A Walk In The Park

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Now that January is upon us we would like to thank the community for all of their support during the transition. We have promised the community many changes. The most important was the hiring of our “DREAM TEAM” - the new qualified professional staff which all reside in Blue Island. This staff has made it possible for the numerous programs and improvements which benefi t the community in many ways:

• A new program book that offered over 100 opportunities for recreational activities.

• 100th Anniversary Birthday Party which filled the sky with divers and the ground with plenty of free activities.

• The grand opening of the Bark Park – the Southside’s first dog park.

• A Capital Improvement Grant sponsored by Blue Island’s local State Representative Robert “Bob” Rita and Senator Emil Jones III for $300,000.00.

• Hart Park Stadium renovation.

• Purchase of 15-passenger transportation van.

• Applied for OSLAD Grant for Centennial Park redevelopment.

• Return of the Fishing Pond at Memorial Park Pool.

• Hot Rod Halloween Festival.

• Cosmetic improvements to our upper pavilion including new fence and copper gutters.

• The rebuilding of all baseball diamonds located in our parks.

• Renewed District 130 Intergovernmental Agreement.

• Newly designed website – www.blueislandparks.org.

• Demolition of Memorial Park Stadium which was beyond repair. (Estimated completion date of Fall 2010)

• The opening of the Hart Park Ice Rink - the largest around and only one that is free, with skate usage available also at no cost to tax payers.

As we close the chapter on 2009 and leave behind our many accomplishments, we look forward to the challenges 2010 will bring us. Some of the special events planned are the rededication of Perillo Park with a Cinco de Mayo celebration, Arbor Day Celebration event, Men’s Baseball League, Click Camera Club, Zombie Cinema Night, Game On video game competition, Skills and Drills with Chris Hobson, semi-pro basketball player, and many more. Call our Recreation Department and ask for Annie 708-388-6421.

We would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone to spend June 23-27 with us at the return of the new and improved FESTIVAL IN THE PARK featuring headline bands, food vendors, beer garden, crafters, fireworks and children’s activities.

It’s been our pleasure serving this community.

Fred D. Bilotto, John Murphy, John Spizzirri, Raeann Zylman Board of Commissioners

In other Park news...

Friends of The Parks met at Memorial Park to select new Executive Board Officers and start a new agenda for park events. The board consists of dozens of residents representing a diverse array of neighborhoods, groups, and interests and invites any individuals wishing to help support these programs and activities is welcome to join. Through fundraisers and volunteerism The Friends of the Parks will supplement the efforts of the park district as a means to broaden program offerings and to hold down overall expenses incurred for various activities.

Executive Officers selected are: President Cathie Spizzirri, Vice president Cheryl Vacca, Secretary Jim Johanson, Treasurer Dorothy Walenta, and At-Large Jacqueline Lewis.

The first fundraising event is A “I LUV OUR PARKS” Party scheduled at Memorial Park on Saturday, February 13th from 7PM-11PM. The adult party will include beer, wine, soda, food, and DJ entertainment. A donation of $12 per person plus a non-perishable food item to be donated to a food bank is requested. Tickets are available from any of the newly installed executive officers, board members, through “iluvbiparks@yahoo.com, or by calling 704-2387.