Dear Residents,

At the time that I am writing this message, our recreation staff is busy preparing for our annual Sweetheart Dance and other fun Valentine’s Day activities, while our maintenance staff is out plowing the parking lot and shoveling the sidewalks from the brief snowfall we received this morning. As we come out of the cold temperatures and look forward to sunny, warm, spring days and green grass, I ask you to look through this guide and discover all that your Park District has to offer. Our staff has put together a variety of activities for you, your family, and friends to enjoy. Back in the early 2000’s, Park District’s, Special Recreation District’s, and Forest Preserves adapted the slogan “Take Time For Fun.” Like many things from years ago, this slogan has gone away. In our busy day-to-day lives we sometimes forget to take time for ourselves and the things we enjoy. I am challenging you to “Take Time For Fun” in the coming year. Visit a park, participate in a program, visit a friend, or try something new. However you choose to have fun, make sure you take time for it everyday!

 

Help Wanted – It’s never to early to start looking for a summer job. The Park District hires thirty to forty employees aged 15 and above for a variety of seasonal positions throughout the summer. Positions include lifeguards, camp counselors, parks maintenance, concession workers, beach managers, class instructors, and league attendants. Applications can be found on our website under the employment tab located at the top of the home page, or by stopping by the Community Center. Don’t wait to apply, as we typically try to have hiring complete by early April.

 

Bangs Lake Marina – In March, the District will begin redeveloping the old Wauconda Boat Facility. Enhancements include a picnic shelter, overlook with sunning steps, improved boat launch, game tables, stamped concrete board walk, native shoreline plantings, and an ADA kayak and canoe launch. For more information or to follow the progress please visit our website at https://www.waucondaparks.com/faqs/.

 

Thank You – I would like to extend a big “THANK YOU” to the Wauconda Park’s Foundation. This past year the Foundation made a commitment to updating fitness opportunities at our District. In January members of the Foundation Board presented Board President Glenn Starkey and Supervisor Shane Bonner with a Check for $25,000 to be used for fitness upgrades at Fitness First and the installation of fitness equipment at Osage Park. Funds for these improvements were primarily raised at the Foundations Corks and Kegs Event held in September at Phil’s Beach.

 

SilverSneakers® – In February, we implemented the SilverSneakers® program in our Fitness First facility and soon to come fitness classes. SilverSneakers® is a comprehensive fitness program included with many insurance plans including Medicare. The program allows participants to work out in our Fitness First Facility and take certain group fitness classes at no charge. Visit our Community Center for more program details. Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you at one of our parks, in one of our programs, at one of our facilities, or at one of our events. “Take Time For Fun.”

 

Sincerely,
Tim Staton, CPRP
Executive Director
[email protected]
847-526-3610