South Mill Creek Park set to open

Batavia Park District will celebrate the opening of South Mill Creek Community Park at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2. The public is invited to experience one of the Batavia Park District's newest barrier-free parks. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, entertainment, disability sensitivity activities, a Miracle League Baseball Game, refreshments and more. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors are also invited to stop by Marklund, located just west of the park, for the Spring Craft Fair.

South Mill Creek Community Park offers a barrier-free playground, walking trail, fitness pods, a shelter, tennis courts, two half basketball courts, and a sensory garden, which allows visitors to explore their senses through color, texture, smell and imagination.

"Extra effort to make this park, its playground and site elements accessible was definitely part of the planning process and a goal of the park district," said Jim Eby, director of planning and development.

South Mill Creek Community Park was developed with the cooperative partnerships and assistance from the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association and Marklund. It was partially funded through funds provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

For information, call (630) 879-5235 or visit www.bataviaparks.org.