News

Bensenville, Ill. (April 26, 2024)–Get ready for a summer of cinematic magic under the stars with the Bensenville Park District’s Movies in the Park series. From heartwarming tales to thrilling adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at these outdoor movie events.

Kicking off the series is a “drive-in movie” presentation of “Space Jam” (PG), featuring Michael Jordan,  at the White Pines Golf Club driving range at 8 p.m. May 18. Bring the whole family and watch the movie from the comfort of a golf cart. Cart rental is available for $10, with each cart accommodating two adults. The club is located at 500 W. Jefferson. Carts should be reserved in advance by calling 630-766-0304.

Then, head to Arbor Park in Wood Dale at 8:15 p.m. June 8 for “Trolls Band Together” (PG). Join Poppy, Branch and their friends on a musical adventure filled with colorful characters and catchy tunes.

Experience the enchanting tale of friendship and bravery at Fischer Farm at 8 p.m. on August 8 with the Movie at the Farm presentation of “Charlotte’s Web” (PG). Follow the heartwarming journey of Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider in this timeless classic.

Make a splash at the Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad, 1100 W. Wood Street, on August 8 with the “dive-in movie” showing of “Elemental” (PG), presented by Armando Perez State Farm. Bring approved single-person floats and enjoy the movie under the night sky. Gates open at 7:30 p.m., and the movie starts after dusk.

Finally, at 7:30 p.m. on September 20, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Pavilion at White Pines with “A Million Miles Away,” inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, friends and family for this special outdoor screening under the tented pavilion.

Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase, and all movies begin after dusk. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable movie experiences!

Bensenville, Ill. (April 24, 2024)—The Bensenville Park District’s Young at Heart program is inviting food enthusiasts and social adventurers to join their summer Lunch-and-Dinner Mobile excursions. Participants will embark on a journey of culinary exploration without worrying about transportation, as the park district provides transportation services.

Each trip promises an unforgettable dining experience, featuring a variety of cuisines and charming nearby locations. From trendy shake bars to cozy outdoor eateries, there’s something for every palate and preference.

The summer Lunch-and-Dinner Mobile schedule of excursions is as follows:

JoJo’s Shake Bar – May 21: Located in Naperville, JoJo’s Shake Bar offers a fresh take on American comfort food and classic shakes. Participants will indulge in family-style appetizers, choose from a delectable selection of entrees, and top it all off with a BIGGIE shake. Fees: $45 | $40 in-district. Registration Deadline: May 7

Flagship on the Fox – June 11: Experience outdoor dining in the picturesque setting of St. Charles at Flagship on the Fox. Participants will enjoy a diverse menu and delightful desserts in a charming atmosphere. Fees: $45 | $40 in-district. Registration Deadline: May 28

302 Wheaton – June 25: Savor the flavors of downtown Wheaton at 302, renowned for its delectable cuisine and inviting outdoor ambiance. Participants are invited to gather with friends and family for an unforgettable dining experience. Fees: $25 | $20 in-district. Registration Deadline: June 3

Hawthorne’s Backyard – July 31: Participants will return to Hawthorne’s Backyard in West Chicago for a delightful lunch experience under the expansive shade shelter. Enjoy the summer breeze and delicious cuisine. Fees: $35 | $30 in-district. Registration Deadline: July 17

Big Bowl – August 5: Head to Big Bowl at the Streets of Woodfield for bold Chinese and Thai dishes crafted from premium ingredients. Delight your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine. Fees: $40 | $35 in-district. Registration Deadline: July 16

The Young at Heart program brings active adults of a similar generation together to share stories, discover old friends, make new friends, create a support network and experience new or familiar activities once again.  Shared activities can include meals; bingo; card, dice and tile games; movies; day trips and overnight trips.

Registration fees vary for each trip and are due at the time of registration. Residents can sign up at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, located at 1000 W. Wood St. in Bensenville. For more information about the Bensenville Park District and its upcoming programs and events, visit BvilleParks.org or find the district on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn using the handle @BvilleParks.

Bensenville, Ill. (April 23, 2024)—The Bensenville Park District is proud to announce its participation in the Wood Dale Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. and will travel down Addison Road, ending on Irving Park Road at Wood Dale Road.

The park district will have a float in the parade and will be distributing information on the district’s upcoming summer programs and events as well as candy.

“We’re excited to participate in the Wood Dale Memorial Day Parade to kickoff the summer season,” says Bensenville Park District Special Services Manager Phyllis Schmidt. “We look forward to saluting our fallen heroes at the Wood Dale Memorial Day Parade and invite the public to the opening of the Bensenville Water Park and Splash Pad following the parade at noon.”

