Recreations Inaugural Color Run, Walk, & Roll – Join the Celebration! By: Liz Visteen, Superintendent of Recreation It’s time to lace up your sneakers and join us in a world of vibrant color at our first annual Color Run, Walk, & Roll event. This fitness event is hosted by the Parks Foundation of Franklin Park and School District 84 Parent Teacher Association. On Sunday, April 28, at 9:00 a.m., we invite the community to join us for a 2-mile course around Franklin Park. The race starts and ends at North Park, 10040 Addison Avenue. The cost is $20 per person for ages 4 & up and $30 for day of registration. As shown in the image below, there will be four color stations along the course. As participants pass through these stations, they will be showered with bright, environmentally friendly colored powders. This unique feature adds an element of fun and excitement to the event, turning the course into a canvas of colors. By participating in this event, families are investing in their well-being and contributing to the health and happiness of the broader community. All of the event proceeds will go to the Parks Foundation of Franklin Park and School District 84 Parent Teacher Association. The Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works towards expanding recreation opportunities for residents in financial hardship. School District 84 Parent Teacher Association hosts social events for students and supports teachers and staff by providing grant programs and scholarship funds for District 84 alumni. Participants can register online at fpparks.org. Early registration guarantees a spot in this event and a t-shirt. Families are encouraged to register together, making it a group effort towards a healthier lifestyle.
847.455.2852 • fpparks.org
WINTER 2024
Save the
Date! Daddy Daughter Dance Saturday, Feb 3 from 6-8 p.m. Location: North Park, 10040 Addison Ave. Register online at fpparks.org.
Seed Swap Saturday, Feb 10 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Location: North Park FREE
Thank You For Spen
Take a look at the highlights from this year
Starr Blades participated in the Mid-America Synchro Championship in Fraser, Michigan. Two teams competed, one in Aspire Preliminary and the other in Aspire Beginner. Both of them placed first in their divisions!
Our Daddy Daughter Dance stands out as a heartwarming celebration of the special bond between fathers and their little girls. We had 115 fathers and daughters in attendance across the two days. They enjoyed dinner, music, dancing, and a framed photo.
Our Panthers Bantam 2 placed 1st in their division at the Northwest Hockey League tournament. They won with a 4 to 3 victory over the Renegades! Panthers Gold Mite 1 placed 2nd in their division.
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We introduced 50,000 new bees to the Park District. Our North Park facility houses five rooftop hives that we diligently maintain. This initiative aims to safeguard the bee population within a controlled environment and raise awareness about pollinators in the Franklin Park community.
Congratulations to Carla Deak as she started her new role as the Ice Arena Manager! Carla has been working for the Franklin Park Ice Arena since September 1997. She began as a front desk receptionist and concession employee. In 2004, she was promoted to the Program & Marketing Manager for the Ice Arena. Now, she directs the day-today operations of the rink and its programs & services.
To kick off the summer season, we successfully finished two capital projects! These include the completion of the North Park walkway and the skate park at Birch Park. We invite you to explore and enjoy these newly completed projects!
Winter Newsletter 2024 • Park District of Franklin Park
nding 2023 With Us
r. We can’t wait to spend 2024 with YOU!
After a three-year break, the Narwhal Swim Team made a triumphant return. We had 28 swimmers participate this summer. To conclude the season, the coaches organized an in-house competition. Swimmers had the opportunity to showcase the skills they had acquired over the summer to their friends and family.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we partnered with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and hosted a Zumba Gold - Dance for a Cause event. We had 23 participants attend and raised $160 for breast cancer research.
BEFORE
We welcomed the brand new train at Junction Park! We removed the 19-year-old wooden train that sat near the entrance and installed a new multi-level interactive train with a slide and crawl tunnel. If you look closely, the number on the side of the train is the address of Junction Park!
AFTER
Starr Blades Synchronized Skating Team celebrated its 30th season. This season, we have three synchronized skating teams that travel both locally & to neighboring states to compete. Our Starr Blades team is coached by Dina Domino, Alyssa Bernardo, and Ashley Bernardo and managed by Laura Vacca.
We installed Little Libraries in front of the Community Center, North Park, and Ice Arena. Thank you to Joshua Mota, a local Eagle Scout, who helped staff build these libraries for the community to enjoy.
Our second annual Breakfast with Santa event at North Park started the holiday season off right. We had 74 participants join us for a morning of festive cheer.
847.455.2852 • fpparks.org
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Meet Our New Ice Arena Staff Member Joe Schulz, the Hockey Development & Arena Supervisor for the Park District of Franklin Park, started in September 2023. He oversees developmental programs, including Panther Paws and youth and adult clinics at the Franklin Park Ice Arena. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, golfing, beach activities, and playing hockey. Joe started skating 23 years ago in the Panther Paws Intro to Hockey program at the Franklin Park Ice Arena. The same program he participated in is now what he oversees! His diverse experience in various aspects of hockey will contribute significantly to the success of our hockey developmental programs. One of his goals with the Park District is to lower the entry barrier for those looking to get into hockey or skating. He wants to give more kids and adults the opportunities and knowledge to get started and help people realize it’s never too late to join.
Joe Schulz Hockey Development & Arena Supervisor
Joe looks forward to meeting and connecting with the Franklin Park community members and building meaningful relationships. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email Joe at jschulz@fpparks.org
847.455.2852 • fpparks.org