Dear Friend of the Naperville Park District:

No matter how mild our Illinois winter may have been, by the end of February, our thoughts naturally turn to spring, anticipating favorite outdoor activities and warmer weather.  Naperville Park District staff has planned a variety of spring activities, both traditional and new, for all ages and interests. Check the 2020 Spring Program Guide for special events, spring break camps, trips and athletics, golf, arts, fitness, science and technology, nature and culinary programs. Additionally, the Spring Program Guide has the information you need to plan a fun summer, including a listing of summer camps, Centennial Beach and golf course information and athletic leagues that run through the summer months.

Just in time for the start of the Naperville Youth Soccer and Premier Soccer seasons, Naperville Park District is introducing a District-wide sportsmanship campaign. It is designed to remind everyone—coaches, parents and players of all ages —that our programs are meant to be positive experiences where participants learn, grow and have fun in the process. Demonstrating and encouraging good sportsmanship is vital to the success of any program, recreational or competitive, youth or adult. This campaign will be seen across the District in a number of different ways including print and digital media and outdoors in our parks and near our sports fields and courts. We ask for coaches and parents, in particular, to be reminded of the Park District’s expectations related to conduct and sportsmanship and help set a good example for our participants. It will take all of us working together to create a positive change. Practicing good sportsmanship at the Park District is one way that everyone can contribute toward a respectful and gracious culture in our community.

Now is a great time to start planning your summer garden.  If you would like to try growing a vegetable garden but don’t have the space at home, consider renting a plot at the Naperville Park District’s Ron Ory Community Garden Plots. This year there are more half plots available (18’ x 14.5’) which are easier to plant and manage. Stop by the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center at 305 W. Jackson Ave. to view the map and reserve a plot. Free Gardening Workshops are offered on Wednesday evenings in April to help new gardeners learn the basics and free Garden Plot Tours will be given on April 4 and May 11. The tours will include an overview of the Park District’s gardening program and opportunities for questions.

Our spring infographic highlights the benefits of gardening, including elevating your mood, building physical strength, connecting with other gardeners, and enriching your diet with nutritious vegetables. The Ron Ory Community Garden Plots offer these benefits for gardeners and also serve as a resource for learning about nature.  The public is welcome to visit the Idea Gardens, located on the north side of the Garden Plots adjacent to the parking lot. Guided by a series of interpretive signs made by an Eagle Scout, visitors can learn about different native plant habitats, including a sedge meadow, a prairie, a woodland and a rain garden. You also can enjoy a picnic at the picnic tables in the Idea Gardens, walk the labyrinth, and visit the sensory garden. The Garden Plots are conveniently located at 811 West Street, across from Knoch Park.

Wishing you a happy and healthy spring!

Sincerely,

Ray McGury

Executive Director

Naperville Park District