Dear Cary Park District Residents,

Just think, a few months ago our area was experiencing record temperatures and days of power outages. The Park District was right there with you through it all. We were grateful that the outages did not affect the Community Center and that we were able to help residents with some basic needs and provide some relief. The Community Center was a place many residents turned to use the locker room facilities for showers, as an electrical resource to charge laptops and cell phones, and as a place to cool off from the heat.

As the cooler temperatures are approaching and shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear are replaced with sweaters, coats, and boots, turn to the Park District for your recreational needs. When the snow falls and the ponds freeze over, head to the Lions Park sled hill and the Jaycee Park pond for ice skating. Both parks provide great opportunities for outdoor family fun.

If setting healthier goals in 2012 is for you, the Fitness Center offers state-of-the-art equipment and affordable memberships. There are several opportunities to try out the Fitness Center during the Open House weekend December 3 and 4 and the Free Trial Week, January 2 - 8. The Park District also offers a variety of cardio, strength training, Pilates, and yoga classes.

As spring approaches start planning your garden and consider renting a plot at the Community Gardens in Hoffman Park. Each 20 x 30 foot garden plot provides plenty of space to grow your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Registration for plots begins November 28 for residents and December 5 for non-residents and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We hope you will take advantage of this resource and wish you a bountiful planting and growing season.

Finally, thank you to the Fall Family Fest sponsors: Centegra Health System, Walgreens, Chiro One, ACT Network Solutions, Andreano Chiropractic, McHenry County Living, and Algonquin Township. Thank you to the Happy Trails Fishing Derby sponsors: Musky Tales, Country Donuts Crystal Lake, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dave’s Bait & Tackle, and the Illinois Department of Resources.

Enjoy the changing seasons and we hope to see you at the many Park District programs and events this winter and spring.

Bonnie Hill, President
Board of Commissioners