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Thea publication of the Bloomingdale Park District

NEWS

Mission StatementThe Mission of the Bloomingdale Park District is to efficiently and economically provide recreation programs, facilities and open spaces

designed to provide enjoyable leisure time experiences that benefit the community.

As we come to the conclusion of a very welcome summer, we look upon the coming fall and winter seasons and hope that they are kinder to us than those of 2013-14. To say that it took a while longer to get everything back to normal this past spring and summer would be an understatement!

My congratulations go out to Joe Potts, Parks Director and his entire crew for the efforts expended to return our grounds and buildings to the conditions we have all come to expect. As I write this, the grass is a luxurious green, colorful blooms grace the flower beds and buildings have been touched up to welcome all of our guests.

I’d like to share an experience from this past spring which served to reinforce our efforts to cater to the entire community. After a rather contentious board meeting, all of us were questioning our mission and its fulfillment. The next evening I was at a local hardware store when the teenage cashier noticed the BPD logo on my shirt. She inquired if I worked for the District and I responded that, in a way, I do.

She proceeded to describe how much fun she had in our programs as she was “growing up.” She detailed the gymnastics and dance classes, sports teams, social activities and just “hanging out” after school at the JRC. Another young cashier overheard the conversation, joined in and raved about swim team, The Oasis Water Park and KFN (Klub Friday Night). I could barely get in a word.

This exchange ended when the first young lady extended her hand and said, “Thanks for being there for us.” Her sentiments were echoed by her co-worker as I turned to leave. That three or four minute encounter answered a multitude of questions for me and reaffirmed my belief that what we do is working.

All of the Commissioners elected to the Park District Board are residents of the Village of Bloomingdale and have served voluntarily for dozens of years. Our administrative staff is composed of recreation professionals who could probably earn many more dollars in the private sector. But we all have one goal in common: to serve the ENTIRE community in the best way possible.

To those two young ladies working that slow Tuesday night at the hardware store, THANK YOU! Your words have made my 39 years of volunteer service to Bloomingdale worth every minute.

Sincerely yours,

Sebastian “Buzz” PuccioPresident Bloomingdale Park District Board of Commissioners

Autumn 2014

The Board of Commissioners meets at 7 p.m. in the community room of the Johnston Recreation Center. The public is invited to attend. Minutes and agendas are available online at www.bloomingdaleparks.org.

Board of CommissionersBuzz Puccio ..........................................................PresidentAndre Burke .................................................Vice PresidentMichael Childress .................................................TreasurerMike Vogl .................................................... CommissionerKaren Johns ................................................. Commissioner

Buzz Puccio

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a publication of the Bloomingdale Park District

Park Bench

In a continued celebration of the Park District’s 50th Anniversary, the fall program brochure you have in your hands contains numerous 50th Anniversary–related events and discounts. Just look for the special 50th icon!

This brochure closes out 50th-themed activities, programs and classes. Below is a list of what we’ve done, as well as what’s on tap this fall and winter.

• The semicentennial year started with special event favorites Daddy-Daughter Dance and Mom & Son Dance, both of which had golden themes in honor of the 50th Anniversary. Daddy-Daughter Dance was themed the Golden Princess Festival, while Mom-Son Night was the Golden Globe Gala.

• Open Gyms held in March and April were only 50 cents!

• Summer included three separate discount days at The Oasis Water Park where 50 cents was the admission!

• The Oasis also hosted Crazy Swim Cap contest to harken back to the old days of swimwear style.

• Family Fun Camping programs such as Camping 101, Full Moon Fires and Prairie Walk & Fire emphasized family time around the campfire.

• The annual Outdoor Movie held in July was the timeless tale The Jungle Book, and was the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 1967 animated film version.

• Every summer concert featured additional crafts, games and/or activities before the main attraction. Contests included beaded crafts, hula hoop contests, Twister, Tie Dye, face painting and more.

• At National Night Out in August, the Park District offered up a slice of cake to all participants!

• Our summer brochure that came out in April contained a two-page layout of significant events in the Park District’s history.

• An Open House is scheduled for 5:30 to 8 p.m., August 14 at the Johnston Recreation Center. Stop in and check out a variety of programs and classes, as well as meet some of our instructors.

• Other 50th-related events in this brochure include Full Moon Fires (page 5), Boogie Fever (page 25), and Festival of Lights Performance Class (page 28).

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Celebrating 50 Years 0 thANNIVERSARY

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The Park Bench News continued

The Old Town Festival of Lights returns to Old Town Bloomingdale this holiday season with additional light structures covering additional areas of space along with increased programming and entertainment activities.

Beginning Nov. 28, 2014, the Festival of Lights will adorn Old Town Bloomingdale through New Year’s Eve. Pedestrians and motorists alike are treated to a sparkling display of holiday lights and sights.

In addition to visually-stunning displays, on-site programming and entertainment activities offer something for everyone. See the back cover of this brochure for highlights.

The Park District seeks partners/sponsors for this new tradition. It is committed to exceeding its partners’ expectations and providing meaningful marketing benefits and impressions. The Park District’s partnership program is focused on a loyal and targeted market of residents in Bloomingdale as well as neighboring communities.

For questions about the event or partnership opportunities, please contact Park District Director of Marketing & Communications Josh Hendricks at (630) 529-3650.

Old Town Festival of Lights

Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsor

Corporate Partners/Sponsors

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September 6, 2014 @ 8AMSupport local parks and recreation at the Fifth Annual Bloomingdale Parks Foundation Sunrise Shuffle 5K, presented by Sunrise Chevrolet! The Sept. 6 run is a kick-off event for Bloomingdale’s 41st Annual Septemberfest and is held at Indian Lakes Resort, where part of the course is on crushed limestone behind Blackhawk Trace Golf Club.

Race features:• Racing bib with chip timer (NO tying chips into shoes or tearing

off bibs at finish line)

• Digital clocks at Miles 1 & 2

• Goodie bag for all participants

• Moisture-wicking T-shirt

• Awards for top three finishers in each age category for men and women

• BounceHouse and Kids Fun Run (starts at 7:45 a.m.)

• Complimentary post-race snacks (bagels, bananas, granola bars, juice and more) at the BPD Museum (starts at 9 a.m.)

• One FREE alcoholic beverage at the Lions Club Beverage Tent (which opens at 10 a.m. and is right next to the BPD Museum)

• Plenty of parking!

Proceeds from the run benefit the Bloomingdale Parks Foundation, which is dedicated to helping the Bloomingdale Park District provide great recreation programs and open space while also assisting individuals gain access to programs, enhancing current programs and making improvements to all of BPD’s parks.

REGISTER AT WWW.SIGNMEUP.COM!

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