The first day of each school year is flooded with the inevitable question of “what did you do this summer?” And as foreseen as the question itself, comes the same unoriginal response, “nothing.”
The Park District of Forest Park has done everything within its power to eliminate that dreadful answer with a slue of summer activities, classes, special events and camps. Residents of all ages can find activities for everyday of the week ranging from swimming lessons to dream interpretation classes to ballet instruction.
The most popular activities every year are those dealing with the swimming pool.
The Park District has summer swimming classes for literally all ages, from six-month-old infants to strictly adult only classes. All lessons are moderately priced and are prorated based on pool membership.
In addition, on July 4, there is no reason to sit in traffic for hours just to travel to the lake house or downtown to see fireworks because the Park District is having its own fireworks extravaganza.
Starting at 11 a.m. with bingo, the day will be fun-filled, with performances from the Panda Studio Dancers, Route 66, The Associates and Forest Park’s very own magical magician, Mike Dalton. At 9:15 p.m. the day’s events will conclude with an illuminating fireworks display.
“It’s really a family Fourth of July event that has something geared towards every age group, and there is something to do for everyone at any given time,” Recreation Supervisor Lianne Robinette said.
A newly added event to the Park District is the Battle of the Bands competition. The event will take place on Saturday, July 16 between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. The Park District will provide judges, electricity and a stage, all they need are bands. Each band will be given 45 minutes to rock out and impress the judges. There is only room for six bands so sign-up is limited.
In late July Forest Park will host the nation’s top 16″ softball tournament. The “No Gloves National Tournament” is in its 37th year and draws teams from all over the country. Fans fill the bleachers and crowd the foul lines to watch these intense would-be athletes work up a sweat.
Forest Park Cubs and Sox fans can also enjoy a trip to the ball park this year with the Park District. On Wednesday, July 27 the Cubs are taking on the San Francisco Giants and on Thursday, August 4 the Sox will be playing the Toronto Blue Jays.
For $25 the Park District will supply transportation to and from the stadium along with admission into the game.
“It’s a great way to enjoy a game,” Robinette said.
Whether it is in the pool or out, the Park District is showing that the summer is what you make of it. Almost every week features some sort of activity that will have the summer flying by and have the kids talking.
