Eric Flood has been at South Park Church, 1330 Courtland Ave. in Park Ridge, for eight years, and has spent the last three as senior pastor.

We recently spoke with Flood about his church and some of his favorite things about the community.

Earlier: Religious leaders are welcome to contribute to Patch's Local Voices section.

Patch: Where is one of your favorite places to go in Des Plaines?

I’m a runner/biker, so I love the Des Plaines River Trail that goes through Des Plaines. I love the fact that uptown Des Plaines is now connected to the trail from south of Algonquin, where the Methodist Campground is. It used to kind of stop there, and now, with the bridgework and stuff downtown, you just keep going on the trail past Ballard, and keep going. I love that.

Patch: What is one of your favorite things to do in Des Plaines?

There’s a great Mexican restaurant on Lee, Mexico Restaurant, 694 Lee St. in Des Plaines. It’s very authentic, and it’s very inexpensive. I’ve had a couple good experiences. I like the Horchata there.

Patch: What is one thing you know about Des Plaines that others may not?

Maine West has one of the best high school music programs around. Their orchestra was recognized in the state this last year. Bernie Gerstmayr is the band director, and they’ve had some great accomplishments this past year.

The Maine West wind ensemble was selected to perform at the all-state convention in Peoria this year, and Bernie Gerstmayr was the music director for last year’s all-state play.

Related: Check out all The People in Your Neighborhood Q&A’s.

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