Wood Dale Park District hits the big 5-0

Birthdays sometimes lose a little of their luster once you hit the big 5-0.

Maybe you don't feel quite as spry as you used to. Maybe you can't party quite as hardy as you once did.

Or maybe it's a day when you feel you're just getting started, that the best is still ahead, that the next 50 years will be even better.

That was the feeling Saturday, when Wood Dale Park District celebrated its 50th anniversary with a two-hour bash at the Recreation Complex on Foster Avenue.

There was a DJ and games for kids and giveaways and even celebratory cupcakes.

The district was formed in 1967 at a time when the U.S. was at war in Vietnam, the Doors' "Light My Fire" was at the top of the charts and the average price of a new house was around $14,425.

Since then, the park district has grown to feature 16 park sites that include a water park, nature center, rec complex, golf course and a dog park, all with a vision to "create positive memories and endless opportunities for the community."

All of which made the park district's anniversary celebration feel less like a look back and more like a look ahead to the next party in 2067.