Hawthorn Woods bringing the parks to the people

Hawthorn Woods officials are looking to bring their parks and recreation department into the neighborhoods in effort to help build community within the village.

The department is teaming with the Hawthorn Woods Country Club to host the village's first free outdoor family movie night June 10.

"They're a viable part of our community, and were putting more effort into including this gated community into the rest of the greater community," Hawthorn Woods Chief Operating Officer Pam Newton said.

The village plans to set up a large inflatable screen on the grounds of the country club to show an animated film. The film is set to begin at 8:30 p.m., but residents can arrive at 7:30 p.m.

Village officials have approved a contract with Sunset Cinema to set up the screen and run the movie for the village. The country club and parks and recreation department are splitting the $1,000 cost for the night.

This is the first joint event the department is planning with the country club, Newton said.

The parks department is working on other community events and plans to host them off the park grounds and in other neighborhoods.

"We're trying to get people to move around and become a better community," Newton said. "I think the residents are thrilled to build up our community again, instead of just having isolated neighborhoods."