Those interested in marching with the park district should download a participation form at BvilleParks.org/MemorialDay. Participants should meet at 10 a.m. at the staging area on Elizabeth Drive between Addison and Wood Dale Road.

The parade is free and open to the public to attend. Parade step-off time is 11 a.m. and should conclude by 12:30 p.m. Those with questions or needing special accommodations should contact Schmidt via email at pschmidt@bvilleparks.org or phone 630-238-4921 by Friday, May 24.

For more information about the Bensenville Park District and its upcoming programs and events, visit BvilleParks.org or find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or LinkedIn using the handle @BvilleParks.

Bensenville, Ill. (April 22, 2024)–TruGreen is scheduled to apply fertilizer and herbicide to the turf at the following Bensenville Park District locations beginning Wednesday, May 1:

• Deer Grove Leisure Center;
• Bensenville Water Park;
• Arbor Park;
• DiOrio Park;
• Krempels Park;
• Pines Park;
• Poplar Park;
• Rose Park;
• Sunrise Park; and
• Sunset Park.

After a service, TruGreen advises to allow the application to dry before resuming use of the fertilized area. Although highly dependent upon temperature and humidity, most liquid products TruGreen uses dry within 1-2 hours.

Sunrise Park, Water Park & Splash Pad, Fischer Farm improvements highlight plan

Bensenville, Ill. (April 18, 2024)—The Bensenville Park District Board of Commissioners—President Rich Johnson, Vice President Val Karg, Secretary Nancy Gibbs, Treasurer Jay Snyder and Commissioner Christopher Hernandez—approved a capital plan for 2024-2025 at the board’s regular meeting Wednesday, April 17, at the Deer Grove Leisure Center. Improvements to park district facilities include Fischer Farm, Sunrise Park, Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad and White Pines Golf Club, among other projects.

“The park district, though efficient fiscal management, will be able to update several of our parks and facilities,” says Bensenville Park District Executive Director Joe Vallez, noting the package includes approximately $3.5 million for park improvement projects in addition to $1.3 million in state grants received. “We are thankful for the state grants that the district has received to supplement these dollars in the revitalization of Sunrise Park and improvements to Fischer Farm.”

Specific projects include improving Fischer Farm infrastructure; a new playground, soccer fields, futsal, pickleball and basketball courts at Sunrise Park; resurfacing the pool basin and pool deck at the Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad and improvements at the White Pines Golf Club.

In 2023, the park district commissioned an assessment of each of the district’s 17 park sites as well as the Deer Grove Leisure Center, White Pines Golf Club, Water Park & Splash Pad and the Buildings & Grounds Maintenance Facility relative to use, wear, conditions and maintenance. The assessment of the existing site infrastructure, topography, vegetation, access, circulation, parking, drainage, current land use, play fields and exterior recreational spaces, open space, development constraints and other conditions will be utilized for planning future site development and intended uses.

“The Bensenville Park District looks forward to continuing to continuing to improve infrastructure, amenities and programming at each of our parks and facilities, and the Facility Assessment provides a great roadmap for these projects as part of our Bensenville Park District 2.0 initiative,” Vallez adds.

For more information about Bensenville Park District facilities, parks and programs, visit BvilleParks.org.

Free Cinco de Mayo-themed activities offered at Wood Street Fitness

Bensenville, Ill. (April 18, 2024) — Want to try a group fitness class at Wood Street Fitness? Well, the Bensenville Park District is offering a fun way to explore these options on Monday, May 6, as part of its “Fitness de Mayo” celebration.

Stop by the Deer Grove Leisure Center from 11:15 a.m. to noon to take part in a chair yoga class and stick around for fun Mexican fiesta games, great Mexican food and a piñata from noon to 2 p.m. Patrons are invited to try one of the other classes that day as well. Fees are just $6 for residents and $8 for non-residents. The full schedule for May 6 is as follows, with free events noted:

11:15 a.m.-Noon   Chair Yoga | Catering especially, but not exclusively to those who cannot easily get up and down from the floor, this 45-minute class will guide participants through gentle seated and standing poses to stretch and relieve tension in the body.  The class focuses on developing mobility, strength and balance while incorporating breath and relaxation techniques.

Noon-2 p.m.       Fitness de Mayo Celebration (FREE) featuring food from Bensenville’s Los Buenos Diaz Mexican Grill.

