Adopt-a-Park, Halloween fun, Summer Camp +
October 9, 2020

As the Skokie Park District continues to operate in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan,
the following are reminders and news updates for this week.
Hornick & Crew adopt Gross Point Park
Madeleine Hornick loves nature. So because she was in need of a bat mitzvah service project, she approached Skokie Park District staff regarding the adoption of a district park.

After working out the details, last Saturday Hornick and her friends and family officially adopted Gross Point Park. The nine person crew arrived at the park on Skokie's northwest side at 10 a.m., and under the guidance of the Skokie Park District's park services division, spent two hours spreading new mulch around several dozen trees and picking up garbage throughout the park. They expect to go back to the park for a little spring cleanup and maybe flower planting.

The Adopt-a-Park program is for volunteer groups, students, local businesses, neighborhood organizations or individuals that would like to contribute to keeping Skokie parks looking beautiful. Tasks include litter pickup, spreading mulch, planting annuals and perennials (depending on the time of the year) and other activities that may be coordinated through the district's Adopt-a-Park application below. All needed tools and materials are supplied by the Skokie Park District and a sign recognizing the adoption is erected in the park.

Upcoming Halloween Happenings
Halloween House
Decorating Contest
Enter through October 23, at 5 p.m.
Decorate the outside of your home in our inaugural Halloween House Decorating Contest! Prizes for Scariest House and People's Choice. The winner of each category will receive a $25 Amazon gift card. All displays will be judged by park district staff on Tuesday, October 27 from 5-9 p.m. A list of participating addresses will be available to the media and the public the same day. Public voting for the People's Choice award will close on Friday, November 6, with winners announced on Tuesday, November 10. Questions? Contact Michael Van Den Bosch via email here or call (847) 929-7710. Fee: $5

Things That Go Bump in the Night
Friday & Saturday, October 16 & 17, 6-8:15 p.m.
Meet some of the fascinating but often misunderstood critters of Emily Oaks at this fun, informative and not-frightening event. As you're guided along the trail, you will watch three skits with costumed characters. Your visit will end at a campfire featuring snacks and songs. For all ages. In case of heavy rain, the event will be cancelled.
Sponsored by Shake Shack in Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4750 Brummel St.
Advanced tickets only at (847) 674-1500, ext. 2500: $6 per person.
Tickets will be sold at the gate, only if still available.

Pumpkin Decorating
Saturday, October 17, 1-2 p.m.
Let's get into the Halloween spirit! Let your imagination unfold as you create your own pumpkin masterpiece to take home for the holiday. We provide the decorations; you bring the pumpkins and carving tools. Best of all, leave the mess behind and we'll clean up! This is an outdoor event; please dress for the weather. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the Oakton Community Center. $6/person. Every person must purchase a ticket.
Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton St.

Active Adult 60+ Halloween Party with Bingo
Tuesday, October 27, 12-2 p.m.
Join us for a frighteningly fun afternoon of entertainment, bingo, a costume contest, and lunch. Prizes will be awarded for the costume contest. R: $15/NR: $19.
Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St.

Family Halloween Decoration Workshop
Saturday, October 17, 1-2 p.m. or 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Build your own tabletop haunted scene as a family! We provide all the (not too scary) supplies; it’s up to you to create a hauntingly good scene. This workshop is for families and only the children need to be registered. R: $38/NR: $48
Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St.
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Updates
 
Locker rooms open
Beginning Monday, October 19 both the lockers and restrooms will be available to members for use during their reservation. Showers will remain closed.
 
Dumbbells with Direction!
October 22 at 11 a.m. 
If you thought dumbbells were only for arm curls, we are about to show you the many ways they can help you to strengthen your body! Join our personal trainer Bernie Bonoan as he takes you and a small group through 45 minutes of strength and endurance exercises using dumbbells and a little creativity.
Only $10 with your Fitness First membership.

Join today!
Become a Fitness First member or re-activate your membership!
Please call (847) 674-1500 ext. 3500, to join today.
Devonshire Dance costume sale
The Devonshire Dance Program is selling new costumes (never worn or opened).

Stop by for a great bargain!

Sunday, October 11, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm.
Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St.
Summer Camp survey
It's hard to believe that Summer Camp 2021 planning is underway! We want to hear what your needs are for camp next summer.

Please complete the survey below, and in just minutes you can help shape the park district's 2021 camp offerings.