Bolingbrook Park District News - August/September 2024 Edition
BBolingbrook Park District has been awarded a $10,700 subgrant by The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) to improve its community tree canopy. The competitive subgrant is among 22 provided to government entities in communities that meet federal guidelines as disadvantaged areas through federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, under the direction of the Illinois Department of
Natural Resources (IDNR).This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
“Through this subgrant, we will be able expand our current Urban Forestry Management Plan which will include removing dead trees and planting new trees,” stated Dan Finn, Natural Resources, Horticulture & Turf Manager.
All grant-funded projects must also complete the development or enhancement of a tree protection ordinance or policy
Bolingbrook Park District Receives Grant to Support the Urban Forestry Management Plan what’s
that sets standards of care for newly planted trees and helps to ensure the tree canopy is maintained and protected long after the grant ends.
From helping to mitigate flooding to reducing urban heat islands, community forest projects like this make neighborhoods greener and have many important benefits.
Chris Finn, Director of Building Grounds and Natural Resources and Dan Finn, Natural Resources, Horticulture & Turf Manager are pictured here with Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) as well as fellow recipients from the City of Belvidere.
Dear Bolingbrook Community,
a letter from the executive director
It has been a summer of amazing memories created in our facilities, parks, trails, programs and events! Summer heat will soon dissipate with leaves bursting into a variety of beautiful colors and air becoming crisp and cool. Fall is my favorite season to be outdoors as well enjoy some great indoor fun.
• Preschool to senior outings.
The Bolingbrook Park District is proud to present a full variety of fun opportunities for individuals to develop new interests as well as enhance their physical and mental well-being this fall. Join us! There is something for you at the park district if you like everything from…
• Walking/running in a fun community setting—either in the pool with the Lazy River 5K, with hundreds of community members at Parkie’s 5K or with your dog at the 2nd Annual Howl-O-Ween 5K.
• Free family events—Fall Fest, Celebration of Special Recreation, Family Relay Games and Freaky Fun Friday.
• Free fitness events—Dog Sensory Hike, Lifestyles Open House and Zumba in the Park.
Yours in recreation,
• Athletics, aquatics, dance, fine arts, fitness, gymnastics, ninjas and martial arts programing for all age groups. Among our 49 parks, Bolingbrook Park District has miles of trails, a variety of playgrounds, athletic fields, courts and picnic shelters. In addition, Boughton Ridge Golf Course & Ashbury’s Restaurant, the Bolingbrook Recreational & Aquatic Complex as well as the Annerino Community Center offer aquatics, fitness, community rooms, a variety of athletic courts and so much more to explore. Enjoy your favorites or jump into something new. Getting active with the Bolingbrook Park District can add life to your years and years to your life!
Mike Selep Executive Director
board of commissioners
meeting information
Elected by the public and responsible for setting policy, the Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners have scheduled board meetings the third Thursday of each month.
All meetings are held in the Board Room at Annerino Community Center, 201 Recreation Dr. Bolingbrook, IL.
To find the board meeting agendas and minutes, visit www.bolingbrookparks.org
Each date has a hyperlink that takes you to that month’s minutes or agenda.
Executive Director Mike Selep mselep@bolingbrookparks.org
President Jerry Hix jhix@bolingbrook parks.org
Vice President Sue Vastalo svastalo@ bolingbrook parks.org
Treasurer Frank McKay fmckay@ bolingbrook parks.org
SA 5 Lifestyles Open House 11:00 am–2:00 pm BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)
F 11
SU 13
F
18
M 21
Flow & Glow Yoga
7:00–8:00 pm
$7 / free for Lifestyles Members BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)
Howl-O-Ween 5K 8:00 am
$35 (through Sept. 29); $40 (after Sept. 29)
Remington Lakes Sports Complex (811 W. Remington Blvd.)
Freaky Fun Friday 5:30–7:30 pm BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)
Full Body
Pumpkin Workout
6:00–6:45 pm
$5 / free for Lifestyles Members Volunteer Park South (200 Lindsey Ln.)
