Stop by Wahoo Woods grand opening Saturday

A grand opening event will be held this weekend to welcome the public to explore Dundee Township's new nature play space, Wahoo Woods.

It will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12, rain or shine. Wahoo Woods is located behind the Dundee Public Library, 555 Barrington Ave. (Route 68) in East Dundee.

The free, unstructured play area reflects a national movement of "nature play" as popularized by Richard Louv. This philosophy establishes that access to nature is essential to children's health and well-being. A project of the Dundee Township, the site was chosen for its proximity to both the Dundee Library and the Rakow Center.

The play area is entered through an arch with accessible, gravel-packed paths. With a curving loop trail-type design, the site's trees, undergrowth, slopes and shaded seating become child-sized destination modules - climbing stones, a fort building area, an art area, hay bale tunnels, and log and stump balancing. Children can even build their own structures.

The township staff will add native plants to attract butterflies and birds. A grassy area can be used as a gathering place and outdoor classroom for up to 25 students and their parents.

The Dundee Library has children's programs planned for the space this summer.

A Nature Fair featuring local organizations will join in the fun to provide info and guidance throughout the area.

Organizations scheduled to attend are: Friends of the Fox River, Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, Dundee Township Park District, Boys & Girls Club of Dundee Township, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, Village of East Dundee, Dundee Township Lions Club, Morton Arboretum, Elgin Public Museum, Artisticology, L.L. Bean, Jamba Juice, Main Street Bicycles, and the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce.

In the event of inclement weather, the Nature Fair will be held in the Dundee Library's lower-level meeting room.

Overflow parking will be available at the Rakow Center, located two doors down from the library at 665 Barrington Ave. Parking will also be available on surrounding streets. Please obey parking restrictions.

The event is free to attend. No registration is necessary.

The Fox River Valley Public Library District serves 70,000 residents of Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Gilberts, and parts of Algonquin. Visit frvpld.info for more information.