Valley View School District (VVSD) approached Bolingbrook Park District staff earlier in January to provide programs as part of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program. This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children.
Bolingbrook Park District provides dance, fitness, and nature programs at participating elementary and middle schools during the school year. The purpose of these programs is to show how recreation can have a positive impact on kids lives, not only in the program, but translate to other aspects, like academics.
This summer, the team at Pelican Harbor provided swim lessons for elementary-aged kids. The middle school-aged kids learned what it’s like to run the pool operation and got a taste of what it takes to be a lifeguard. In all, there were 122 kids that went through the program this summer.
“These programs provide a fun outlet for those families and at the same time, demonstrates the true benefit of what our programs do for the community on a daily basis,” said Michael Baiardo, director of recreation and facilities. “Now that it’s summer, we are happy to be able to teach an important life skill like swimming to kids that may not have had the opportunity to.”