Healthy Food on the Go!
by Jaimie Paleczny — Nutrition Intern
TThe summer can be a very busy time. Sports, holidays, family gatherings, vacations, enjoying the outdoors and everything that comes with it renders the summer season 'go, go, go' for a lot of people. With so much going on and all the back and forth in the car, it may seem easier to pack the unhealthier items to snack on while in the car— or to just go through a drive thru. Here are some healthier alternatives that are perfect for on the go, when you do not have time to have a whole meal or just need a quick snack! These healthy options will help to keep you full until you can get home for a proper meal!
To Cool, or Not to Cool
If you choose from these non-perishable ideas, there'll be no need to bring a cooler along. Protein bars, premade protein shakes, dried fruit, trail mix, jerky, meat sticks, nuts and/or popcorn will help keep you full and energized while on the road. Most of these items have high protein too!
Healthier choices that you may want to pack in a cooler include fruits, vegetables, turkey (or ham) and cheese roll ups, hummus, string cheese, yogurt or protein/snack plates. These are still easy items to bring in the car with you as long as you put them in a lunch box with an icepack to keep them cold and fresh while in the car!
Here are a couple quick recipe ideas!
EXAMPLES OF FOODS TO EAT ON THE GO
• Protein Plate
• Avocado
• Orange •
• Banana • Sandwich (turkey, etc.)
• Veggies
• Protein Bar
• Yogurt
•
•
• Grapes
• Carrots • Strawberries •
Protein Energy No-Bake Balls
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups rolled oats (plus extra for rolling)
1 cup honey
2 scoops protein powder (optional)
Additions of your choice (chia seeds, nuts, chocolate chips, etc.)
Cinnamon to taste
Prepare tray with wax paper. Using a sturdy fork, mix all the ingredients together. Scoop into 1" balls, give them one more roll in the oats and place on the tray to set.
Don’t Miss These Events for Your Furry Family Member
BBolingbrook Park District recognizes that dogs are definitely a part of the family and we want to ensure we provide recreational opportunities for even your furry family members. Of course, you can always take your dogs for a run or walk on our trail system. We simply ask that you pick up after them. Some dog families are looking for a little more. We have two events coming up that might just fit the bill. A Dog Sensory Hike is planned for Saturday, August 17 at James S. Boan Woods from 1:00-2:30 pm. This free event is a special hike featuring stations of curated items for them to sniff, taste or play with. Registration is required to ensure we can accommodate all our furry friends.
Back for a second year is the Howl-O-Ween 5K held on Sunday, October 13th at Remington Park with an 8:00 am start time. This 5K is open to anyone if you have a dog or not. This race is a great way to get the entire family involved. Participants can run or walk at their own pace. Each participant will receive a sweatshirt, medal and race bib. There may even be some treats for the dogs after they complete the race. Participants are also encouraged to dress in costumes with their dog. Register before September 29 for a discounted rate of $35! We can’t wait to meet our furry residents.
Sunday, October 13 • 8:00 am
Remington Lakes Sport Complex (811 W. Remington Blvd.)
Ages 6 years & up
Love those 4-legged friends of ours? Have a soft spot for rescue animals? Or just want to get some exercise? This event is for you! Join us for our second annual 6-legged 5K. Run or walk, with or without your furry friend for a festive Halloween themed event. Registration comes with a Howl-O-Ween 5K sweatshirt, participation medal and race bib. You do not need a dog or costume to participant but we highly encourage both!
. Pre-registration: $35 by September 29
. Regular registration: $40 ; September 30 - October 11
. Additional Fee Information: Online registration is open until 3:00 pm on Friday, October 11. After that we will only have day of registration.
Info & Registration
Throwback photo from last year's inaugural Howl-O-Ween 5K.
What fun!
Summer Highlights
Here are some scenes to help us remember all the fun we had!
