Bensenville Park District celebrates Earth Day with recycling, volunteering and family fun

Bensenville Park District will celebrate Earth Day with a full day of activities on Saturday, April 25, bringing together community service, recycling opportunities and family-friendly fun.

Presented by Grand Subaru of Bensenville, the day will feature an e-recycling and document shred event from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Bensenville Water Park parking lot; a volunteer cleanup at Varble Park from 9:30 to 11 a.m.; and a Family Earth Day Celebration from noon to 3 p.m. at Fischer Farm.

The park district recently adjusted the schedule from what was originally published in the Winter Spring Program Guide and other materials. The volunteer cleanup was previously planned for April 22 but has been moved to Saturday morning so all Earth Day activities take place on the same day.

“By bringing all of our Earth Day activities together on one Saturday, we hope to make it easier for community members to volunteer and participate in multiple events throughout the day,” said Executive Director Joe Vallez. “It creates a stronger sense of community and gives families more opportunities to get involved in caring for our parks and the environment.”

In-district residents are invited to take part in the free e-recycling and shred event from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Bensenville Water Park parking lot, 1100 W. Wood St. Experts recommend immediately shredding documents such as credit card or utility bills, sales receipts (unless the items purchased have warranties), ATM withdrawal receipts and junk mail credit card offers, as well as old pay stubs, bank statements and medical bills that have been paid. Tax-related documents older than seven years should also be shredded.

Electronics will also be collected for recycling at the water park parking lot. Vehicles may drop off unlimited approved electronic devices for free. Grand Subaru will also collect hard-to-recycle batteries and bulbs to recycle through its in-house recycling center at the dealership. A downloadable list of approved recyclable electronics is available at bvilleparks.org/earthday.

Community members also can volunteer to help clean and beautify Varble Park from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will pick up trash, improve trails and spread mulch. Participants should meet at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood St., to receive a free T-shirt, while supplies last, before heading to the park. Volunteers will also receive a food voucher redeemable at the Fischer Farm Family Earth Day Celebration. Registration is encouraged at the center or by calling (630) 766-7015.

The day concludes with the free Family Earth Day Celebration from noon to 3 p.m. at Fischer Farm, 16W680 Grand Ave. Attendees can learn how to reduce their carbon footprint through demonstrations, giveaways, arts and crafts, interactive displays and Earth-friendly craft vendors. Families can also meet the beekeeper, enjoy a jungle-themed bounce house, and take home a sapling to plant. Food will be available for purchase from an on-site food truck.

A full list of Earth Day events and activities is available at bvilleparks.org/earthday.