'Secret' to fun for kids at park district can be just about anything

Mundelein, ILlinois -- It's no secret that kids say and ask about anything, anywhere. So, in 2012, being a business that measures success, in part, by the smiles seen and connecting with the community, the staff at Mundelein Park & Recreation District (www.mundeleinparks.org) thought it would be fun to find out what kids had to say about us. Well, it was not only fun, but interesting, too. Here are a few highlights:

The question: “My FAV thing about Mundelein Park District is…”

“Sledding down the mountain.” (Danielle, age 11)

(The “mountain,” also known as the sled hill at Keith Mione Community Park, is located at 1401 N. Midlothian Road, and open weather permitting).

“I went to Barefoot Bay 10,000 times and I love it!” (Micah, age 8)

(Yes, Micah, think summer! Barefoot Bay is the Park District's six-acre, award-winning water thrill on Midlothian Road. Season passes are on sale now).

“My favorite is Beth.” (Evie, age 6)

(Our congratulations to all named “Beth”)

“All the nice people.” (Sylisa, age 11)

“It's fun and a nice district.” (Kate, age 8)

“I like to ride my bike, the birds, and swings.” (Jacquie, age 8)

“The community and how they treat each other like family.” (Zoey, age 14)

“The Fremont Library.” (Jonathan, age 11)

(Oops, Jonathan, that's not us. But, kudos to our neighbor!)

From parks and facility improvements, outstanding awards and programs, to industry-leading accreditation, Mundelein Park District continues to offer more to visitors, while keeping sustainability and cost savings in mind. Here's a recap of another great year:

• Partnered with Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies (www.healthymindshealthybodies.org), to assist veterans who are injured, ill or wounded, with the transition to civilian life through things like health and fitness training. Benefits include free memberships and personal training sessions. The program is being offered at the Park District's Park View Health & Fitness Center on Midlothian Road. Details available by calling 847-388-5430.

• Developed a Community Garden Program to help encourage nutrition, physical activity, enjoying the outdoors, and meeting neighbors and residents. For those with a “green thumb,” registration for garden plots begins in March.

• Awarded an IEPA (www.epa.state.il.us) grant through Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (www.lakecountyil.gov/stormwater) with the purpose of stabilizing the Bull Creek watershed at Keith Mione Community Park, helping improve environmental health, expand habitats for fish, insects and wildlife, improve water quality, and more.

• Awarded the prestigious Illinois Association of Park Districts (www.ilparks.org) and Arts Alliance Illinois (www.artsalliance.org) Best of the Best Arts in the Parks Award, for outstanding arts programs at Mundelein Park District and promoting arts and arts education within the community. To learn more about the wide array of arts programming available for all ages including music, dance, sculpture, drawing, and more, call 847-566-0650 or download a brochure at www.mundeleinparks.org.

Those wishing to learn more about Mundelein Park District, its programs or activities, can call 847-566-0650, or visit Facebook, Twitter, and the website, www.mundeleinparks.org. You can also stop by the Mundelein Community Center on Midlothian Road and chat with staff.