Our Silver Sneakers classes were busy, as usual! Thank you to all of the members that participate regularly.
Congratulations to our Illusions Gymnastics team on a highly successful season conclusion at the League Championships held May 17-19 in Arlington Heights! Here they are receiving their Recognition of Achievement Certificates at the board meeting in May.
Vino & Vinyasa on June 12 at Ashbury's at Boughton Ridge Golf Course (335 E. Boughton Rd.) was a hit!
The new playground at Bloomfield Oasis (1614 Prarieview Blvd) opened in May.
There were multitudes of smiles every day at Camp Alotta Fun! Above are just a few.
PARKIE’S Lazy River PARKIE’S Lazy River
These three look somehow familiar... ...could be because good things come in threes...
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
SUMMER CONCERTS
Patrons look forward to greeting Parkie the Pelican at our summer events!
...and fours!
Parkie's Lazy River 5K expanded to include three separate events this year. Now that's fun!
Pelican Harbor hosted 102,262 daily admission attendees in June!
A Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes
Fatima Saifuddin, MD — Internal Medicine, UChicago Medicine AdventHealth
About 34 million Americans are living with diabetes. That means there’s a high likelihood you may know someone who has it. We asked UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group’s Internist, Fatima Saifuddin, MD, to explain the types and key differences of diabetes and treatment.
Diabetes occurs when your body is unable to take up sugar (glucose) into its cells and use it for energy, resulting in a buildup of extra sugar in your bloodstream. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause numerous problems for your body’s organs and tissues including your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. It develops rapidly and having it means your body’s pancreas doesn’t make the insulin your body needs to get glucose from your bloodstream to your body’s cells. So, it’s critical to manage your insulin therapy and diet closely.
While it can be diagnosed at any age, the onset is especially common in young children and teens. Insulin is needed to help regulate your glucose levels between meals, and fast-acting insulin to regulate it after meals.
Symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening. Watch for these signs, and if you notice them, talk to your primary care doctor as soon as you can:
• Bed-wetting in children who’ve never wet the bed before
• Blurred vision
• Excessive thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Frequent urination
• Mood changes and irritability
• Unintended weight loss
• Weakness and fatigue
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is not an autoimmune disease and develops over time slowly. It’s most commonly diagnosed in adulthood but can occur at any age. Type 2 diabetes accounts for the majority of people on the diabetes spectrum and means your body is insulinresistant, which means your pancreas still makes insulin, but your cells no longer respond the way they should. Your pancreas increases insulin production trying to force your cells to work.
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include blurry vision, dry mouth, extreme thirst and hunger, fatigue, frequent urination, headaches and unexplained weight loss.
You may be at risk for type 2 diabetes if you:
• Are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, American Indian or Alaska Native
• Are over age 45
• Are overweight
• Don’t get enough physical activity
• Have a parent, sister or brother with diabetes type 2
• Have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic
• Have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
No matter which type of diabetes you may have, the tests used to diagnose diabetes are:
• Oral glucose tolerance tests
• A1C tests
• Fasting plasma glucose tests
Treatment Options for Diabetes
Your family medicine or internal medicine physician will serve as your centralized care manager with your endocrinologist (the specialist that treats diabetes), a registered dietitian or nutritionist, eye doctor, foot doctor, dentist, diabetes educator and pharmacist. Failing to treat diabetes of any type can cause blindness, stroke, heart disease, nerve damage, amputations of limbs and/or kidney failure.
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, know that it’s very treatable when managed properly and consistently. Learning as much as you can about your type of diabetes gives you more control over the illness and gives you quicker medical treatment so you can work to prevent long-term complications.
We’re Here to Help
Dr. Fatima Saifuddin will protect and care for your whole health. Her office is conveniently located at 396 Remington Blvd., Suite 380 in Bolingbrook and she is accepting new patients aged 18 and up. Call (224) 273-4000 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
View Dr. Saifuddin’s profile and easily schedule an appointment online!
