Naperville and elsewhere are beginning to tackle this question. With a still uncertain economy and the highest jobless rate in decades, families are exploring options for still having fun this summer while being a lot more frugal with their dollars.

The good news for those planning to “staycation” in Naperville this year is that there’s plenty to do, and several of our events are free. From summer outdoor concerts to the Frontier Kite Fly Festival, to lunchtime entertainment along the Riverwalk (and at Frontier Park) to affordable fun at key attractions like Centennial Beach, the Paddleboat Quarry, Millennium Carillon and the golf courses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

And, for those who are not only seeking affordable staycation options, but convenient ones as well, we’re bringing back the On-the-Go Pass after last year’s successful debut. The On-the-Go Pass is only $15 (a $21 value) and offers pass holders the opportunity to enjoy one-time access to the Beach and Millennium Carillon with a 20-minute paddleboat ride for up to four people. This year, we’re expanding the program to include a new option: the On-the-Go PLUS Pass. Through a partnership with DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) and Naper Settlement, the PLUS version offers the original three Riverwalk attractions with one-time access to both museum properties. The PLUS version is $27 with a $37.50 value. Both passes will be available for sale beginning May 1 at our main facilities in addition to DCM. Naper Settlement will sell the PLUS version only.

The best place to go for information on these and other Naperville staycation options is our website: http://www.napervilleparks.org/. The Summer Program Guide also is an excellent resource for where to go and what to do; this edition will be delivered to residents’ doorsteps beginning April 18. The online version of the Summer Program Guide also will be available on the home page of our website at that time.

So, now it’s your turn. What activities are you planning on taking advantage of this summer? And, which of our free and low-cost activities will be on your to-do list? We’d love to hear from you!

Welcome to Park Talk – new blog site of the Naperville Park District. As one of the primary social media tools, blogs have been used successfully by all types of organizations and individuals, and there are thousands of these written accounts covering many different topics that can be found across the Internet. You can now add the Naperville Park District to the ever-growing list of bloggers.

In a continuous effort to improve and expand our communications at the Naperville Park District, we decided that a blog would be a good avenue to pursue. It is our intention that this communication tool will become an ongoing conversation with our residents to provide information and receive constructive feedback, positive or negative. Our goal is to post updated content on a regular basis, most likely twice a month, at least in the beginning. Of course, posts could become more frequent as more noteworthy discussion topics surface. We invite you to check back with Park Talk regularly, or subscribe to the RSS feed, and you’ll receive a notification when there’s an update.

As an organization that strives to promote and preserve transparency in government, we are hopeful that you will take advantage of this tool and let us know your thoughts. We appreciate your interest in the Naperville Park District – and thanks for reading.

Ray McGury
Executive Director
Naperville Park District