Bolingbrook Park District Partners with MAGNA-TILES
BBolingbrook Park District is thrilled to announce a special partnership between MAGNA-TILES®, proudly based right here in Bolingbrook. MAGNA-TILES® believes in the power of play to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and learning for children of all ages. Through this collaboration, the magic of MAGNATILES® is being brought to the classroom. “We are excited for this partnership because our two organizations share similar beliefs when it comes to play-based learning,” said Christy Sorenson, Bolingbrook Park District Program/Event Manager.
With MAGNA-TILES® products, children will be introduced to key concepts like spatial awareness, early math skills such as counting and pattern recognition, and even the fundamentals of geometry as they explore shapes and how they fit together. They’ll also develop essential problem-solving abilities as they experiment with balance, stability, and structure while building towers, bridges, and other creations. The best part? All of this learning happens while they’re having fun!
“Through this partnership, we’re excited to help children in the Bolingbrook Park District preschool program engage in Meaningful Play that supports their growth and development in the classroom,” said Olya Valenta of MAGNA-TILES.
What Does This Mean for Children in the Bolingbrook Park District Preschool Program?
Children will enjoy access to MAGNA-TILES® products in the classroom, but the fun—and learning—doesn’t have to stop there! These toys are cleverly designed to unlock learning opportunities as your children play at home, whether they realize it or not. And with a MAGNA-TILES® set for every interest, there’s something for every budding builder to explore.
Be sure to follow MAGNA-TILES® on social media (@magnatiles) for fun building ideas, tips and product news.
Our preschool staff enjoyed the presentation by MAGNA-TILES® with Olya Valenta, Elizabeth Sziler, Christy Sorenson and Amy Vaught (left to right).
a letter from the executive director
Mike
mselep@bolingbrookparks.org
I love the fall in Bolingbrook because of the boundless opportunities for nature-based exercise. Temperatures are in the perfect range for enjoying the outdoors. We are fortunate to be able put exercise plans into action as we devote hours upon hours of raking up the amazing variety of different colored leaves that fall from all of our neighbors trees and end up in our yards. If raking leaves is not for you, you can hop on a trail solo or connect with family and friends as you travel throughout Bolingbrook. You can enjoy walking, running, hiking and biking on park district trails. There are pathways on 33 of our 50 park district parks. Pick a pathway depending how much time you have to spend. I like longer walks, so my favorites are the longer pathways at DuPage River Greenway, Gateway Wetlands, Lily Cache Greenway, ComEd Greenway and Knights of Columbus Park. If I only have a few minutes, I enjoy a walk through Winston Woods, Balstrode, Century, Rotary, Remington Lakes and Prairie Trails parks. You can also play or watch a variety of outdoor sports throughout many of our parks, such as soccer, football, golf, cricket, basketball and tennis/pickleball to name a few.
In addition, there are a few events that you should consider adding to your calendar. Freaky Fun Friday on October 18 will be a great time to wear a costume to go trunk-or-treating, enter our haunted house and enjoy the fun games. If you want to host a trunk or treat station, contact Hannah Grise, hgrise@bolingbrookparks.org. The Howl-O-Ween 5K on October 13 at Remington Lakes Sports Complex will be awesome if you enjoy walking or running with or without your dog. Make sure to explore a wide variety of opportunities through our program guide, available online and at our recreation centers.
This is also a great time for our staff as we are recuperating from the long hours of summer fun and developing plans for 2025. We have recently broken ground on a new spray pad at Central Park that will open next May. We are also in the midst of developing plans for two different park district playground replacements at Gateway Wetlands and Knights of Columbus Parks.
Your partner in fun,
Mike Selep Executive Director
board of commissioners
Please take some time to explore and enjoy the outdoors. We look forward to seeing you in our parks and on our trails!
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
Selep
President Jerry Hix jhix@bolingbrook parks.org
Vice President Sue Vastalo svastalo@ bolingbrook parks.org
Treasurer Frank McKay fmckay@ bolingbrook parks.org
Secretary Dorothy Andrews dandrews@ bolingbrook parks.org
Commissioner Jake McVey jmcvey@ bolingbrook parks.org
district calendar
OCTOBER
TH 8
At’a Glan ce
Learn and Perfrom Magic Tricks
5:00–5:55 pm
$33 ($22 w/Resident ID)
Woodridge Park District (2600 The Center Dr.)
