Bolingbrook Park District News - February / March 2023 Edition

We make the fun happen!

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEE PAGE 3

DIGESTIVE CARE - HEALING FROM THE INSIDE OUT

SEE PAGE 6

CELEBRATING 27 YEARS OF MAKING THE FUN HAPPEN

SEE PAGE 8

PARK DISTRICT ENTERS 5THYEAR OF 2018 REFERENDUM PROJECTS

SEE PAGE 11

Bolingbrook Park District to Host a Teen Dodgeball Tournament on March 6

DDo you remember the five rules of dodgeball? Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge! Lindsey Pollina, Dance & Teen Program Manager, is proud to announce that on March 6 from 1:00-5:00 pm, you and five of your friends can compete in our first ever teen dodgeball tournament.

“We decided to host a dodgeball tournament because we wanted to offer a fun and unique event to the teen population in the Bolingbrook community”, said Lindsey. “The tournament offers teens something fun to do with their friends on a day off of school with the added benefit of giving back to the community. All proceeds from the tournament will be going towards the Bolingbrook Park District’s Financial Assistance Program

recreation programs to those who might otherwise not be able to afford them,” said Pollina.

We’re looking forward to seeing you compete for the coveted title “Dodgeball Champions of Bolingbrook”!

Visit bolingbrookparks.org/teendodgeball-tournament for more information on the event.

which aids in providing

The Board of Commissioners presented Ron Oestreich with a Recognition of Service Award on January 19. Pictured left to right: Jerry Hix, Frank McKay, Ron Oestreich, Sue Vastalo, Dorothy Andrews and Jake McVey.

Board of Commissioners

A Letter from the Executive Director

Happy 2023, Bolingbrook friends! I hope you are all staying warm this winter.

This will be my last letter to you all, as I have accepted a new position in Farragut, Tennessee.

President Sue Vastalo svastalo@bolingbrookparks.org

My time here in Bolingbrook has been an amazing experience. I started here in March of 1996 as the first Aquatic Supervisor for Pelican Harbor. It was my job to close down the old wave pool and hire and train all of the staff for the brand new indoor/ outdoor aquatic park. In fact, I came up with the name Pelican and Tom Carstens came up with Harbor. My sister is the artist who imagined Parkie and drew the first logo for Pelican Harbor as well. We had an amazing team of lifeguards, supervisors, and deck attendants those first few years. It was a great launching pad for the tradition of aquatic excellence that we still enjoy today.

Vice President Jerry Hix jhix@bolingbrookparks.org

Treasurer Dorothy Andrews dandrews@bolingbrookparks.org

My career continued here as the Superintendent of Revenue Facilities for the next 12 years. In this role, I had the honor to oversee LifeStyles Fitness Center, Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park, Boughton Ridge Golf Course and the 10th Hole Pub, which is now Ashbury’s. What an experience. Huge growth followed by operational challenges. Through it all, we provided great facilities, fun events, and wonderful experiences for all.

Finally, I was named Executive Director in 2012 after my mentor and friend Susan Hoster-Suggs passed away all too soon. I had big shoes to fill and a bigger job ahead as we needed a strategic direction and funding for a large amount of capital improvements. As a team, we implemented a quality strategic plan, which led to the successful passing of the $14 million referendum in 2018. We have been working diligently to complete the Referendum projects by the end of 2023!

I have worked with an amazing and supportive group of commissioners, a talented and professional team, supportive partners at the Village of Bolingbrook, Fountaindale Public Library, Valley View School District, DuPage Township, the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce, AdventHealth Bolingbrook Hospital, as well as many other service organizations.

My entire career here, I have strived to make a difference in people’s lives and make Bolingbrook Park District an amazing place for people to work and play. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you to my wife, Christy, who always supports everything that I do. Thank you, Bolingbrook, for enriching my life.

Enjoy this winter edition of the newsletter. We make the fun happen!

Secretary Jake McVey jmcvey@bolingbrookparks.org

Sincerely,

Ron Oestreich, Executive Director

Board of Commissioners Meeting Information

Commissioner Frank McKay fmckay@bolingbrookparks.org

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 Drive, Bolingbrook, Illinois.

