West Chicago Welcomes Summer...and You!

A “cool” summer is waiting for you in West Chicago! (From the July/August issue.)

Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, golfing or fishing, you’ll find your favorite recreational outlet right in the heart of this DuPage County suburb. 

The rest of the world is finally catching on to what West Chicagoans have known for a long time – the best recreational opportunities can be found in your own neighborhood. The staycation, has become a fashionable catch phrase which simply means viewing your community through the eyes of a visitor and discovering the cultural, recreational and natural amenities that make the community memorable. 

The options for family-friendly staycation fun seem limitless in West Chicago and are open to everyone to enjoy. Pristine parks filled with shady oaks, picnic areas and baseball fields beckon. The West Chicago Park District consists of 13 parks, totaling just under 400 acres. Reed-Keppler Park, located at 129 W. National Street, is a beautiful 89 acre sports and recreation complex featuring 7 baseball/softball fields, 1 T-Ball field, 2 soccer fields, 1 small lacrosse field, a skate park, 2 playgrounds, concession stand, football field, and ample parking.

Turtle Splash Water Park, found at Reed-Keppler Park, is a fantastic way to beat the heat this summer. The incredible 5-acre enclosed water park boasts a 12’ pool waterfall, a body flume slide, a tube slide, a 35’ twisting tube slide, interactive water toys playground system, a tot slide, a 25 yard lap pool, a water/sand playground area and a concession stand. 

Reed-Keppler Park is also the site of the City’s annual Railroad Days Festival, scheduled for July 8 – 11, 2010. While other communities are canceling their special events, West Chicago recognizes that more than ever, families are looking for low-cost forms of entertainment without venturing too far from home. The four-day celebration of summer features a carnival, a parade, a fine arts fiesta, a 5k Run/Walk,  great free entertainment, food and fireworks. It’s a quality festival that attracts people from near and far. This year, the main stage will present Daryl Steurmer – Genesis Rewired on Saturday, July 10, 2010 and Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone on Sunday, July 11, 2010. Plus, a number of local bands will perform throughout the entire event.
  
It’s all about the prairie…
The West Chicago Prairie serves up nature at its best, and the City of West Chicago pays homage to it this summer with many exciting special events. As one of northern Illinois’ premier natural areas, the 316-acre site contains the greatest plant diversity in the county with over 600 plant and wildlife species. Many of the nine walking/hiking trails that meander through the site connect to the Illinois Prairie Path, which extends past preserve boundaries into Reed-Keppler Park. Whether walking, biking or horse back riding, the crushed limestone trails of the Illinois Prairie Path and the Great Western Trail offer a variety of scenery year-round for outdoor enthusiasts. Trail guide maps, or additional information regarding history and conservation, are available at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County website, www.dupageco.org/bikeways.

The City of West Chicago Museum, located downtown at 132 Main Street, is presenting A Prairie Primer, a new exhibit focused on the prairie which runs through August 28, 2010. Topics explored will be prairie formation, the diversity of plant and animal life found, and restoration and protection. The concentration will be on the West Chicago Prairie, which is jointly owned by the City and the Forest Preserve. The City Museum is open Tuesday - Friday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday Noon to 3:00 p.m. There is no admission charge. 

The Museum will also host a lively session of Animals of the Prairie, presented by naturalist Jack MacRae of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, on July 21, 2010, who will report on wildlife of the prairie. He plans to bring several living examples of prairie wildlife for further education. If guided tours are your thing, the Museum is sponsoring Tours of the Prairie on July 31, 2010 and August 17, 2010 by a knowledgeable member of the West Chicago Prairie Stewardship Group who will identify flora and fauna, discuss habitat ecology and explain prairie management practices. Call the Museum at (630) 231-3376, or e-mail museum@westchicago.org to reserve a space now.

Wholesome Fun for the Whole Family
A visit to Kline Creek Farm is a memorable outing that should top the list of “must do’s” this summer. Located at 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago, visitors step back in time to a typical DuPage County working farm from the 1890s. The grounds include an actual farmstead home which contains original artifacts and reproductions that create an authentic experience of what life was like at the turn of the century. 

Historically costumed interpreters re-create the seasonal rhythms that have governed farm life for centuries.  Special activities ranging from baking, canning, planting, harvesting, sheep shearing and ice cutting, may be demonstrated. Additionally, a visitor’s center (one that contains modern amenities) offers exhibits, and sells snacks and unique gifts like local honey, soaps, books and more. The farmstead and visitor center are open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and select holidays. One more reason to take the entire family, admission is always free!

