Event highlights activities at Illinois parks

SPRINGFIELD — Officials say a “park pentathlon” at the Illinois State Fair featuring teams of state workers shows the fun things families can do at their local parks.

Teams made up of employees of the state fair, park districts, secretary of state’s office, Department of Natural Resources, Army National Guard, local sheriff’s department and city hall participated in the pentathlon on Sunday.

Competitions included a “basketball knockout,” hockey shootout, disc golf, a soccer shootout and marshmallow golf drive. The final event, the “recreation relay,” featured a dizzy bat station, egg-on-a-spoon race and more.

State Fair manager Amy Bliefnick says the event promotes teamwork as well as showing people how much is available at local recreation spots.