F 11 Flow & Glow Yoga
7:00–8:00 pm
$7 / free for Lifestyles Members BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)
SA 12 Glow Golf
7:00 pm
$65 per person
Ashbury's at Boughton Ridge (335 E. Boughton Rd.)
SA 12
SU 13
W 16
TH 17
Adult Trip— Punch Bowl Social
2:00–6:30 pm
$35 ($30 w/Resident ID) ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)
Howl-O-Ween 5K
8:00 am
$40
Remington Lakes Sports Complex (811 W. Remington Blvd.)
PechaKucha
7:00 pm
$10 (includes one drink ticket)
Ashbury's at Boughton Ridge (335 E. Boughton Rd.)
Bolingbrook Park District
Board of Commissioners Meeting—7:00 pm ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)
F 18 Freaky Fun Friday
5:30–7:30 pm
BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.) *pre-register online*
M 21
F 25
F 25
Full Body Pumpkin Workout
6:00–6:45 pm
$5 / free for Lifestyles Members Volunteer Park South (200 Lindsey Ln.)
Parkie's Pumpkin Patch
6:00–8:00 pm
$12 ($9 w/Resident ID)
$7 for Aquatics Members BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)
Spooktacular Halloween Dance Party
7:00–8:30 pm
$5 / free for Lifestyles Members BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)
SA 26 Pumpkin Carving for Big Kids (Ages 8 years & up)
2:00–3:30 pm
$50 ($40 w/Resident ID) ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)
SA 26 Pumpkin Decorating for Little Kids (Ages 2–7 years)
2:00–3:30 pm
$20 ($17 w/Resident ID) ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)
NOVEMBER
Month Long Program Turkey Burn 2024
Every 5 visits Nov 1–28 earns another feather/drawing entry! BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)
Pumpkin Shoot
SA 2
10:30 am–1:00 pm
$17 (Beginner, 10:30–11:45 am)
$15 (Intermediate, 12:00–1:00 pm) ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)
SA 2 Royal Fall Ball
3:00–4:30 pm
$27 ($18 w/Resident ID) ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)
SA 9
Comedy Night with Vince Maranto
8:00 pm
$30 includes one drink ticket
Ashbury's at Boughton Ridge (335 E. Boughton Rd.)
SA 9 Turkey Tails & Tales
TH 14
SA 15
F 15
1:00–2:00 pm
Johansen Farm Park (770 Hartford Ln.)
Music in the Dining Room with Peter Warren 6:00–9:00 pm
Ashbury's at Boughton Ridge (335 E. Boughton Rd.)
Campfire Safety and Cooking
2:30–3:30 pm
$13 ($10 w/Res ID)
James S. Boan Woods (410 Schmidt Rd.)
Pizza & PJs—Football Fun 5:30–7:30 pm
$37/second child $27
$25 (w/Res ID)/second child $15 BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)
TH 21 Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting—7:00 pm ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)
TU 19
W 27
TH 28
Adult Trip—Rosie & the Rivets at Starved Rock 9:00 am–4:30 pm
$120 ($110 w/Resident ID) ACC (201 Recreation Dr.)
Thankful for Playdough 10:00–11:30 am
$27 ($18 w/Resident ID) BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)
Thanksgiving Turkey Burner Workout
Earn one more feather! 7:00 am–12:00 pm BRAC (200 Lindsey Ln.)
Construction of Central Park Spray Pad to Begin this Fall
BBolingbrook Park District is wrapping up final pre-construction plans for the Central Park Spray Pad. Official construction is planned to begin in late-September. The new community amenity will feature a sprayground along with three benches, two picnic tables (one ADA accessible) and a 16’x16’ fabric shade structure. It is partially funded through Will County and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). “We are incredibly grateful for the support provided by Will County through these appropriated ARPA funds,” said Mike Selep, Executive Director. “We know it is a need and will be used regularly throughout the summer.”
The spray pad will be located next to the buildings and grounds facility across the street from the Central Park Skate Plaza, 201 Recreation Drive. The Central Park Spray Pad is expected to open in May of 2025.
Sunday • October 13 • 8:00 am
Remington Lakes Sports Complex (811 W. Remington Blvd.)
Regular Registration: (September 30—October 11 at 3:00 pm)
Race Day Registration:
Race Day Registration and Packet Pick-up Begins at 7:00 am
Register Here: *You do not need a dog to participate!
Bolingbrook Park District Splashpad Version C - 40741
An artist’s rendering of the Central Park Sprayground (201 Recreation Dr.) which is expected to open in May 2025.
