Creator of special playground to serve as marshal of parade

The North Aurora Mothers Club will present its annual Commitment to Community Award at its June monthly meeting to Jackie Olson, founder of Haley's Playground, a place where special needs children can have fun in an environment created just for them.

Olson also will be the grand marshal in the sixth annual North Aurora Community Parade at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 7.

"Jackie has devoted herself to ensuring that there is a fun environment for all the children in our community, which includes special needs," said club President Jessi Watkins. "Not only that, but she has been tirelessly working to ensure Haley's Playground continues since the closing of the North Aurora Community Center, purchasing a new space and getting it ready for opening in the coming months."

The Commitment to Community Award honors members of North Aurora who embody the spirit of the club's mission, to improve the social, emotional, educational and physical well-being of children and families. Past recipients of the award include Mark Gaffino in 2009 and Robyn Stecklein in 2008.

The parade is hosted by the NAMC and sponsored by the village of North Aurora and several local organizations. The parade will showcase local businesses and organizations along with the Jesse White Tumblers, West Aurora High Marching Band and many more with the parade theme, "Life Unplugged: Come out and Play."

The parade begins at Blessed Sacrament parking lot at 801 Oak St. and travels west until it reaches North Aurora Island Park at Route 56. Following the parade, the North Aurora River District Alliance will sponsor a Duck Race and other family-friendly activities.

Parking will be limited along the riverfront, so shuttles will be available to the entire community. Shuttles will run from the beginning of the parade route to the end, with stops along the way.

"Parade participants and viewers alike can park near the Randall/Oak intersection, go to the riverfront, and know that they will have transportation back," Watkins said.

More information about the parade is available at www.northauroramothersclub.org.

Entries are still being sought to march in parade. The deadline to participate is May 23. Each group is encouraged to be creative in how they encompass the theme of the parade, "Life Unplugged: Come Out and Play."

"Anyone is welcome," says Watkins. "Whether you want to walk, ride bikes, in a car or on a float - we just want everyone to participate."