Head to the links…
If golf is your game, West Chicago welcomes you with two of the area’s finest public golf courses. Prairie Landing is an 18-hole links style course designed by Robert Trent Jones; St. Andrews Golf and Country Club is a premier 36-hole course and educational facility. 

Prairie Landing Golf Club officials are very proud of the fact that their course earned a 4 ½ star rating from Golf Digest in 2008. Considering only 23 facilities in the state, including 9 in the Greater Chicagoland area, have achieved this distinction, Prairie Landing represents a superior golf experience. The demanding course design is outlined in a “hole by hole” course tour found on the Club’s website. Attractive rates, a unique clubhouse and an on-site restaurant keep golfers satiated. 

Since 1926, St. Andrew’s Golf and Country Club has offered championship courses, a top-ranked practice center and award-winning banquet and clubhouse facilities. A family-run operation to this day, St. Andrew’s has grown in stature because of innovative thinking and commitment to exceed customer expectation. Its fascinating history, which can be read in detail on its website, documents many industry firsts like it being the first public facility to host a US Open Qualifier in 1947, a first to offer air conditioning and allow metal spikes in the clubhouse, a luxury not found at many private clubs of that period; and the first public course around to offer USGA handicaps for its regular players. St. Andrews was also a pioneer in women's golf, having US Open Champion and Hall of Famer Patty Berg as Head Professional for nearly 50 years.

Destination: Downtown
The center of community life, downtowns offer something in short supply in today's fast paced, mass produced world ~ local flavor, unique history, and authentic experiences. Simply put, downtown West Chicago offers a glimpse of the past, the present and the future. Spend some time discovering its rich heritage, current distinction and exciting prospect.

Downtown West Chicago is brimming with possibilities, whether you’re a serious bargain hunter or just out to browse - you’ll feel a special satisfaction knowing that you support local small business. Ample parking and great restaurants nearby make downtown West Chicago a perfect days outing. Two new businesses, fina Boutique and Evalina’s Boutique, have recently joined the downtown scene and offer renewed retail energy. They join established downtown favorites like Jacobsen’s Flowers & Gifts, Arbor Avenue Antiques, St. Vincent’s Thrift Shop, Gloria’s Jewelers, Casa Rios Bridal, Monarca Gifts, Bob’s Salt and Feed, Arbor Liquors and Johnny’s Guitar. 

Complete your day or evening by savoring the flavors of downtown West Chicago. Family-owned, ethnically diverse restaurant options in a historically authentic setting are the hallmarks of the downtown dining experience. Choose from Mexican, Italian, and American cuisine. Choices include ByBy’s Restaurant, Ciber Café, Cobblestone Road Tavern, Dominick’s Cucina & Pizzeria, El Coco Loco, Fontana Blu, La Michocana Ice Cream, Santo Maria’s Ristorante, Taqueria El Nero, Tastee Freez, and Turner Junction Family Restaurant. 

There are many more eclectic dining spots throughout the City, including Pal Joey’s, Din Hua Asian Cuisine, El Tesoro Restaurant, Hawthorne’s Backyard, King Wok 59, Classic Burgers and Scooby’s Red Hots. Augustino’s Rock and Roll Deli, on North Avenue and Route 59 in West Chicago offers Cruise Nights in their parking lot on Tuesday evenings to accompany delicious dishes from their kitchen. The schedule includes classic car theme nights with Chevelles, Oldmobiles, Camaros, VWs, convertible cars and more, and runs through September.

Public Art and more….
Begin your “art-full excursion” with a self-guided tour of nineteen original art banners lining Main Street in historic downtown West Chicago.  

A juried contest of original art works submitted by both local and regional artists has resulted in the creation of nineteen 30” x 60” banners that hang on street poles through September. Now in its third year, the public art program sponsored by the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission has captured the imaginations of artists looking for a unique venue to exhibit their work.  This year’s theme, “Animals”, unleashed the creative talents of the following selected artists: Marianne King, Kathy Lentz, Christine Rakow, Kathy Stadtfeld, Kathy Steere, Tina Lawrence, Judith Horsley, Margaret Bucholz, Harvey Hanig, Lisa Stapella, and Craig Wassel and from the Chicago region: Deborah Lader/ Daniel Silver, Kieran McGonnell, Leah Tumerman/Natalie Clark, Christy Freeman, Krista Wilder, Jacqueline Kling, Clare Rosean and David Flores. From a rooster with “attitude” to a dreamy-eyed cocker spaniel and a tuxedo-suited panda bear, the results of this call for art brought out whimsical, poignant, and endearing variations on the theme of animals.  As has become a tradition of the program, a People’s Choice Award winner will be selected at the end of the summer through ballots available at the City Museum, City Hall and Gallery 200. The artist/banner receiving the most votes will be the winner. Also available at these locations will be maps showing the location and artist of each banner.

