Park improvements come full circle in Hoffman Estates

Last week the Hoffman Estates Park District won a $325,000 grant for Black Bear Park.

Park improvements planned include a playground, basketball court, fishing pier, open-air shelter, exercise trail and walking path. It could be ready by summer 2009.

Earlier this month Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211's school board approved plans to install artificial turf at its five schools, including Conant and Hoffman Estates high schools. Though the cost hasn't been finalized, officials there estimate the cost of turf to be $1.3 million per school for a $6.5 million total for the five schools.

And on Tuesday, Rockstar Games released "Grand Theft Auto IV," the latest chapter in its controversial video game series. By the end of the year analysts say the game will rack up $450 million in sales, according to a Forbes.com story.

Fail to see a connection? Let's connect some dots.

GTA's release promises rippling effects throughout the entertainment industry.

The producers of "Iron Man," the movie based on the Marvel Comics armor-clad superhero, are even concerned. That movie releases on Friday and the movie studio is concerned potential movie-goers will stay at home, handcuffed to their video game controllers, playing GTA.

Forecasters are saying the game will sell 6 million copies in the first week alone.

That's a lot of people staying indoors out of the sun. That's a lot of people staying away from walking paths, away from the playing fields.

Don't make the mistake of viewing video games as a kids-only endeavor, though.

GTA is a mature-rated game with content so graphic it could inspire Gov. Blagojevich to restart his crusade for a state law restricting game sales to minors. Already, video game sellers are supposed to ask customers for their birth date and driver's license before selling a copy.

And the park district's Gary Buczkowski feels that's more reason to invest in the parks to entice youngsters with better facilities. He made the point that most cherished childhood memories take place outdoors, away from flat-screen television and broadband connections.

Kids need more to get them outside, Buczkowski said, mentioning adding an outdoor learning laboratory.

At the very least, a video game player with bloodshot eyes is going to need a breather. Might as well get some fresh air someplace nice.