The Parent Guide News lists 6 benefits of summer camp:
The “6 SUMMER CAMP BENEFITS You May Not Know”, by Jess Michaels, further explains these benefits, all of which your child can gain from our Awesome Adventure Camp!
We are excited to now offer our full-day Awesome Adventure Camp to kids entering Kindergarten! (Must be 5 years old by May 30, 2018) Summer camp, before camp, after camp and hot lunch are options available to kids entering grades K-6. Parents, get early bird price discount on all weeks if registered by May 15. Don’t want to send your kid all week? A daily flex pass is also available.
Theme days, special events, field trips and three days of swimming each week keep kids excited about the camp experience all summer long. Parents can head to work knowing kids are safe and having fun. A summer win-win for all!
See the Summer Calendar of activities and field trips, lunch menu and more!
View the results of our 2017 Needs Assessment Survey. Browse our 2018 Strategic and Master Plans. We are pleased to provide these documents that guide our future operations and staff.
The Carol Stream Park District conducted a Community Needs Assessment Survey in 2008 that initiated the 2010 referendum, and ultimately brought us the Fountain View Recreation and Fitness Center, McCaslin Park Sports Complex, the Bark Park, and numerous improvements and updates to park district facilities, playgrounds, parks and trails. From that needs assessment, the findings helped in the development and implementation of a comprehensive master plan (community driven) and strategic plan (Board and staff driven). Park District Board and staff used those plans to develop a roadmap that has served the community over the last seven years. With most, if not all, projects complete, we enter a new era of vision, organization, operations, partnerships and community.
READ: Needs Assessment Survey, Strategic and Master Plans
This is a nice article featuring Slepicka Park: “Lucky Find – Numbers Represent the Past, but Parks Connect You to People”, published by Jarrod Scheunemann 12/20/17.
http://wearecampfireconcepts.com/2017/12/20/lucky-find-slepicka-homestead-park/
The employees of the Village of Carol Stream waged a Penny War amongst departments to see who could raise the most money for the Veterans Memorial Renovation Project. The employees raised $1,375.78 overall, and on November 9, 2017, Barb Wydra (Accounting Manager) and Linda Johansen (Secretary-Engineering) delivered the donation to Veteran Jim Benzin, Commander of VFW Post #10396.
Here’s what the Village departments raised:
| Department | Pennies | Silver Coins | Total Raised |
| Administration, Building Maintenance & Clerk | $57.24 | $189.10 | $246.34 |
| Community Development | $18.60 | $141.40 | $160.00 |
| Employee Relations, GIS, IT | $20.62 | $151.11 | $171.73 |
| Engineering | $55.29 | $208.66 | $263.95 |
| Finance | $93.61 | $83.10 | $176.71 |
| Police | $14.16 | $131.30 | $145.46 |
| Public Works | $29.89 | $181.70 | $211.59 |
| Total amount raised | $289.41 | $1086.37 | $1375.78 |
Commissioner Brian Sokolowski commends this great community – its residents, volunteers, partners – in making this a great park district. He also gives a snapshot of some of the planning the district is doing to maintain a positive direction and improve processes moving forward.
The Memorial Park Task Force, in partnership with Carol Stream Mayor Frank Saverino, the Village of Carol Stream and the Carol Stream Park District, have agreed with the suggestion that the new memorial outlined for the Memorial Park renovation project, also referred to as Veterans Memorial, be constructed at Carol Stream’s Ross Ferraro Town Center, located at the corner of Gary Avenue and Lies Road, Carol Stream.
Carol Stream’s Memorial Park, located at 342 Thunderbird Trail, is scheduled for a renovation to further honor the community’s brave individuals and stand as a tribute for years to come. Fundraising efforts for the renovation have been ongoing since Memorial Day 2016 with the goal to raise $200,000. Plans include an improved walkway, small shelter, new landscaping, lighting and various decorative features.
“The significance of this Veterans Memorial reconstruction, and ultimately a beautiful plaza memorial when completed,” says Mayor Saverino, “should be at the forefront of this Village. The town center is a popular gathering place for our residents and their families, who come to listen to live music, to attend special events, or to just enjoy the fountain and scenery. The new memorial will be seen by hundreds who come to visit weekly.”
Moving the project to the more accessible and visible town center, which already has a brick plaza, electricity, flag poles and parking, will enhance the attributes of the property, named after the former mayor, Ross Ferraro. An architect has been on site and new drawings are expected soon. “With the existing plaza in place, we may be able to decrease construction costs and arrive at our goal sooner,” says partner Carol Stream Park District Executive Director Jim Reuter.
To further along fundraising efforts, Mayor Saverino is holding an Open House Fundraiser on Thursday, August 24, from 4 to 8 pm at the Carol Stream Holiday Inn. Everyone is invited to stop by and make a donation and enjoy light appetizers, cash bar, fun raffles and music.