6-7 p.m.              Vinyasa Flow Yoga | A dynamic form of yoga that uses breath to link physical yoga postures in a flowing sequence.

7:15-8:15 p.m.     Zumba® Toning | Get the party started with Zumba®️ Toning, combining Latin-infused Zumba®️ moves with targeted body-sculpting exercises using toning sticks (or light weights) to help tone muscles and enhance rhythm.

In addition to single class rates, the fitness center offers “core class pass” membership that includes unlimited in-person and virtual classes for $35 per month for those in district ($40 for all others) or $360, $300 for in district residents. Most classes are offered virtually, and new classes are being offered all the time. A full weekly class schedule is located on the Wood Street Fitness website, WoodStFitness.com/classes.

Wood Street Fitness membership information can be found at WoodStFitness.com. To register, visit the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood Street, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

New Sunset Camp for ages 3-5 added for summer 2024

Bensenville, Ill. (April 8, 2024) — Bensenville Park District summer camp programs are filling at a rapid pace, according to park district officials. The district offers three distinct summer camps for children ages 6 to 10 in addition to a teen camp for those ages 11-15 and Tot Camp (age 2), Sunshine Camp (ages 3-5) and a new Sunset Camp for ages 3-5.

“With summer-like weather starting to arrive, camps are on everyone’s minds,” explains Bensenville Park District Customer Service Manager Laura Borshell, who cautions prospective campers not to wait. “Bensenville camps are the place to be this summer, and registrations have been brisk, so don’t wait until the last minute to register.”

There’s another practical reason not to wait; early bird registrants can save $10 per session by signing up for Under the Sun and Fischer Farm camp sessions on or before May 3.

The Fischer Farm Camp allows children ages 6-10 to explore and enjoy farm life. Participants will interact with animals and learn about working and living on a farm. Participants will hike, churn butter, take care of goats and feed chickens.

Adventure Camp—based at the Deer Grove Leisure Center (DGLC), 1000 W. Wood Street, Bensenville—emphasizes fun, making new friends and trying new activities. Campers aged 6-10 will have a summer full of adventure, cool crafts, games, new discoveries about their surroundings, fantastic field trips, afternoon swim time and nature exploration.

All skill levels are welcome at Sports Camp at the DGLC. The focus of this camp for 6-to-10-year-olds is having fun, learning good sportsmanship, practicing new skills and developing athletic abilities. Participants learn the rules to a new sport each session, then compete against their friends near the end of the session. Campers will also enjoy field trips and swim time.

Teen Leadership Camp, for those aged 11-15, teaches responsibility, respect and cooperation as campers take on the role of counselors in training. Teens will enjoy interesting crafts, cool games and sports, afternoon swim time, exciting field trips and opportunities to help lead the younger campers in activities. They will also take field trips on their own.

“The Bensenville Park District offers so many different kinds of camps, and sessions are only a week long, so children can explore multiple interests throughout the summer and families have more flexibility to take vacations,” says Recreation Supervisor-Program Coordinator Leslie Monarrez.

Tot Camp offers a caring and gentle introduction to the camp experience for two-year-olds with a new and exciting theme presented each week. Campers meet in the Bamboo Room from 9 to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and enjoy nature exploration, vegetable gardening, water play and visits to the splash pad on hot days. They also play games, get messy with sensory craft projects and have story time.

The Sunshine Camp caters to children aged 3-5 and is designed to foster children’s growth and independence through exploration, guest speakers, sports, camp songs and playground time. The camps run from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Tiny Tot Room. Sunset Camp engages campers through arts and crafts, stories, songs, indoor and outdoor games and free play time. Each week has a theme and includes daily visits to the Splash Pad. A Tot, Sunshine and Sunset camp meet and greet takes place at the DGLC at 6:30 p.m. May 29.

“We are excited to add a new afternoon camp—Sunset Camp,” says Cindy Banazynski, the park district’s lead preschool teacher. “Like our other camps, we try to engage with our youngest group in a safe way, enjoying the outside and nature—singing, dancing, playing and exploring our world.”

Camps begin Monday, June 3. Before- and after-camp experiences are also available for those ages 6 and older. Registration can be completed in person at the DGLC, and payments may be made with cash, credit card, money order or check payable to the Bensenville Park District. For more information, visit BvilleParks.org/Camps.

37 Bar & Grill to expand hours

Bensenville, Ill. (April 5, 2024)—The White Pines Golf Club, 500 W. Jefferson in Bensenville, will open its east course, in addition to the west course (open year-round), on Friday, April 12. The regular fee schedule will take effect at that time, and the driving range will be open between 8 a.m. and dusk.