Comedy, Live Music, Glow Golf and Pechakucha Round Out the Fall Line-up at Boughton Ridge Golf Course
TThe fun definitely does not stop at Boughton Ridge Golf Course when the leaves start to fly. The crisp fall air and colorful backdrop often lends to some of the year’s best golf. Daily tee times can be booked at www.boughtonridge.com.
Glow Golf was added to the fall event list on Saturday, October 12. This fourperson scramble is played in the dark with LED golf balls. Food, prizes and fun are guaranteed. Appetizers are served at 6:00 pm and the shotgun start is at 7:00 pm. It is only $65 per person and spaces fill up fast. Be sure to register soon. If golf isn’t your idea of fun, there are still plenty of options for you. Comedy Nights start back on Saturday, November 9. Headlining is Vince Maranto. Steven
Haas is also featured while the entire evening is hosted by Ralphie Roberts. Tickets are $30 and include one drink ticket. Doors open at 7:30 pm and showtime is 8:00 pm.
Peter Warren will be performing in the dining room of Ashbury’s at Boughton Ridge on Thursday, November 14 from 6:00–9:00 pm. You are invited to come enjoy songs of the Great American Songbook that will bring you back to the smoky jazz clubs of the past. Enjoy some great food, great vocals and great music!
Join the Foundation for Bolingbrook Parks for their second Pechakucha night on Wednesday, October 16. This fun event brings people together to experience a unique presentation style
meant to peak people’s curiosity. The inaugural Bolingbrook Pachakucha Night was a huge success. You are invited to come experience it for yourself. Tickets are only $10 per person and include one drink ticket. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the event starts at 7:00 pm.
Boughton Ridge Golf Course is located at 335 E. Boughton Road in Bolingbrook.
For more information on any of the events listed above, please call (630) 783-6604.
What fun! PARK DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS
Congrats to our Bolingbrook Illusions Gymnastics team and the BPD Dance Company who took home 1st and 2nd place in Bolingbrook’s Pathways
Here’s a room full of fun at our Cute Little Carnival which took place on August 15.
Our furry friends had a blast on our Dog Sensory Hike
Parade on September 8.
Pathways
Hike in James S. Boan Woods on August 17.
Flex Fit classes leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on your next workout.
Our free Zumba in the Park sessions have become a popular workout gathering.
Parkie’s 5K Draws in Runners from Twenty-Six States
IIt was another successful Parkie’s 5K on a sunny summer morning on August 24. In total, 446 runners participated, which is over 100 more than last year. We’re also excited to announce that runners from twenty-six states were among the group. Big thanks to The Guild of Champions and Chris Terrell Coaching for bringing people from across the United States, from California, New York and places in between.
This was our fitness manager, Dave Burisek’s first time at the helm of our annual race. Dave states, “I want to thank everyone who came out to participate in the 2024 Parkie’s 5K. I loved seeing so many smiling faces cross the finish line. Congrats to all!”
We’re looking forward to seeing you cross the finish line again next year!
Men’s 1st Place and 1st Overall Woman’s 1st Place and 3rd Overall Michael
Generations of the Valencia boxing family came together to run and support each other.
Healing From Hernias Faster with Robotic Surgery
Dr. Sophia Del Toro, DO, MS—UChicago Medicine AdventHealth
WWhile a hernia is a very common health issue, no matter how mild or severe, hernia symptoms should never be ignored. While some can be managed with lifestyle changes, others can become life-threatening if left untreated. Thankfully, hernia surgeries have come a long way. Procedures can be done with very small incisions, having patients healing and feeling better sooner.
What’s a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an area of weakened muscle tears, usually in the abdomen. This allows part of an internal organ or tissue to bulge through. Depending on the hernia’s location and size, it may be possible to see the bulge.
Most people with hernias get them as their muscles weaken with age. But others may develop hernias because they were born with weak abdominal muscles, are overweight, use tobacco or have poor nutrition — all of which increase your hernia risk.
If you lift heavy objects (especially without using proper lifting techniques) or strain your muscles while coughing, sneezing or having a bowel movement, you can eventually develop a hernia or make an existing one worse.
Symptoms of a Hernia
Symptoms of a hernia can vary depending on the type and location, but generally include:
• Cough, heartburn or difficulty swallowing
• Pressure in the area of the hernia
• Visible bulging or a lump you can feel
Treatment with Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery has been an option for surgeons for many years, but now the technology is more sophisticated than ever. As one of the most advanced robots in use, the da Vinci® system is now a viable alternative to open surgery and laparoscopic procedures, in many cases.
