Hinderman: Kids can enjoy aquatic center, Lake Sedgewick during summer

School’s out for summer! The kids are home for the summer break, and a few days in, they are querying – “what is there to do?”

Well, luckily, you live in Orland Park, where there is plenty to do.

Centennial Park Aquatic Center, located at 15600 West Ave., is now open.

Memberships are currently available; and daily fees provide access to a world of wet and wild water adventures. Check the Village website for daily hours, lessons, and member only events.

Centennial Park Aquatic Center is not just a pool; it is fun and exciting water park, geared for family fun. It boasts a zero-depth pool, surrounded by a large deck; and ample lawn for lounging. The younger set can enjoy the playground style water features. Older pool-goers can get some thrills with the body speed slides, 328-foot tube slide, 200-foot flume slide, platform cliff jump, and drop slide. Want a “lazier” pace? Grab a tube and ride on the lazy river, which gives you a relaxing ride around bends and under waterfalls.

Consider hosting your next party at Centennial Pool. Two picnic pavilions are available for patrons, which also can be reserved for parties. And wet and wild fun is not the only game at the pool! Sand volleyball courts complete the “beach vacation” theme!

Two for one admission dates are as follows:

June 24, noon until 10:00 p.m.

July 3, noon until 10:00 p.m. (pool opens at 11:00 a.m. for members)

July 4, 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. (pool opens at 10:00 a.m. for members)

Aug. 12, noon until 10:00 p.m.

Sept. 5, (Labor Day) noon until 5:00 p.m.

Please remember that you can call (708) 349-4FUN (4386) to check pool opening status due to weather conditions or other issues. Information about Centennial Park Aquatic Center is online at: https://www.orland-park.il.us/index.aspx?nid=862

Grinding Edge Skate Park, located at 15600 West Ave. provides an “edgier” option to spend your summer days. The Grinding Edge Skate Park is 25,000 square feet of concrete featuring different obstacles/courses. Helmets are required; and, if under age 13, elbow, knee, and wrist pads must be worn.

The skate park is open to individuals with skateboards and in-line skates only. The Skate Park is opens from daylight until dusk, March 28 until Nov. 6. Check for weather updates at: (708) 403-6290. For more information about Grinding Edge Skate Park, visit: https://www.orland-park.il.us/index.aspx?NID=670

Lake Sedgewick, just south of the Centennial Aquatic Park (Pool) at 15600 West Ave., is a 75-acre lake, which includes a boat ramp, boardwalk, outdoor amphitheater, gazebo, council ring, nature trails, and hiking paths. There is plenty to do at the lake. Kayaks and pedal boats are available for rent noon until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays; and 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

You may also fish Lake Sedgewick, with fishing licenses being issued through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Please pick up the required documentation before heading to the lake. Visit http://www.dnr.state.il.us/fish to apply for a license online. The lake contains various fish – bluegill / sunfish, carp, largemouth bass, crappie, bullhead, northern pike, and walleye. Catch and then release is encouraged. Visit the Lake Sedgewick page on the Village’s website for further details at: https://www.orland-park.il.us/index.aspx?NID=762

And, finally, the Sportsplex, 11351 W. 159th St., is offering some new camps and classes. Village Fitness Manager Deborah Geghen was excited to share information about some new classes for the summer.

The Extended Fitness Camp meets twice a week (Mondays and Wednesday) for four-week intervals, and gives children ages 7-13 a “boost” of fitness. Water bottles and healthy snacks are encouraged.

Parent/Child Exercise Camp gives parents (or grandparents or other trusted adults) and children a chance to work out together using a variety of equipment and exercises. This class encourages a healthy family lifestyle and runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Class is geared for children ages 7 and older.

Yoga Kids Camp lets children ages 5-12 explore yoga while they sway like a tree; act like a bird; stretch like a dog, and learn other yoga poses that help increase flexibility and balance.

For these and other classes, check the 2016 Program Guide, or visit the link to the website at: http://www.orlandpark.org/files/Rec/2016SummerGuide/index.html

So, whether you want to get up and get moving, or relax by the pool or the lake, Orland Park has plenty to do!