Other upcoming fundraising events, coordinated by the Park District and the Memorial Park Task Force, include Joe Cotton Ford’s Drive 4UR Community on August 5 at McCaslin Park, a concert featuring Prairie Station on August 19 at the Town Center, the Fall 5K Stars & Stripes Shuffle on October 1, starting at Armstrong Park and the Stars & Stripes Softball adult tournament on October 7, also at Armstrong Park.
The Memorial Park Task Force includes members from the Carol Stream VFW, American Legion, Village, Park District, Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers.
To make a charitable contribution to the enhancements and beautification of Veterans Memorial, send your tax deductible donation to the Carol Stream Parks Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Carol Stream Parks Foundation
c/o 849 W. Lies Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188
info@csparksfoundation.org
You may also make an online donation at GO FUND ME.
UPDATE – AND THE RACE WENT ON! June 21, 2017 – 8pm
Congratulations to our Lucky Ducky winners!
Grand Prize – The Shimek Family, Raegan Shimek – enjoy your Weekend Getaway to Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena!
2nd Place – Chantalle Porter-Phillips – $250 Cash!
3rd Place – Brenda Bird Gramann – inflatable duck. Brenda auctioned off the duck to raise more money for the Veterans Memorial Park renovation project, and to the joy of son Colton Miller, Mom Heather donated $45-50 to get the duck! Thanks Heather and Brenda!
Link to the Carol Stream Parks Foundation Facebook page to view photo album videos!
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UPDATE – THE RACE IS BACK ON!
The Duck Race has been rescheduled to this Wednesday, June 21, at 8pm, Coral Cove Water Park.
The purchase of duck entries has been extended until just prior to the event at the water park.
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Join our wacky Executive Director Jim Reuter and get your Duck Entry for only $5 to participate in the Duck Races at Coral Cove Water Park, 8pm Saturday, June 17. Grand prize is Galena at Eagle Ridge Resort Golf & Spa getaway! Get you duck entries at Fountain View or Simkus Recreation Centers, and Coral Cove Water Park today! Proceeds benefit the Veterans Memorial Renovation Project. Find out more about the project at https://www.gofundme.com/veterans-memorial-at-memorial-park
In an effort to distract the geese and stabilize/naturalize the shoreline at Veteran’s Park, we’ve restored the shoreline at the “channel” of the park. This project sets the example of what some of the other shorelines might look like. It discourages the geese and acts as a buffer to improve water quality along this corridor. Eventually it will become appealing with a variety of plants and flowers that will attract butterflies and birds.
At the May 8, 2017 Carol Stream Park District Board of Commissioners’ Meeting, four Board Members were honored for their service. Re-elected in the last public election, Brian Sokolowski, Park Board member since 2001, was sworn in as Commissioner for a 5th term. He was also elected by the other six Commissioners as Board President, a position held for one year. Brenda Gramann was re-elected Commissioner for her 5th term. She has also served the Park Board since 2001. Commissioner Jackie Jeffery read a Resolution honoring the service of departing Board Member Wynn Ullman. Commissioner Ullman served the Board since 2009, and is leaving to pursue other interests. Park District Executive Director Jim Reuter presented Commissioner Jackie Jeffery with an engraved plaque and gavel in honor of her term as Board President for the past two years.
The Carol Stream Park District Board of Commissioners also includes current Board Vice President, John Jaszka, Commissioner Dan Bird and Commissioner Tim Powers. All Board Members mentioned were passionately involved with the building of Fountain View Recreation Center, McCaslin Park Sports Complex, Bark Park, Armstrong Park reservoir project, and several playground renovations to include KidsWorld and Bierman Park.
Park Board Commissioners set the policies that guide the Park District. Elected by residents to represent the community’s best interests, Board members serve a four-year term and receive no compensation for their time. At this time Board Members are reviewing how to proceed with filling the vacancy left by Wynn Ullman. Look for more information in the near future.
We have another way you can help contribute to this community fundraising effort and Help us Raise the Flag! Use the GoFundMe account to make a donation!
The current Memorial at the park is in need of some positive changes to bring it up to modern-day standards and to recognize the significance of the park as the gathering place it was meant to be, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for community and country.
Carol Stream’s Memorial Park’s “Raise the Flag” project plan includes several awe-inspiring amenities to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our community and country. Military monuments will include the American Flag, and the military flags that serve the branches of Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.
The renovation budget goal is $200,000, which is needed before breaking ground. The originally anticipated May 2017 completion date is realized as too aggressive, so the completion date is to be determined in 2018. Help us “Raise the Flag” with your donation.
Donate to fund the renovation through the Carol Stream Parks Foundation, OR, donate to fund the park renovation through our new GoFundMe account.
Thank you for your impact and helping us to Raise the Flag!