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.

Where the fun is!

Mark Your Calendars

Saturday, February 4

Winterfest— Sponsored by AdventHealth

11:00 am–2:00 pm . FREE

Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Saturday, February 11

Animal Valentines

3:00–4:00 pm . FREE

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Thursday, February 16

Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting

7:00 pm—Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Friday, February 17

Rockin’ Red Zumba Party

6:00–8:00 pm

$9 pre-registration / $15 day of event ($7 w/Resident ID / $15 day of event)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Saturday, February 18

Turtle Stories

3:00–4:00 pm

$10 ($7 w/ Resident ID)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Sunday, February 19

After Hours at Annerino Middle school: 5:30–7:00 pm High school: 7:30–9:00 pm

$5

Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Monday, March 6

Teen Dodgeball Tournament

1:00 pm start time $20 per team

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Wednesday, March 8 Job Fair

4:00-7:00 pm . FREE

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Saturday, March 11

Food Chain Games

2:00–3:00 pm . FREE

James S. Boan Woods (410 Schmidt Rd)

Wednesday, March 15 NBC 5 Chicago TV Station Tour Trip

11:30 am–5:00 pm

$45 ($35 w Resident ID) Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Friday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day Ride

5:30-6:15 pm

$9 (FREE for Lifestyles Members)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Thursday, March 16

Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting

7:00 pm—Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Friday, March 17

Pajama Party-Shamrock Silliness

5:30-7:30 pm

$37 ($25 w/ Resident ID)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Friday, March 24 Sprouting Seedlings

5:30-6:30 pm

$10 ($7 w/ Resident ID)

James S. Boan Woods (410 Schmidt Rd.)

Saturday, March 25

Messy Art Party

4:30-5:45 pm

$38 ($25 w/ Resident ID)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Community Gardens

Reserve your 10'x10' Community Garden plot and plant through the growing season.

Important Dates

• January 9–February 12: Registration for returning 2022 garden plot holders only

• February 13: Registration open to all

• April 15: Garden season OPEN

The Fun Continues...

Friday, March 31

Letter Boxing Adventure

4:30-6:00 pm

$10 ($7 w/ Resident ID)

Central Park Pavilion (201 Recreation Dr.)

Wednesday, April 5

Flashlight Egg Hunt

7:30–8:30 pm . FREE

James S. Boan Woods (410 Schmidt Rd)

Wednesday, April 5

Escape Room and Axe Throwing Trip

1:00-4:45 pm

$45 ($40 w/ Resident ID)

Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Friday, April 7 Parkie’s Egg Hunt

9:00-11:00 am

$10 ($7 w/ Resident ID)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Friday, April 14 Boot Camp

10:45-11:45 am

$7

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Friday, April 14

Pajama Party-Earth Day Every Day

5:30-7:30 pm

$37 ($25 w/ Resident ID)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Monday, April 17

Week of the Young Child Kicks Off FREE events all week long

Wednesday, April 19

School of Rock Trip

11:00 am – 5:00 pm

$75 ($65 w Resident ID

Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Thursday, April 20

Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting

7:00 pm—Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Saturday, April 22

Week of the Young Child

- Touch a Truck

11:00 am – 2:00 pm . FREE

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Wednesday, April 26 Loose Parts Art

6:00-7:00 pm

$10 ($7 w/ Resident ID)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Saturday, April 22 Road Rally

3:00-8:30 pm

$129 ($109 w/ Resident ID)

Annerino Community Center (201 Recreation Dr.)

Saturday, April 22

Earth Day Service Project

2:00-4:00 pm . FREE

James S. Boan Woods (410 Schmidt Rd)

Saturday, April 29

Preschool Prom

4:30-5:45 pm

$38 ($25 w/ Resident ID)

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex (200 Lindsey Ln.)

Family Events brought to you courtesy of Meijer

ANIMAL VALENTINES

Saturday, February 11 . 3:00–4:00 pm . 230-T06

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex

All ages welcome

FOOD CHAIN GAMES

Saturday, March 11 . 2:00–3:00 pm . 230-T07

James S. Boan Woods (410 Schmidt Rd)

All ages welcome

Play fun games and make a craft while learning about the relationships between predator and prey animals. Parents are encouraged to join in on the fun, dress for the weather! Registration Required.

FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT

Wednesday, April 5 . 7:30–8:30 pm

James S. Boan Woods (410 Schmidt Rd)

All ages welcome

Bring a flashlight and hunt down treat-filled eggs after dark! Participants will be divided into three age groups; each group has a designated time. This event will occur rain or shine, so please arrive dressed for the weather. Registration required.

EVENING FROG WALK

Saturday, May 20 . 7:30–8:30 pm . 200-T55

Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex

Listen to a short story and then use supplied materials to create animal-themed Valentine cards for your friends and loved ones. Parents encouraged to participate. Registration required. fresh. family.

All ages welcome Hop along as we search for toads, frogs and their tadpoles near the water! During this event, we’ll also make a craft and learn the difference between frogs, toads and other amphibians. Waterproof rain-boots and flashlights are encouraged, please dress for the weather. Registration required.

*For questions about these events, please contact Hannah Grise, hgrise@bolingbrookparks.org.

Digestive Care: Healing from the Inside Out

DDigestive problems can make living life to its fullest difficult. Although work, travel, and socializing have changed dramatically in recent years, don’t let recent circumstances keep you from getting the digestive care you need to stay physically and emotionally healthy.

An

All-Too-Common Problem

Nearly one in five of us is affected by some type of digestive disease that prevents our bodies from properly breaking down food into the nutrients needed for energy, growth, and cell repair. Common digestive problems include heartburn, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease,

inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), diverticulosis, and colon cancer. While some digestive problems last only a short time, others are chronic in that they last longer or recur frequently. Symptoms may include:

• Bloating

• Diarrhea

• Gas

• Stomach pain

• Stomach cramps

Don’t Suffer in Silence

Many people with digestive issues suffer in silence because talking about things like bowel habits can be uncomfortable. But UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group’s gastroenterology specialists are ready to listen, answer your questions, and explain treatment options. Our goal

is simple: Diagnose the problem quickly, deliver the care you need and do everything in our power to prevent the problem from happening again.

Managing Your Digestive Health

We will work with you to devise the best treatment plan to get the symptoms of your digestive disorder under control. This includes everything from dietary and lifestyle changes, to medication, to minimally invasive techniques.

Keep Stress at Bay

Taking care of your digestive system is just a part of managing your health. Another important way to do this is to avoid excess anxiety. Stress has a major impact on your gastrointestinal system, and it’s important to take care of your emotional health,

too. Examples of ways to cope with stress include:

• Connecting with others

• Making time to unwind by doing activities that you enjoy

• Taking breaks from the news, including social media

• Taking care of your body by eating healthy meals, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep

You can also keep yourself healthy from COVID, flu, and other viruses by washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with others, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, using a cloth face mask, and covering coughs and sneezes.

We’re Here to Help

Lola Kwan, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and sees adults and geriatric patients. She is accepting new patients at her two office locations in Bolingbrook and Hinsdale. Call 630.312.2590 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

View Dr.

Kwan’s

Lola Kwan, MD, Board-Certified Gastroenterologist with UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group in Bolingbrook and Hinsdale

Celebrating 27 Years

AAfter 27 years of service to the Bolingbrook Park District and the community of Bolingbrook, Ron Oestreich announced his resignation as the Bolingbrook Park District Executive Director. Oestreich accepted the position of Parks and Recreation Director for the Town of Farragut, Tennessee, which is a suburb of Knoxville. “This opportunity allows my family to relocate to the Knoxville area, joining our oldest son and other extended family,” said Oestreich.

Bolingbrook Rotary Club, H2O, Kiwanis Club of Bolingbrook & Romeoville, Character Counts Coalition, Plainfield East High School Band Boosters, and the Foundation for Bolingbrook Parks.

Ron delivering an inspirational message during an annual holiday party.

