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Visits with Santa, special activities and tasty treats are planned by recreation agencies statewide. Editor's Note: The upcoming holiday season initiates a variety of programs, and staffing concerns, at park districts and recreation agencies statewide. IPR recently surveyed various agencies to learn about their Thanksgiving and Christmas plans. Some of those ideas are presented here. Additional information can be obtained from the agencies listed. As a small agency, the Jerseyville Park and Recreation Department hosts a one-day Christmas talent show at its community center. The program is designed and coordinated by a volunteer group, with admission proceeds donated to the local Salvation Army chapter. In addition to providing diverse community entertainment and raising funds for the needy, the show also improves the agency's public relations within the community without extending its limited time, staff or budget. As many as 1,000 persons have attended the talent show. The department rehires a few of its seasonal summer help so regular staff can enjoy the holidays with their families. A turkey trot and shoot, ski trips and a children's Christmas winterfest highlight the Addison Park Districts holiday activities. Each contestant in the turkey trot must estimate time for running one to five miles. The individual closest to his/her predicted time wins a turkey. Contestants in the turkey shoot are given three golf balls which they must hit as close as possible to a designated flag. Winners in each age group receive a turkey. Holiday staff time is volunteered by local residents, members of the Addison Seniors' Club and park district instructors, junior leaders and office and recreation staff. Home visits by Santa Claus are the focus of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's holiday events. Other activities include a Santa's breakfast and Santa's calling program for local youngsters. The district also hosts a week-long holiday open gym that gives youngsters a chance to play pickup basketball. Promotion for all holiday activities is done with local merchants and in the district's brochure and special holiday calendar. Being a "turkey" is an honor at the Chicago Ridge Park District's Thanksgiving Biggest Turkey Contest. Contestants of all ages dress for the occasion, and are judged on appearance, personality and gobble. The winner takes home a real turkey. Other activities include a Thanksgiving essay contest for youngsters 8 through 15, and opportunities to lunch with, and receive calls from, Santa Claus. Staffing has not been a problem in past years when holidays fell on certain days of the week. This year the staff will have a half day off on Christmas Eve and a full day on Christmas. The Glencoe Park District also gives children the chance to get a telephone call from Santa. In addition, special holiday crafts and cookie classes are held for youngsters through grade 6. Park offices are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Rosh Hashana. Local residents can rent a Santa Claus suit through the Springfield Recreation Department. The department also has a Santa house which is decorated in a Christmas motif. Santa appears in the house daily from Dec. 13 through 22 for conversations and pictures with local youngsters. In a special arrangement with the Springfield Post Office, all letters Illinois Parks and Recreation 12 November/December 1985
addressed to Santa at the North Pole are referred to the recreation department. Staff then personally answers each child's note. The department has a skeletal staff between Christmas and New Years. The Wheaton Park Districts holiday offerings are geared to have "something for everyone." Activities range from a holiday crafts workshop and breakfast with Santa program for preschoolers to sessions on making personalized Christmas cards and culinary holiday party starters for "older kids." The district's special event is a "Winter Wonderland" at its Cosley Animal Farm and Museum. Christmas Tree Lane features live Christmas trees decorated by area school children. Carolers and a special Nativity scene are among the other events planned. A community children's theatre production highlights holiday festivities at the Peoria Park District. To promote the production, the cast and crew decorate a float for the local Santa Claus parade. The district also offers a wide range of other activities including its "Calls from Santa" program to special floral displays in its botanical garden and conservatory. Poor attendance has prompted the district to close its facilities on Christmas and New Years Days. The balance of the holiday vacation periods are used to enhance programs with activities that draw attendance from vacationing children. Staffing during the remainder of the holiday season varies according to programs and activities. For example, holiday hours for pool and ice center activities are given to students who have been previously employed by the district. The zoo, botanical garden and conservatory are staffed by volunteers.
The Park District of Highland Park approaches this season from a slightly different perspective. All programs and themes are termed "holiday" to avoid any religious connotation for the diverse populations it serves. Programs include a trip to see the "Nutcracker" ballet, holiday cooking, nature center programs, open gyms in several schools, a trip to Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry and special scheduling at the indoor ice rink and indoor tennis center. A winter day camp for children whose parents both work or who come from single-parent families was started last year.
The Skokie Park District also focuses its programs on the winter season, and tries to coordinate them with community needs. Various crafts activities and a holiday season latch key program are among the services offered.
Illinois Parks and Recreation 13 November/December 1985 |
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