Vote 'yes' in Fox Valley Park District

Happy birthday to the Fox Valley Park District! We have grown into our 60s together. As a youngster, I spent my summer days participating in daily programs supervised by the park district throughout Aurora. I would ride my bike to play softball at Pigeon Hill, Copley I and II, Lebanon, and Greene Field. At night, I played in summer baseball programs sponsored by the district from ages 8-17. My childhood was enhanced by the open space and activities of the district.

For the past 40 years, I have been involved with youth sports at the middle school level as a coach and athletic director. My colleagues and student/athletes have always appreciated the programs of the Fox Valley Park District. The Eola and Prisco Community Centers have hosted the Aurora "City of Lights" volleyball, and girls and boys basketball tournaments since 1990. This year, the Vaughan Athletic Center proved to be the best venue ever for our volleyball tournament. The Stuart Sports Complex has been the home of the "City of Lights" soccer tournament since 1999. Lincoln Park has been the site of the "City of Lights" cross country meet since its inception in 2002. With expansion and renovation, Stuart would make a great home for the Aurora Superstar football program.

For the above reasons and many more, I support the referendum to issue bonds for the Fox Valley Park District to continue to acquire and protect land for nature areas, open space and for parks, including along the Fox River, to improve and develop trails, and improve and renovate neighborhood and community parks. As a parent, grandparent and community member, I ask that you please join me on Feb. 5 by voting "yes" to support the Fox Valley Park District.

Al Miller

city of Aurora Youth

Department Coordinator, Aurora Sports Festival

Founder, Greater

Auroraland Athletic

Directors Association