Palatine Park District Supports Leave No Child Inside Month
Palatine Park District is encouraging families to choose green time over screen time during the month of June. June is Leave No Child Inside Month. According to Chicago Wilderness, a regional alliance dedicated to protecting nature and enriching life, “Younger generations spend more time with their cell phones and headphones today, rather than constructing forts in the woods, or listening for the sounds of bird calls and frog croaks. Research has demonstrated that time spent in nature fosters the healthy development of children. Outdoor play helps children manage stress and become resilient. Natural spaces stimulate children's limitless imaginations and foster creativity.”
In Palatine, there are many ways to take advantage of outdoor activities. A few of the offerings in June include:
June 1 National Trails Day – Clean up of the Palatine Trail by the golf course from 9 to noon. RSVP to jscovic@palatineparks.org.
June 8 Bike Safety Clinic/Ride at Ost Track. $3 per child ages 5 to 10. Ride after clinic is free. Presented by the Bike Palatine Club, Palatine Police Department Bike Police, and Palatine Park District. Each registered child will receive a free Bike Palatine Club t-shirt.
June 8 Birchwood and Eagle Pools officially open (Family Aquatic Center opened on May 25)
June 10 Battle of the Bands – free outdoor concert at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater
June 11 Art in the Park Class – a travelling class for ages 2 to 6 with playtime and art projects at various parks. Registration and a fee required.
June 12 Palatine Concert Band – free outdoor concert at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater.
June 14 American English – free outdoor concert at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater.
June 24 What Is That? A free class for all ages with a parent. Join naturalist Theresa Greinig for a who's who and what's what of the animal world. Pre-registration required.
In addition to these scheduled programs, Palatine Park District offers over 40 parks, recreation areas and open spaces to the community. Get outside and try some of these activities with your friends and family members.
• Fish at Plum Grove Reservoir – it was just stocked for the Fishing Derby in May!
• Bike the Palatine Trail – miles of trail through open spaces and wooded areas.
• Play sand volleyball, tennis, outdoor basketball, Frisbee or soccer at one of the parks.
• Enjoy the Margreth Riemer Reservoir Disc Golf Course. It's free to play! The course is being expanded from the existing 9 holes to become an 18 hole course in June. Watch for details on the upcoming Margreth Riemer Reservoir Open Tournament for professionals and amateurs in July.
• Play a round of golf at Palatine Hills. Visit www.palatinehills.org for information on special offers, family rates, leagues and lessons.
• Take a pony ride at the Palatine Stables.
• Walk the outside track at Ost Field, just north of Community Center.
• Play on a playground and feel the wind in your face as you swing, slide, jump and run.
For more information about Leave No Child Inside Programs, contact Lisa Schroeder, Special Interest Coordinator, at lschroeder@palatineparks.org or 847-496-6229. To register for programs, visit www.palatineparks.org.
The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and affordable parks and recreation facilities and activities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors of the Palatine Park District.