Oestreich’s tenure with Bolingbrook Park District spanned 27 years, starting as the first full-time Aquatic Supervisor for Pelican Harbor in 1996. He then served as Superintendent of Revenue Facilities from 2000 to 2012, and finally as Executive Director since May of 2012. His largest initiative was the oversight of the successful 2018 referendum ask which resulted in the renovation of Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex, Pelican Harbor Outdoor Aquatic Park and 21 playgrounds.

In addition to his wonderful work at Bolingbrook Park District, Ron was deeply involved in organizations throughout the Village of Bolingbrook including

“I am proud to have achieved so much with such wonderful and respectable commissioners, teammates, staff, and friends. I will always consider myself part of the Bolingbrook Park District family,” said Oestreich.

Oestreich’s final day of employment with Bolingbrook Park District is Friday, February 3, 2023. “Ron’s contributions to Bolingbrook Park District were numerous and he will be missed by his co-workers, fellow organization members, and friends throughout Bolingbrook and throughout Illinois,” said Sue Vastalo, Bolingbrook Park District Board President. “We have some big shoes to fill.”

Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners plan to have a new executive director in place by May 1. “I am confident the District’s administrative team will do an excellent job ensuring the 2023 work plan continues as planned,” said Oestreich. “The community is in great hands while the board completes its search.”

Ron was awarded the Susan Hoster-Suggs Award of Excellence in 2020.

Ron Oestriech and Board President Sue Vastelo accepting the Distinguished Park and Recreation Accredited Agency Award.

Ron’s uplifting and contagious smile will be missed.

With Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta and Board Vice President Jerry Hix at Fall Fest.

of Making The Fun Happen!

The Oestriech family celebrating his first board meeting as Bolingbrook Park District Executive Director.

Announcing bingo at a recent Fall Fest.

National Recreation and Park Association’s Great Lakes Region Best Benefits Program Award in 2001.

Accepting the 2005 IPRA’s Chairman’s Award during the Illinois Park and Recreation Association’s annual meeting.

We ALL Make the Fun Happen!

The cast of Twas the Opening Night Before Christmas celebrating a successful performance on December 17.

Big thanks to all who came out to our Snowball Archery Pop-In event on January 14.

We had loads of fun (and candy) at the Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt on December 9.

Paint & Play took place on November 8. Thanks for getting your hands dirty!

Preschool Play on Voting Day took place on November 8. Thanks to all who “voted”!

B Park District Enters Fifth-Year of 2018 Referendum Projects

Bolingbrook Park District is in the fifth and final year of the 2018 referendum project plan. The projects included in the referendum plan were developed from feedback received in the 2013 and 2016 community-wide surveys. A survey was also completed in 2020, as well as a post-COVID 19 pulse check was completed in 2022 to ensure we are still meeting the needs of the Bolingbrook community.

Below is a detailed listing of projects planned for 2023.

Balstrode Park Playground Replacement

This is the replacement of 19-year-old playground equipment at Balstrode Park. Equipment is scheduled to be replaced with Burke equipment. American with Disabilities Act items are planned to be addressed as well. The project is anticipated to start in April with completion in summer.

Erickson Park Playground Replacement

This is the replacement of 22-yearold playground equipment. Equipment is scheduled to be replaced with Burke equipment. American with Disabilities Act items are planned to be addressed as well. The project is anticipated to start in April with completion in summer.

Sealcoating 2023

This project includes sealcoating District property throughout Bolingbrook. This is an annual project the District performs to maintain 18-miles of asphalt trails and over 1 million square feet of parking lot throughout the entire District. Work is scheduled to take place starting spring and continue through early fall.

Athletic Player Bench Replacements

The Park District will be replacing player benches at Remington Lakes Sports Complex, Central Park, Indian Boundary Park, Wipfler Park and Werth Tee-Ball Complex. Work is scheduled to take place late winter, early spring prior to the start of the athletic seasons.

Annerino Community Center Carpet Replacement

This project includes replacement of 23-year-old carpet throughout the offices at the Annerino Community Center. The project is scheduled to begin early spring.

VCT Flooring Replacement at Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex

This project includes replacement of the original 26-year-old VCT flooring inside the Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex Zone program space. The project is scheduled to begin early spring or summer.

