By Corinne Vargas | Plainfield Park District
On Oct. 22, 1966, the Plainfield Park District was formed when five commissioners met in the law offices of Sam Saxon (present-day 15028 S. Des Plaines St.).
During this year, we’ll be celebrating and enhancing lives through quality recreation opportunities. We will also have many exciting ways for you to get involved in celebrating – after all, we couldn’t have reached 50 years without you, our community supporters.
We are celebrating with several fun activities throughout the year: 50 cent Fridays at Ottawa Street Pool, hidden oak leaf program, ice cream social, movies in the park, trivia night, birthday celebration and so much more. More fun ways for you to get involved from quizzes to events, follow us on Facebook for Monday Mania Trivia and Throw Back Thursday memories.
Special brochure inserts, called “Through the Years,” will contain an insert focusing on specific years. A time capsule is currently on display at the recreation and administration center, 23729 W. Ottawa St., Plainfield. Residents can leave ideas for what they would like to see included in the capsule which will be dedicated Oct. 22.
Join the park district Aug. 26 for “50 Years of Fun, Facts and Foolery,” a new trivia night event for the whole family. In addition to prizes for your trivia knowledge of each decade, you can win for your team/table theme. Team fee includes light appetizers for up to eight players per team. Cash bar with Beer/Wine/Soda will be available. On-site childcare will also be available. Register Team Captain only. Up to 8 players per team allowed. For ages 18 and up.
The Plainfield Historical Society will display artifacts such as old brochures, pictures and signs in a Plainfield Historical Society Museum exhibit, located at 23836 W. Main St. The artifacts will remain on display until the end of 2016.
And, mark your calendars now for the Park District’s 50th Birthday Bash at Renwick Park, 24550 W. Renwick Road, Plainfield. This event will be free for all to enjoy with music, cake at 1 p.m. and inflatables. The time capsule dedication will be held at 2 p.m.
July 2016 marks 31 years of Park and Recreation Month and the enduring importance of parks and recreation for the world. This July, let’s celebrate the super powers of parks and recreation.
July 16 put on your superhero costume and join Superhero Academy. Create your new superhero identity with our super craft stations; create a shield, magic bracelets and so much more. Show off your costume during our superhero parade.
Every Wednesday in July from 10-11 a.m. check out the Superhero Selfie Station. Bring your camera and take your photo in one of our superhero cutouts. Do you look better in a cape, a mask or both? It’s a free one hour photo pop-up station. Visit www.plfdparks.org for park locations.
Take the Park District with you this summer with Scout the Fox!
Where in the World is Scout the Park District mascot? Skiing? Niagara Falls? Disney World? Another town? Download Scout or find his coloring page in the summer brochure and take him with on your adventures. Pick a landmark for the photoshoot and let us see the results. You can download Scout at www.plfdparks.org; print, cut and attach Scout to a tongue depressor or pencil. Email your Scout photos to Corinne Vargas at vargas@plainfieldparkdistrict.com, or post the pictures to the PPD Facebook page. The Park District will post pictures of Scout’s adventures until Sept. 1.
The Plainfield Park District would like to say thank you to the Plainfield Historical Society with helping us celebrate our 50th anniversary and letting the park district write this month’s column.
For more information on Plainfield Park District programs and events, call 815-436-8812, visit www.plfdparks.org, sign-up for e-news updates, like on Facebook, and/or follow on Twitter.