Photo by Joe BoyleGolfers practice at the driving range that opened Friday at the Oak Lawn Park District's Stony Creek Golf Course. The 18-hole golf course had opened May 1 with restrictions. The latest directive is part of the Illinois mandate of Phase 3.
By Joe Boyle
Maddie Kelly, the executive director of the Oak Lawn Park District, said that they are following the Illinois mandate of Phase 3 and is pleased that more activities are available entering the month of June.
"I visited the Racquet Center this morning and there are some restrictions," said Kelly, who often spends the early morning hours playing tennis at the center. "Some of the older gentlemen were asking me where all the benches are? I said we have to limit how many people are in here. But overall, I think everyone was pretty happy today (Monday) at the Racquet Club."
The Racquet, Fitness and Gymnastics Center, 10444 S. Central Ave., offers a variety of activities that will be under some restrictions this summer.
"We will have one-one-one gymnastics training there," Kelly said. "We will have one-on-one ice skating lessons (at the Ice Arena). A lot of what we will be doing will be one-on-one programs."
She said that the first day the driving range opened at the park district's Stony Creek Golf Course, 5850 W. 103rd St., was met with enthusiasm on Friday. Practice areas and outdoor dining spots also reopened on Friday.
Golf, which had begun on May 1, will now be open up to foursomes. Tee-times will be scheduled with 10-minute intervals, and the usage of golf carts will be allowed. Golf hours are from 6 a.m. to sunset. Mini golf will be available for $2 (seniors, adults, juniors) for the month of June.
"Yeah, we are happy to be open," Kelly said. "Well, I would like more but we do have to be careful. I think people understand."
Men and ladies golf leagues began this past Tuesday and Wednesday. The Junior Golf League will run from June 29 through Aug. 10. Golf lessons in the summer program guide will be held as scheduled.
Golfers and non-golfers are invited to dine in the outdoor seating area or order carry-out. Serving will be in a carry-out style for food and drinks. Dining is available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for Thursdays where the hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Safety guidelines, pricing, dining menu, golf lessons and leagues information can be found at www.golfstonycreek.com . Tee-time bookings are available through GolfNow or by calling (708) 857-2433. Information is subject to change.
Although Oak Lawn Park District traditional summer camps for the 2020 year have been cancelled due to the pandemic, the park district is offering the Summer Hangout program from July 6 to Aug. 7 . This program allows for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade to get out of the house, enjoy the outdoors, and participate in activities.
Campers will enjoy games with physical distancing, crafts, movies and experiments. The program is being held from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Participants must be enrolled for all five weeks.
This program will be held primarily outside and will have two host sites: the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., and Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., with the potential of additional locations based on enrollment.
The park district will follow state guidelines in regard to social distancing and face masks. Group sizes will be limited to eight campers and two counselors. A designated area will be assigned to each group. Each group will have limited mixing and items used. There will also be intensified cleaning and disinfecting procedures in place, according to park district officials.
Registration will be offered at www.olparks.com. The resident fee is $600 and non-resident fee is $650. Payment is due at registration. Registration for residents has begun. Sign-up for non-residents, if spots are available, begins Monday, June 8. Sign up for the Oak View Center site using code 129400 or the Community Pavilion site using code 129401.
The program is subject to change based on state guidelines and mandates. Anyone who has any questions can email daycamp@olparks.com.
Besides the Oak View Center, the Community Pavilion and the Racquet Center, the Oak Lawn Ice Arena, 9320 S. Kenton Ave., has reopened along with the Stony Creek Restaurant. The Oak Lawn Park District Outdoor Fitness classes will begin the week of June 8. All classes will be held at the Oak Lawn Park District Centennial Park Softball Fields, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave.
"It will be different this summer," Kelly said. "We won't have summer camps like in the past. We won't have a lot of contact sports like basketball. But right now it is just good to get out there."
The fee for residents for the outdoor classes is $8 and non-residents are $9. Registration must be completed online at www.olparks.com . No walk-up registration will be accepted at this time.
Registrants should bring an exercise mat, water bottle, towel, and any weights from home (two water bottles can be used as a substitute for weights). For fitness class details, visit www.olparks.com. Residents can also email dscholl@olparks.com with any questions.
"We will be following the guidelines,' Kelly said. "The people I have heard from are pretty excited."