Lake Zurich parks department plans 30th anniversary party

Some 30-year-olds may shy away from celebrating another year of getting older.

Not the Lake Zurich park and recreation department.

To the contrary, village officials are throwing a big bash to mark the 30th anniversary of the department's creation, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Paulus Park, off Route 12 just north of Route 22.

"We welcome everyone, all ages, family members," said Mike Perkins, village park and recreation director. "Come out and enjoy the day with us."

Perkins, who has been with the village for more than two years, said the department started with two parks and now manages 31 parks and numerous programs within an annual budget of slightly more than $2 million.

"Our staff has grown from one individual to 11 full-time staff and about 250 part-time staff," he said. "We provide a multitude of special events and programs for all ages."

The department runs a full-fledged preschool and related programs, day and summer camps, fitness classes, youth programs, youth and adult athletics, dance, and various special interest programs such as guitar classes.

It also organizes yearly special events such as the Fourth of July Family Day Celebration, Haunted House, overnight campout for families, chili cook-off, and fishing derby.

Residents have access to facilities such as a baseball complex, multiple soccer fields, volleyball courts, picnic areas, walking trails, and basketball courts throughout various village parks, and recreational facilities where park programs are offered.

Paulus Park itself is undergoing a host of upgrades and should debut new features such as bocce ball and horseshoe courts Saturday, Perkins said.

The free event will include a dance party/DJ from noon to 2 p.m. and live band karaoke from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be games throughout the day such as bean bag toss, climbing wall, train rides, sand volleyball, face painting, and giveaways.

Park visitors may also enter a badminton tournament for $5 per family, payable the day of the event. There will be a beer tent and food provided by Culver's.

"Everything's free except for the beer tent and the food," Perkins said.

At 2 p.m., there will be a recognition ceremony for past park and recreation department directors, park advisory board members, current trustees and past mayors.

The Paulus Park beach will be open all day with free admission for residents and nonresidents. For information, call (847) 540-5075.