Outdoor Pelican Harbor Turnstile Replacement

The existing turnstiles at the entrance of Pelican Harbor Outdoor Aquatic Park will be replaced with a double-wide gate to allow for easier egress access for patrons leaving the park. Existing turnstiles were original to the park when built in 1996.

Outdoor Pelican Harbor Shade Structures Replacement

The twenty-six year old umbrella shade structures at Pelican Harbor Outdoor Aquatic Park will be replaced with new shade structures to match the structures that were installed during the Lazy River project. The project will be complete prior to park opening in May 2023.

Tennis Courts Resurfacing (Central Park)

The Central Park tennis courts are scheduled to be resurfaced. The project will begin possibly as early as late spring with completion by fall.

Cedar Fencing Replacement at Indian Boundary Park

This project replaces 30-year-old Indian Boundary Park Drive Cedar fencing, along

the west side of street. The project is anticipated to begin late winter, early spring.

Pelican Harbor Outdoor Bathhouse Interior Painting

The Pelican Harbor Outdoor Bathhouse interior walls and ceiling will be prepared, sealed and painted to give the space a new bright look. The project will begin early winter and complete prior to opening in May.

Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge Exterior Wood Siding Stain

The exterior wood siding at Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge is scheduled to be stained to preserve the look of the facility. The stain on the outside of facility is original to the facility when built in 2008. The anticipated timeline is summer 2023.

Concession Roofing Replacements

The shingled roofing at Central Park TeeBall and Lily Cache East Campus concession stands will be replaced to preserve the facility. The project is scheduled to take place mid-to-late summer.

Park District Truck Replacements

The Park District will be replacing four trucks in 2023 pending availability. Two Ford Rangers, one F-150 and one F-250 are expected to be replaced.

The next year will be a definitely be a busy one for our projects team. Look for updates in future newsletters as these projects are completed.

The old playground from Indian Chase Meadows park now has a second life in the Dominican Republic.

Meet Our Staff!

Christy started her career in parks and recreation before she even knew it! It started at 3 years of age when she participated in her first “Tot Time” program with the Hinsdale Parks & Recreation Department. She has been with the Bolingbrook Park District for 23 years. Prior to working here she assisted the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with activities for stroke and amputee patients as Junior Volunteer at Hinsdale Hospital. She also worked as a day camp counselor for the Hinsdale Parks & Recreation Department— the very same one she attended when she was just 3 years old. Her next career move was as a Recreation Specialist with Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA). Her final stop before Bolingbrook Park District was as a Program Supervisor for the Romeoville Recreation Department. She began her career here as a Facility & Program Supervisor at the Deatherage/Drdak Center. She credits the dedication of her mentors prior to attending Eastern Illinois University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration, with

influencing her to pursue this rewarding path through recreation careers.

Christy finds her ability to adapt positively to change has led to her success in planning and managing programs and events. This strength has allowed her to encourage people to recreate and have fun no matter their ability. A self-described people-person, she loves building relationships with staff, customers, contractors and community partners, all of whom she says enhance her quality of life. This inspires her to go to work every day to continue what she started in her childhood.

When Christy isn’t having fun with her park district family, you will find her spending time with her husband, her niece and nephews, bike riding, gardening, cooking or birding. Thank you, Christy, for all of your wonderful work and years of service!

Christy can be reached at csorenson@ bolingbrookparks.org or 630.783.6643.

ABOUT US

Northern Will County Special Recreation Association (NWCSRA) represents the partnership between Bolingbrook Park District, Lockport Township Park District, Plainfield Park District, the Village of Romeoville, Brookeridge Park District and JusticePark District.

Our mission is to provide meaningful recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities that enhance their overall quality of life.

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 815-407-1819 ext. 9776.

Christy Sorenson, CPRP Program/Event Manager

Northern Will County Special Recreation Association

Park Amenities

BOLINGBROOK PARKS

TRAILS

1 Lily Cache Greenway by Prairie Trails Park

2 Lily Cache Greenway Trail by Bloomfield Oasis / Lily Cache Sports Complex

3 DuPage River Greenway by Indian Boundary Park / Hidden Lakes

4 Knights of Columbus Park

5 Gateway Wetlands

6 ComEd Greenway