“Warmer days are ahead, and we look forward to welcoming patrons to play both courses after the long winter,” says White Pines PGA Head Professional Bill Roper. “Come work out on the driving range or relax at 37 Bar & Grill. Tee times can be booked online at WhitePinesGolf.com.”

White Pines’ regular fee schedule is as follows:

Weekends (Saturday-Sunday)      Fees                       In-District 

Open-1:59 p.m.                                 $69R | $54W              $52R | $37W

2-3:59 p.m.                                        $55R | $45W              $42R | $32W

4-5 p.m.                                             $44R | $34W              $32R | $22W

After 5 p.m.                                       $30R | $20W              $28R | $18W

Fridays                                               Fees                         In-District

Open-1:59 p.m.                                 $55R | $45W              $42R | $32W

2 – 4:59 p.m.                                      $45R | $35W              $36R | $26W

After 5 p.m.                                       $30R | $20W              $28R | $18W

Weekdays (Monday-Thursday)    Fees                      In-District

Open-6:59 a.m.                                 $41R | $36W              $34R | $24W

7 a.m.-1:59 p.m.                                $50R | $40W             $40R | $30W

2-4:59 p.m.                                        $44R | $34W              $32R | $22W

After 5 p.m.                                       $30R | $20W              $28R | $18W

Senior rates and junior walking rates are also available, in addition to nine-hole rates. A full listing may be found on the White Pines website, WhitePinesGolf.com/rates.

The 37 Bar & Grill has resumed daily operations and is open 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. The restaurant serves breakfast until 11 a.m. each day. Enjoy made to order breakfast sandwiches and more. The restaurant accommodates golfers, area diners and those who are just looking to quench their thirst. Sports fans can also watch their favorite sporting events on the HDTVs. Patio dining is available on warm days to relax and enjoy the natural setting of the pond and golf course.

‘Bville Bundle’ now available for purchase at the Deer Grove Leisure Center

Bensenville, Ill. (April 5, 2024) — The Bensenville Park District announces the launch of the “Bville Bundle,” an exclusive offer designed to make a splash this summer at the Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad. The bundle is available for purchase now at the Deer Grove Leisure Center, located at 1000 W. Wood Street, Bensenville.

The Bville Bundle offers incredible value for those living within the Bensenville Park District boundaries, providing 10 daily admissions to the Water Park and Splash Pad for just $99. Whether it’s a weekday escape or a weekend retreat, youth or adult, this bundle is the passport to discounted aquatic adventure all summer long.

“We’re excited to introduce the ‘Bville Bundle,’ offering our community a fantastic opportunity to enjoy endless fun and relaxation at the Bensenville Water Park and Splash Pad,” says Superintendent of Recreation Nicole Chesak. “With 10 admissions included, families and individuals can dive into savings while creating unforgettable memories together.”

“Bville Bundle” patrons can enjoy significant savings from normal admission rates, which can quickly add up:

• Weekdays (Monday-Thursday, Noon-5 p.m.): Youth (3-17) $10, Adult (18+) $13
• Weekends (Friday-Sunday, Noon-5 p.m.): Youth (3-17) $13, Adult (18+) $16
• Twilight General Admission: $6 (5-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday), $7 (5-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday)

The Bensenville Water Park and Splash Pad, located at 1100 W. Wood St., Bensenville, promises endless summer fun for all ages. The park is open from noon to 7 p.m. daily, May 27 to August 11. Plus, don’t miss out on exciting events and activities throughout the season.

In addition to the “Bville Bundle,” season passes are also available for those looking to maximize their summer enjoyment. For more information about these, plus water park activities and events, visit BvilleParks.org/WaterPark.

Bensenville, Ill. (April 1, 2024) — The Bensenville Park District introduces the Bensenville Swim Team in summer 2024, aimed at nurturing young swimmers aged 5-16. This initiative focuses on skill development, sportsmanship and fostering a lifelong passion for swimming.

Led by an experienced coaching staff, the Bensenville Swim Team offers personalized guidance to help swimmers unlock their potential and build confidence in the water. Through friendly competitions and swim meets, participants can enhance their skills while fostering camaraderie with teammates who share their passion.

Swimmers of all levels, from beginners to advanced, are welcome to join the Bensenville Swim Team. The program caters to diverse skill sets and emphasizes individual improvement within a supportive team environment.

To register, visit the Deer Grove Leisure Center, 1000 W. Wood Street, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Birth certificates are required at the time of registration, and the enrollment fee is $450 per person.