Monday Parks Playbook: Time to Get a Jump on Your Basketball Game

Got game? This is for you! Boys and girls in grades 3-6, interested in playing Des Plaines Park District basketball, are invited to attend the Youth Basketball Placement Night on Wednesday, November 4 in the Prairie Lakes Community Center Gym, 515 E. Thacker Street. Third and fourth grade boys and girls will be evaluated for team placement between 6:00 and 7:00pm; fifth and sixth grade boys and girls from 7:00-8:00pm. Practices are held once a week, beginning the week of November 12, in District 62 school gyms. Games are played at Prairie Lakes on Saturday afternoons beginning on December 7. This is a skills instructional, semi-competitive program, with emphasis on shooting, dribbling, passing, teamwork, and scrimmages. Registration is currently in progress; $58 for residents, and $70 for non-residents, with a $10 fee for all those registering after November 4. The games are coached by specially trained volunteers. For more information about sports and athletic programs at the Des Plaines Park District, call 847-391-5711, or visit www.DPParks.org

Like to try another kind of game? One with double whammies, critical moves, and an exciting endgame? Then, join us for the Des Plaines Park District First Annual Chess Open on Saturday, November 2. Check-in for chess players begins at 8:30am and matches begin at 9:00am. Players will compete once with every player in their division (grade). We will take a break at noon for lunch, (included) and celebrate with an awards ceremony at about 2:30pm. Each player will receive a participation certificate. All Kindergarten players receive an award; trophies are awarded for first through third place in each division. Medals are awarded to the top players in grades K–5, 6–8, and 9–12.

Come on out and play! For more information call 847-391-5733 or visit www.DPParks.org.

See you around the parks!