Streamwood aims to broaden its teen appeal

The Streamwood Park District hopes to help the village become a little better known as an entertainment destination for teens.

But officials know the best sources of help for that are young adults themselves.

Besides starting a local Battle of the Bands -- slated for June 13 at the Community Center -- the district is looking for 13- to 18-year-olds to serve on a new teen entertainment committee called Streamwood Entourage.

In particular, the group seeks youths with strong ideas about what's fun for them, be it video games, wacky sports, field trips, music, art or anything else.

Park board President Howard Krick said the district has long realized its teens were relatively under-served. But there were no strong ideas on how to change that before Athletic Supervisor John Wilhelm joined the district last year and brought in a new source of creativity.

Wilhelm said his help in this area goes somewhat beyond his original job description, but he felt excited by the opportunity to help the district expand its young adult programs.

It was he who suggested the idea of Streamwood Entourage -- believing the best ideas about what teens are interested in will come from teens themselves.

The committee will start work in the fall. Those interested in participating should call Wilhelm at (630) 483-3090.

The Battle of the Bands will be one of the first events along these line. All seven bands have already been chosen for the June 13 event, but another is planned for sometime in the fall.

Wilhelm said it's intended to attract bands and audiences from Streamwood and beyond. The audience will be able to vote for the winners, who will receive a cash prize.

Between band sets will be a separate competition for attendees who want to try their hand at "Guitar Hero II" on the big screen. Participants will choose their level of difficulty and song, and prizes will be awarded to highest scorer.

Coming up later this summer will be a Floatilla Fiesta July 18 for ages 12 to 19 at the Park Place Recreation Center pool, where teams of four will compete to build a water raft from various materials.

And on Aug. 22, there will be a Rock and Splash Pool Bash at Park Place for ages 12 to 14 specifically.

Events still in the planning stage for the fall include a Halloween Monster Bash Karaoke Dance Party, as well as kickball, dodgeball and paintball competitions and an Beatnik Lounge Open Mic and Acoustic Night at the Hoosier Grove Barn.

More information can be found at streamwoodparkdistrict.org or (630) 372-7275.

If you go

What: Battle of the Bands and Streamwood Guitar Hero

When: 7-10 p.m. June 13

Where: Community Center, 777 S. Bartlett Road, Streamwood

Who: 12- to 19-year-olds

Cost: $5