Park district notes

From Roy Logan, program coordinator

[May 25, 2013]  Tennis lessons will be offered at the Lincoln Park District for four days, beginning June 3. The youngest players, kindergarten through second grade, will begin at 9 a.m., and the older age divisions will play after that. The instructor this year is Julie Harris Larson, a former tournament tennis player. She was ranked No. 1 her entire competitive career. Players will be grouped by age divisions. Lessons are tailored for beginners to intermediate skill levels, focusing on forehand and backhand, serve and strategy. All players should bring their own racquets. Lessons will be on the indoor tennis courts, and everyone should wear tennis shoes.

Jump-start your imagination with the park district's weeklong Theater Camp. The first offering is for ages 6-12 and begins June 3 at 9 a.m. The week will be filled with improvisations, fun with theater games and warm-ups, as well as arts, crafts and a busy rehearsal schedule. Young actors and actresses will have a chance to put on a performance for their families and friends on Friday, the final day of the camp. Bring your sack lunch and a swimsuit and towel for a break at the Lincoln College pool on Tuesday and Thursday. Transportation will be provided by Lincoln Park District. You'll have to be at the park district all day just to have enough time for this much fun!

Mikel Frost and theater have a long history together. After eight years of school and community plays, he decided to make theater his life's work. He attended Lincoln College, where he received his bachelor's degree in theater in 2009. With the experience he has with children from work in the entertainment department at Six Flags St. Louis, he ensures that your child will have an experience that's fun, educational and may spark a higher interest in theater.

The free Nathan Turner Memorial Fishing Clinic explores the fundamentals and safety issues of fishing. It is hosted at the park district, in the Railer Room, on Tuesday, June 4, at 6:30 p.m. 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. There will be drawings for fishing poles and equipment at the end of the presentation.

The fishing derby, also free, is hosted at the Hickory Lane Campground near Atlanta. Be ready to cast your line in at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 8. You should have your own fishing pole, but worms will be provided. In the past, the pond has been stocked just days before the event. Prizes will be awarded in several different categories in this event, which is competitive and fun. The Lincoln Police Department's D.A.R.E. program will sponsor the free derby. 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 park district's Awesome Afternoon Adventures program is back by popular demand. Make the most of your summer with 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 fee of $20 per week or $5 per day is swimming at Lincoln College on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

The park district still has a lot of fun and educational programs to keep you busy this summer. Coming up will be Funny Business 101 with Julie Larson, creator of the nationally syndicated comic The Dinette Set; the second round of theater; and of course, it couldn't be summer without golf lessons. There will be lots of arts and a computer class in July.

The park district's summer brochure (PDF) is online at www.lincolnparkdistrict.com.

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