Fatima Saifuddin, MD — Internal Medicine, UChicago Medicine AdventHealth
Staying healthy STARTS with your Primary Care Provider.
• Provides regular health screenings to catch issues before you get sick
• Ensures timely treatment for a wide range of injuries and conditions
• Refers you to appropriate specialties
• Knows you and your medical history
• Helps you live a healthy lifestyle
• Manages your medications
• Serves as a trusted source for medical advice and care
Find your provider at UChicagoMedicineAdventHealth.org/ Find-Doctors or call 855-231-1033.
facility directory
Annerino Community Center (ACC)
Administrative Offices
201 Recreation Drive P (630) 739-0272 | F (630) 739-1039
Relay (800) 526-0844
Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge
335 E. Boughton Road P (630) 739-2377 | F (630) 759-1648
Boughton Ridge Golf Course
335 E. Boughton Road P (630) 739-4100 | F (630) 739-1648
Lifestyles Fitness
Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex 200 Lindsey Lane | P (630) 739-1705
Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (BRAC)
200 Lindsey Lane P (630) 739-1700 | F (630) 759-5651
Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park
Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex 200 Lindsey Lane | P (630) 739-1705
Meet Lucas L
Lucas Sefcik joined the Bolingbrook Park District in July, 2022 as a Customer Care Assistant prior to his current position as an Interim Facility Manager in March, 2024. Before his time at the district, Lucas studied business at Joliet Junior College before moving to Lewis University to major in Sports Management. Discovering how recreation is a family-friendly activity that can bring people of all ages together, Lucas was drawn to the Parks and Recreation field.
As an Assistant Facility Manager, Lucas is responsible for ensuring the safety of all guests at both the Annerino Community Center and the Bolingbrook Recreational Aquatic Center. This entails overseeing both buildings to ensure there are no safety hazards to customers or staff, managing park district rentals to verify everything is up to date and paid for, and supervising activities such as the open gym during the fall season.
Growing up in Joliet, Lucas often visited Pelican Harbor for school field trips and even family day trips. After discovering his passion for Parks and Recreation, Lucas gravitated towards the district not only for their mission in making the fun happen, but the memories he made here.
With many features of the park district drawing Lucas in, he says his favorite aspect of his job is the people he interacts with, both guests and teammates. “Whether its customers coming in or our own staff, everyone’s willing to help each other. Everyone’s got the common goal of being happy and being safe,” said Lucas.
In his free time, Lucas enjoys hanging out with his friends and families and watching movies. In addition, he enjoys attending live events such as concerts and sports. When he is not out with friends and family, he is at home playing with his hyper dog, Bella.
Lucas can be reached at lsefcik@ bolingbrookparks.org or (630) 783-6530.
ABOUT US
Northern Will County Special Recreation Association (NWCSRA) represents the partnership between Bolingbrook Park District, Lockport Township Park District, Plainfield Park District, and the Village of Romeoville.
Our mission is to provide meaningful recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities that enhance their overall quality of life. See our latest program offerings at www.nwcsra.org.
Be sure to also “Like” us on Facebook! 10 Montrose Drive, Romeoville, IL 815-407-1819 • www.nwcsra.org
INCLUSION SERVICES
NWCSRA works collaboratively with the park district to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with a disability who wish to participate in a program through the park district. Individuals should be provided the opportunity to participate in recreation programs of their choice in the least restrictive environment. For additional questions regarding inclusion support, contact Carrie Gascoigne at 815-552-9776.
Join our mailing list: email msiebert@nwcsra.org
Northern Will County Special Recreation Association
DuPage River Greenway by Indian Boundary Park / Hidden Lakes
Parkie’s 5K
& Super Parkie’s Fun Run
Saturday, August 24 . 8:00 am
Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex
Ages 6 years & up
Run, walk or push a stroller and make it a family event. The first 500 participants will receive a t-shirt. Everyone earns a finisher’s gift and we’ll have awards for the top finishers.
