It's official. The Wilmette Park District is 100 years old and we are celebrating with a series of community-wide events throughout the year. On February 17 nearly 400 people were on hand to help us kick off the birthday celebration with free ice skating, raffle prizes and cupcakes.

The Board of Park Commissioners would like to invite you and your family to join us at any and all of the birthday events that match your calendar and interests. (Check the schedule on the inside front cover for details.) Don't forget the fireworks on July 3rd. We have been promised that Gillson Park will remain accessible for this celebration, and throughout the summer, despite the construction work along Sheridan Road.

I would like to thank the residents who have already stepped forward and volunteered their time to become involved in a study of the Lakefront. This in-depth project is just getting underway and will be spearheaded by the Parks and Recreation Committee as it enters the research and information gathering stages. We are keenly aware that the Lakefront is one of our community's greatest assets and its future deserves a well thought out blueprint. We ask you to bear with us as we take the time to do it right. We value the input of our residents and will seek suggestions from the entire community as the process moves forward.

It's likely there will still be snow on the ground when this Spring/Summer brochure is delivered to you, but don't let that deter you from getting a head start on planning warm weather activities. The Sailing Beach opens on May 10 and the Wilmette Golf Club will open as soon as the spring weather permits. The Wilmette beaches at Gillson and Langdon Parks, along with the Centennial Family Aquatic Center and the outdoor tennis courts will open on May 24.

Don't let the summer slip away without a walk along the beach, a swim in the pool, a round of golf, a friendly tennis match, an afternoon sail, and some time visiting with neighbors in your nearest park. Its all here at the Wilmette Park District.

James P. Crowley, President
Board of Park Commissioners