News and Events, directly from the Park District of Oak Park

Scoville Park Renovation Project
Construction fencing will be going up in mid-July on the north end of Scoville Park starting at the World War I Monument north to Ontario Street and from the Library on the West to Oak Park Avenue on the East signaling the start of a major park renovation. The entire park will be closed to the public beginning in August 13.

In December 2011 the Park District was notified it had been awarded an Illinois Department of Natural Resources PARC (Parks and Recreation Construction) Grant in the amount of $1.6 million making it possible to renovate the entire Scoville Park which is turning 100 years old in 2012.

Park improvements will include new tennis courts, a new playground, a new plaza around the Peace Triumphant World War I Monument and new park entrances in all four corners of the park with an emphasis on a renewed main entrance at Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street. A permanent stage platform will be constructed in the southern end of the park and the Park District will be planting over 100 new trees throughout the park. Look for the newly renovated park to open in spring 2013. For more project details visit www.oakparkparks.com.

Summer Concerts in Scoville Park
Bring the family and a blanket over to Scoville Park on Sunday evening from 5:30-7pm for the Park District of Oak Park’s free concerts…everything from rock and roll to blues, country to reggae, and all the latest hits! “Billy Croft & the 5 Alarm” will play on July 22, playing music from the best of current country rock legends like the Eagles and more! For more information go to www.oakparkparks.com.

Movie in the Pool on July 20
Celebrate 100 years of fun with the Park District of Oak Park with “101 Dalmatians” at Ridgeland Common Pool. The evening will start off with games and races. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Admission is $2 for pool pass holders and $5 without a pool pass. Don’t miss out…spaceis limited!

Picnic in the Park on July 15
Bring your picnic basket and the whole family to Scoville Park on Sunday, July 15 from 2-7pm and celebrate 100 years of fun with the Park District of Oak Park. Live music and entertainment, giant slide, obstacle course, trackless train rides, Baggo tournament, root beer garden, FREE photo booth,and more! For more information go to www.oakparkparks.com/100th.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES
Upcoming Programs and Trips for Seniors and Active Adults. The Park District of Oak Park offers a variety of programs and trips for Seniors and Active Adults. To find out more or to register please visit www.oakparkparks.com or call Meredith Schwartz at (708)725-2150.

Book Worms Book Club for Seniors July 26 at Cheney Mansion
Keep your mind active by joining the Park District of Oak Park Book Worms Book Club for a lively discussion each month. Start your reading now for the July selection – Wild Swans by Jung Chang. The group will meet on Thursday, July 26 from 10:30-Noon at Cheney Mansion, 220 N. Euclid. Copies of the book are reserved for the Book Worms Book Club at the Oak Park Public Library Main Branch under “Park District of Oak Park Book Worms.” Fee is $1 for Active Adult members and $2 for non-members.

Senior Activities at Longfellow Center
The Current Events Discussion Group meets on the first Thursday of each month, Walking Club meets on July 16, and Drop-In Games meets every Tuesday from 10am to 2:30 (Scrabble, Bridge, Mah Jongg and Chess). Journaling Past & Present will meet on July 25 and August 22 – check it out. For more information go to www.oakparkparks.com or call 708-725-2150.