Park district notes

From Roy Logan, program coordinator

[May 09, 2013]  It's time to play ball, and the Lincoln Park District is offering tee ball for the younger kids. This is a noncompetitive introduction to baseball for both boys and girls. The basic skills of hitting, fielding, catching, throwing, running the bases and safety will be stressed through drills and game situations. Emphasis is on sportsmanship, teamwork and fun. Information will be available at the front desk. T-shirts, caps and schedules will be distributed at the first practice. All athletes must wear sneakers and have their own ball glove. The season will last for six weeks. In case of inclement weather, tee ball will be on the Sports Center courts. The first practice will be June 8 at the park district.

The Awesome Afternoon Adventures program is back by popular demand. Make the most of your summer in an opportunity to play, learn and create. Field trips around the town, outdoor and indoor fun and games, crafting, and cooking will come together for the ultimate learning experience. With new activities every day, you can come and make your summer an adventure. To name only a few of the expeditions, the group will tour the fire department, discover how groceries get on the shelves and go on scavenger hunts with clues that will turn everyone into Inspector Clouseau. Included in the nominal fee of $20 per week or $5 per day is swimming at Lincoln College on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Awesome Afternoon Adventures will start on-site at the park district on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The exploring expeditions will leave from there. Remember, anyone age 7 and up is welcome to join. The kickoff is scheduled for June 3 from 1 to 4 p.m.

It's time again for the annual Nathan Turner Memorial Fishing Clinic & Derby. Turner, a former city council member and resident of Lincoln, was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. He grew up attending the park district's fishing derby and cared deeply about passing his love of fishing and the outdoors on to other children. His family wanted to support the fishing derby to keep his memory alive and spread his love of fishing and the outdoors.

The fishing clinic is free and explores the fundamentals and safety issues of fishing. Herb Drier, retired from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will be the guide. He will teach young anglers how to tie on a hook, casting techniques and the use of different baits. At the end of the presentation, there will be drawings for fishing poles and equipment. The clinic will be on June 4 at the park district. The session will begin at 6:30 and run for about an hour.

The fishing derby is free and takes place at Hickory Lane Campground near Atlanta. Prizes will be awarded in several different categories in this event, which is competitive but fun. In the past, the pond has been stocked just days before. The Lincoln Police Department D.A.R.E. program will sponsor the derby. Police Chief Ken Greenslate will be on hand cooking hot dogs and providing sodas to the fishermen and their families. Parental approval is a must and parents are encouraged to attend. The fishing derby at the Hickory Lane pond is on June 8 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The park district is offering college students a full-access summer membership for the Fit Zone. Present your current school picture ID and fill out the paperwork and you can be in the gym in no time at all. Cost for the summer membership is $50 for district residents and $75 for students living outside the district.

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