Grand opening set for new Elgin park

Tennis anyone?

Later on this week, you'll be able to play at Channing Park, one of the newest parks in Elgin.

Workers on Wednesday were expected to hook up nets to the park's pair of brand new tennis courts, said Paul Bednar, the city's parks development coordinator.

Besides the green and pink tennis courts, the park also offers a new playground, a basketball half-court, a small shelter, picnic table and a paved trail stretching a third of a mile.

The city spent a total of $330,000 on the park's makeover, Bednar said.

It's an important neighborhood park, with more than 100 people using it every day, Bednar said.

The new improvements give residents another reason to come out and play.

"The playground is bigger and better, so it's more of a magnet for kids to come out and the new walking/running track gets a lot of use from a lot of people who take their morning walks or their morning runs," Bednar said.

During the park's grand opening, scheduled for July 25, kids will have a chance to learn how to play tennis, for free.

From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., children can play quickstart tennis, a game in which kids play tennis using a smaller portion of a tennis court, lower nets, foam balls and rackets in proportion to their bodies.

If your child doesn't have a tennis racket, one will be provided for him or her at the opening.

Other activities taking place that day is a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6 p.m., and a dinner including hot dogs and drinks served up by the Gifford Park Association and the Channing School PTO.

For more information, call Bednar at (847) 931-6788.