Looking to buy a piece of fantastic original art at an affordable price? There is always something new at Gallery 200, located at 200 Main Street. Fast becoming a haven for art lovers as a quality destination for buying and browsing great local art and for enjoying art related events such as featured artist opening receptions, art talks and workshops, Gallery 200 is a cultural initiative supported by the City of West Chicago and the Cultural Arts Commission. Gallery 200 opened in December of 2005 and has had countless local artists exhibit their work. Currently it has a membership of more than 40 artists. New members are always welcome. Meet the artists of the Underground Art Club at a free Opening Reception of art on Friday, July 2, 2010 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Gallery 200, 200 Main Street, West Chicago. Art will be available for sale, and commissioned artists will have samples available for review. Live music, appetizers and a wine tasting will round out the evening. The exhibit featuring oil and mixed media works will be on display throughout the month of July. The group meets on a regular basis on Tuesday evenings, from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. and drop-ins are always welcome.

For those who prefer fiber arts, Thursday evenings have become Knit Night at Gallery 200 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. People are invited to enjoy a relaxing evening while working on their own knit or crochet projects, in a social atmosphere. There is no membership fee and all skill levels are welcome, from those just learning to knit to those experienced. 

Gallery 200/STUDIO is also the venue for a new element of artistic pursuit - evenings devoted to live, local music. A newly renovated space on the lower level of West Chicago’s Gallery 200, will be the new home for a series of regularly scheduled evenings devoted to live music, becoming widely known among area music enthusiasts as Local Music Night. A separate entrance to the lower level around the back side of the Gallery building at 203 Turner Court  makes for easy parking and access to Local Music Night. 

Spearheaded by the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, the concept debuted in October 2009 with performances by Old Toby (Colin and Emily York), Kristine Marie Miller and Mandy Rakow. The evening drew a nice crowd and prompted an encore event. Among the musicians performing popular and original music at Local Music Night in January were Samantha Weibler, Laurie Schaefer, Al Recendez, John Keeney and others. Again, response to the evening of free local music was great and organizers have nailed down several upcoming dates July 23, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19 and December 10, 2010. Organizers encourage people to bring along their instrument and/or voice for an OPEN MIC at the end of the evening! All performances are from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Green Thumb Heaven
There’s no place like West Chicago for beautiful gardens and on August 1, 2010 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. you’ll have access, free of charge, to several award-winning ones courtesy of the West Chicago Garden Club. The Secret Garden at the Kruse House, located at 527 Main Street, is “stop 1” of a Posy Mosey garden stroll which includes several of the winning gardens of a 2009 Wonderful Gardens of West Chicago competition. 

The Secret Garden at the Kruse House provides a rare opportunity to view the historic landscape of the four-square home that dates back to 1917, and currently houses an exhibit titled Tools of the Trades, which includes old tools and devices used in various types of work. Plan to stop in the Kruse House for a tour of the rooms and a look into the past through artifacts in its collection. The house, which is a typical railroad family home built in 1917, contains much of the original furniture, cut glass, dishes and more.

The gardens which surround the house have been featured on HGTV’s popular show The Secret Gardens of Chicago. They have largely remained a hidden treasure. Now in its third year, organizers of The Secret Garden of the Kruse House hope to grow it into an annual event, and bring more recognition to the downtown horticultural gem. Each year has seen a new and exciting element added to the event. This year, the added attraction will be a free ticket to the Posy Mosey. 

Four of the gardens of the Posy Mosey are in a cul de sac of townhouses. These gardens were started 11 years ago by several dedicated gardeners who inspired other cul de sac homeowners to get involved. The results are spectacular, and make a great case for leading by example. Visitors will enjoy many interesting garden features like a garden waterfall and pond and uniquely lovely garden ornamentation. Another garden on the tour is punctuated with trees and shrubs which the resident has planted in honor of each grandchild, and which includes a small garden railroad.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
DuPage County Trail Guides - www.dupageco.org/bikeways

Prairie Landing Golf Course -
www.prairielanding.com

St. Andrew’s Golf and Country Club - www.standrewsgc.com

West Chicago Park District -
www.we-goparks.org

Turtle Splash Water Park -
www.we-goparks.org

West Chicago Public Library -
www.westchicago.lib.il.us

Railroad Days -
www.westchicagochamber.com

City of West Chicago Museum – www.westchicago.org

West Chicago Garden Club –
www.westchicagogardenclub.com