It is proven by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that students who spend one to four hours per week in extracurricular activities are 49% less likely to use drugs and 37% less likely to become teen parents than students who don't participate in extracurricular activities.

The Bolingbrook Park District offers a vast array of programs to satisfy the needs and interests of any youth ages 6 - 18 years.

Click here to browse Bolingbrook Park District programs.

Court is "in session" at the Bolingbrook Park District
Join the fun on September 12 for a "back to school" dance 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Annerino Community Center, 201 Recreation Dr., Bolingbrook.

The dance "court" will be open for 3rd-5th graders. Dance the night away with friends as the Park District "serves" up music and entertainment in a unique outdoor setting. Soda will be available for purchase, so be sure to bring some pocket change. In the case of inclement weather, the dance will move indoors to the Annerino Community Center gym.

All attending must register in advance or bring a signed program waiver on day of the event. Parents or legal guardian will be required to sign children in and out of the dance area. Fee is $6 before Sept. 8 and $7 on or after Sept. 8. Resident ID card holder fee is $4 before Sept. 8 and $5 on or after Sept. 8.

For more information, please call 630-739-0272

America's Number One Crisis: OBESITY
Fight It!
It's a fact. The top trend in America is America's greatest crisis - OBESITY! Obesity effects  everyone. It drives up medical insurance rates and the cost of prescription drugs. 
According to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 30% of children age 6 to 10 are overweight or at risk of overweight. The number is more astounding for youth 11 to 16 where 44% were found to be overweight or at risk of overweight. Adults are even more overweight.  There are several possible causes that can relate to obesity. Overweight and obesity may result from an imbalance of nutrition and/or physical activity, behavioral and environmental factors, as well as genetics, metabolic, cultural, and socio economic influences. Possible illnesses resulting from  overweight are type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, gall bladder problems, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, infertility in women, asthma in children and higher levels of breast, prostate, and colon cancer. 

Obesity and its associated illnesses contribute to both direct and indirect costs in health care. Direct costs refer to preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services related to overweight and obesity. Indirect cost refer to wages lost by people unable to work because of illness and disability. Statistics show that obesity can lower an individuals productivity while raising their health care costs by 36% and medication costs by 77%. 

As a park, recreation and fitness business we are taking a lead role in combatting this national problem. Half-time and after-game snacks have become tradition with many youth sport groups. We strongly recommend that youth sport groups adopt and parents comply with the snack recommendations listed below.

SNACKS
Healthiest
Animal crackers, graham crackers nuts & seeds -plain or with spices, plain trail mix, fresh fruit, canned or indivually packed fruit in light syrup or natural juices only, dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries), fruit leather, fat-free popcorn, 95% fat free beef jerky, non-fat yogurt (or low-fat or light)

Healthier
Granola bars, whole-grain fruit bars, baked chips, corn nuts, rice cakes, cereal/nut mix, nuts with light sugar covering (honey-roasted), popcorn/nut mix, fruit-flavored snacks, pretzels, light popcorn, sugar-free gelatin, fat-free pudding

Excluded
Cookies (including lowfat), candy, candy bars, chocolate bars, toaster pastries, marshmallow/cereal treats, regular chips, cheese-flavored crackers, cracker sandwiches, candy or yogurt coated nuts, trail mix with candy, canned or aseptic-packed fruit in heavy syrup, candy or sugar coated dried fruit, candy or yogurt coated pretzels, popcorn with butter, sausages, pork rinds

BEVERAGES
Healthiest
Milk (any flavor - preferably non-fat or low-fat), fruit or vegetable juice that contains at least 50% juice, water

Healthier
Flavored or vitamin water, sparkling water, low-calorie diet sodas, low-calorie iced tea, low-calorie coffee

Excluded
Regular soft drinks, sports drinks