While using the robotic system to repair a hernia, surgeons have a greater degree of precision and range of motion in small spaces made with tiny incisions.
The robotic instruments function like an extension of your surgeon’s hands an operating room partner who:
• Gives surgeons unprecedented control in a minimally invasive environment
• Gives surgeons a better physical position to operate in
• Has 3D visualization capabilities, in addition to a monitor
• Has adjustable tips on the ends of its arms
• Has mechanical wrists with a 270-degree range of motion
• Minimizes surgeon fatigue
A Faster Road to Recovery
The da Vinci® system may be a marvel for surgeons to use, but it’s patients who benefit most from robotic-assisted surgery. It translates to less time spent in the hospital for hernia treatment and decreased post-operative pain for most patients.
In addition to these two major benefits, minimally invasive surgery with the da Vinci® can also mean:
• A faster recovery
• Less trauma to the body
• Minimal scarring, compared to open surgery
• Same-day discharge, in some cases
• Small incision sites
We’re
Ready to Care for You
Sophia Del Toro, DO, MS is a skilled surgeon and trained in robotic surgery. Her office is conveniently located at 396 Remington Blvd., Suite 240 in Bolingbrook and she will help you get back to the life you love. Call (630) 226-0664 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Sophia Del Toro, DO, MS UChicago Medicine AdventHealth
View Dr. Del Toro’s profile today!
Expert Surgical Care Close to Home
You don’t have to travel far to get the highest quality surgical care. Our surgical team offers some of the most advanced medical technologies and minimally invasive surgical options available.
Our general surgeons specialize in the following conditions and procedures:
• Acute care surgery
• Appendix
• Bile duct cancer
• Colorectal surgery, including colon cancer
• Diverticulitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Gastrointestinal surgery, including gallbladder, stomach and small bowel obstruction
• Hernia, including advanced procedures
• Stomach cancer
From elective to urgent surgical procedures, our surgical team is here to help you back to the life you love as quickly as possible.
Office locations in Bolingbrook, Carol Stream, La Grange, and Woodridge. Call 630-226-0664 for more information or to schedule an appointment at any of our locations.
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
staff spotlight Meet Gwen
GGwen Fuesz joined the Bolingbrook Park District in February, 2022 as the Aquatic and Fitness Assistant Manager before accepting the position of Aquatics Manager in March of 2024. Before her time here, Gwen worked for the Mundelein Park District as the Aquatics Supervisor from 2019–2022 and the Geneva Park District as a seasonal worker from 2012–2019.
As Aquatics Manager, she is responsible for overseeing all of the operations of Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park, including staffing and hiring. She also manages our Aquatics Assistant Manager. In the summer months, the pool hires between 270–300 employees!
According to Gwen, the most rewarding aspect of her job is observing her staff evolve in their roles as lifeguards. “So much responsibility is put on their plate and when they first get on that lifeguard chair, they’re nervous,” said Gwen. “It’s great watching them grow in their confidence and skills. It’s a challenge mentoring them, but it’s also very rewarding.”
When not at work, Gwen enjoys spending most of her free time being a mom to her 5-month old daughter, Nora. In fact, Nora’s already enrolled in swim lessons, as the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. You may also find Gwen hard at work in the kitchen, as she loves to cook. We hear that she makes a pretty mean pot roast.
Gwen can be reached at gfuesz@bolingbrookparks.org or (630) 783-6637.
10 Montrose Drive, Romeoville, IL 815-407-1819 • www.nwcsra.org
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.
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
Be sure to also “Like” us on Facebook!
Northern Will County Special Recreation Association
Gwen Fuesz Aquatics Manager
Knights of Columbus Park
Lily Cache Greenway by Prairie Trails Park
Lily Cache Greenway Trail by Bloomfield Oasis / Lily Cache Sports Complex
DuPage River Greenway by Indian Boundary Park / Hidden Lakes
201 Recreation Dr. .
Thanksgiving Turkey Burner Workout
Thursday, November 28
7:00 am–12:00 pm
Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex
Ages 11 Years & Up
Work up a sweat in our fitness center, swim laps or take one of our group exercise classes. Lifestyles Fitness at Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex will be open from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. Look for our group exercise class schedule at www.bolingbrookparks.org.
Registration Deadline: November 27
