Dance is the art form that is most likely to move me to tears. There is something about the grace of the dancers, paired with the grandeur of the music that conveys beauty in a powerful way.

Dance also has the power to attract students, who, from a very young age, develop a passion for dancing that becomes a driving force in their life.

For Metea Valley High School junior Miriam Kotacka, her passion for dance began at age 4 when she enrolled in the Naperville Park District’s dance program. “My parents registered me for dance classes at the Park District when we first moved here as a way to meet new friends,” said Miriam. “I fell in love with ballet and have been dancing ever since.”

The Naperville Park District’s Concert Dance Ensemble was founded in 1997 to foster young students’ love of dancing and to give them the discipline, training, and experiences that prepare them for further study of dance, including pursuit of a professional career in dance.

Two years ago, Miriam spoke with Melissa Sallée, artistic director of the Concert Dance Ensemble, about her desire to pursue a career in dance.  Sallée advised Miriam to audition for the Salt Creek Ballet—a regional company where Sallée obtained some of her professional experience.

Miriam has been dancing with Salt Creek since 2008, attending classes and rehearsals 2-3 hours per day, 7 days per week during the school year, and 5-6 hours per day, 5 days per week during the summer.

I asked her whether the time commitment to dance is hard for her as a high school student. “When you have such a passion, the hours and numbers don’t matter,” said Miriam. In fact, she plans to go right into professional dance after high school, and says she will manage to fit college courses into her schedule as well. In Miriam’s words, “I won’t ignore college; I will fit it in somehow.”

For those who love dance but are not yet ready to make it their career choice, the Naperville Park District’s Concert Dance Ensemble offers training that requires a more modest level of time and expense as compared to a regional company, while providing an excellent foundation for further study.

Miriam said that her experience with the Ensemble introduced her to the atmosphere of being in a pre-professional dance company, which helped her succeed at Salt Creek Ballet and on her high school’s dance team. She learned when to socialize with the other dancers and the choreographers—which helped her to find the personal connection with the choreography— and when it was time to get to work on the dance itself.

At Salt Creek, she has danced as one of the Arabians in the Nutcracker, and had the unique assignment of learning every role in Swan Lake, so that she could substitute for missing dancers in rehearsals.

Looking back over her 11-year dance experience, Miriam said that her favorite piece is “Hide and Seek,” set to music by Imogen Heap and choreographed by Melissa Sallee and two Concert Dance Ensemble members, Mollie Shanahan and Evanthia Vranas. Miriam performed this piece while she was dancing with the Concert Dance Ensemble. “Melissa Sallée introduced me to this type of dance, which is kind of modern. I fell in love with that too, in addition to ballet. I still have good memories of that piece.”

We wish Miriam well in her dance career and look forward to seeing her in future Salt Creek Ballet productions.

                                                                                                                                                          

We invite prospective dancers and parents to learn more about the Naperville Park District’s Concert Dance Ensemble and about the Naperville Park District’s Dance Academy. 

2010 is an exciting year for Centennial Beach! Plans are underway for a renovation of the Bathhouse, beginning after Labor Day. For the past two years, Naperville Park District staff has been working with architects and the Centennial Beach Review Team, a group of interested residents, to develop plans for improvements to the Bathhouse, the entrance and driveway, concessions, and access between the upper and lower levels of the Beach. Click here to view the plans and to learn more about the renovation process.

Daring swimmers take the plunge at the first-ever Pre-Season Plunge on May 16.

Executive Director, Ray McGury, 5th from the right, joins the crowd in the icy waters.

It was a beautiful spring day. As the children arrived, they hung up their tote bags and headed outdoors for free play for the first half hour. The teachers, Kristen and Majel, told me that on other days, they take the children on nature walks during their outdoor time. The children love both walks and free play, and are eager to go out in all seasons. Jumping in huge piles of leaves, sliding down the snowy slope near the classroom building, observing changes in the river, playing traditional childhood games, such as hopscotch, using magnifying glasses to catch a close-up view of budding leaves, and simply running through the fields—all are favorite activities at Toadstools & Pollywogs.

 An old-fashioned game of hopscotch.

 Running for joy on a spring day

Are you looking for ways to get outdoors as a family this spring and summer? Have you ever considered the game of golf as a kid-friendly, family-friendly activity?

Just as golf is known for its advantages in fostering business and professional relationships, the game of golf can provide a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your child—with the added benefits of enjoying nature and getting exercise.

“But I don’t play golf,” you might say.  You can learn along with your children in one of Naperbrook Golf Course’s Parent/Junior Clinics or start with adult beginner golf lessons at either Springbrook or Naperbrook Golf Courses. According to Ed Provow, director of golf services at both courses, kids love to learn along with their parents, partly because of the fun of mastering the new skills as fast as or even faster than their folks. 
 
What about the expense of golf?  As public facilities, these Naperville Park District courses, offer affordable lessons, clinics, range play, and greens fees.  Scholarships are available for those who qualify, and thanks to a recent “Sticks for Kids” grant, junior golf clubs are available for use at Naperbrook Golf Course at no charge. During Family Golf hours, 7 days a week, kids play for free. Other great values include range season memberships and 18-week junior memberships.

You can take advantage of special events throughout the season as well. For example, May is the PGA’s Free Lesson Month. At Springbrook and Naperbrook, a PGA golf professional will give a complimentary 10-minute lesson. Also coming up in May are the Meet the Pro days, featuring free lessons with our PGA pros: Saturday, May 8 at Springbrook and Saturday, May 29 at Naperbrook.

Golf is a lifetime sport that kids can enjoy with their families, beginning at a young age. Along with the social and athletic skills they acquire when learning the game, they also will benefit from the character development that is part of playing golf, with an emphasis on fostering honesty, integrity, courtesy, and respect.

Springbrook and Naperbrook continue to enhance opportunities for kids, families, and beginning golfers of all ages. Both courses just received Family Course Grants, sponsored by the National Park and Recreation Association and The PGA of America. These grants provide new course markers to designate the shorter beginning/family course, as well as instructional materials. 
 
Check out the following Links for more information.
We hope to see you out on the courses this season!

Links

For helpful tips on how to introduce your kids to the game of golf, visit Cybergolf. 
U.S. Kids Golf  explains how to fit clubs to children by age, height and skill level.
For more information on Springbrook Golf Course, visit: www.springbrookgolfcourse.org
For more information on Naperbrook Golf Course, visit: www.naperbrookgolfcourse.org

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!