Cool summer fun

From Roy Logan, program coordinator

[May 02, 2008]  The Lincoln Park District has a huge offering for a cool summer of fun! From sports to arts to enjoying and learning about the great outdoors, we have you in mind. There is bound to be something for everyone in nearly every age bracket. So read along and see what the park district is bringing to you as summer begins.

First off, for the adults there are dance lessons for all occasions. Mike and Julie Bieser will have you gliding across the dance floor at summer weddings and reunions. This fun-filled four-week session will include the very popular swing dance, a nightclub two-step and the cha-cha. Class will be in the aerobics room on Sunday afternoons from 2 to 3:30. Comfortable clothes and slick-soled shoes are recommended. The class begins June 1, and the cost is $50 per couple in district for the complete session.

Tennis lessons return with Julie Harris Larson, a former tournament tennis player, as the instructor. She was ranked No. 1 in central Illinois her entire competitive career. Players will be grouped by age divisions. Lessons are tailored for the beginners to intermediate skill levels and will focus on the forehand and backhand, serve, and strategy. All participants should bring their own racquet. Instruction will be on our indoor tennis courts and everyone will need tennis shoes. Tennis balls will be provided. Kindergarten to second-graders will meet from 9 to 9:45 a.m., third to fifth grade from 9:45 to 10:45 and sixth to eighth grade from 10:45 to 11:45. Instruction costs are $40 in district and $48 for individuals from outside the district.

It just wouldn't be summer if we didn't do a little fishing. Learn all about it at a free fishing clinic and fishing derby. The fundamentals are explored, along with safety issues, on Tuesday at the park district center. Herb Drier from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be here with displays and giveaways. He will teach young anglers how to tie on a hook, casting techniques and discuss different types of bait.

The fishing derby will be at Hickory Lane Campground near Atlanta on May 7 from 9 a.m. to noon. The Lincoln Police Department D.A.R.E. program will sponsor the free derby. There will be prizes in several different categories in this competitive but fun event. The wiener wagon will be on hand to offer hot dogs and sodas to the fishermen. Parental approval is a must and parents are encouraged to attend. Please bring your fishing poles and necessary gear.

Creative drama camp is the first week of June. The "curtains go up" on June 2 at 9 a.m. The drama director is Chris Gray, who teaches theater at Lincoln College. Jump-start your imagination with this weeklong creative drama camp. The week will be filled with improvisation, theater games and warmups, as well as arts and crafts and rehearsing for a performance starring you. This camp is open to anyone age 6-10 who wants to learn more about acting and drama. The activities are chosen to get your creative juices flowing and are geared to all levels. If you think you've got what it takes to be the next Oscar or Tony winner … , we'll see you then. Bring your sack lunch, your swimsuit and towel. Family and friends are invited to see the show on the last day of the workshop. The park district will offer another camp from July 7-11 for youths 11-14. Hours will be 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily and cost is $75 in district or $85 from outside the district.

Hunter safety will round out the park district activities for the first week of summer. Young people interested in hunting will need to complete this minimum 10-hour class. Successfully passing the final examination will make them eligible for a state of Illinois certificate of competency and a graduate patch. Students must attend Friday and Saturday to graduate and provide a valid Social Security number. Preregistration is strongly advised. Class is June 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. and June 7 from 9 to 3 p.m. Snacks and lunch will be provided for the students. There is no charge.

Tee ball and exploring sports, both for young people entering kindergarten through second grades, will accept registrations anytime. Also on the horizon are craft classes, golf camp with Jim Dunovsky and Funny Business 101, featuring Julie Larson, Dinette Set creator and nationally syndicated cartoonist.

Visit www.lincolnparkdistrict.com, click on the "Programs" tab and read the summer brochure there. For swimming pool information, click on "Special Events" and go to the "Pool Party" page. Pricing for pool admission is available in the summer brochure section.

[Text from file received from Roy Logan, Lincoln Park District]