neighborhood parks

The suburb of University Park has plenty of great outdoor activities for residents to enjoy any number of interests and leisure pursuits.

Fishing enthusiasts are in luck ... some of the best fishing in the area is right here in town at the ten acre Pine Lake (Steger Monee/S. University Park, 708-534-6456). If you wonder why you're catching so many fish, your odds were vastly improved by the seasonal stocking of the lake with catfish and large mouth bass (but you can pretend you didn't know that). University Parkers who prefer to have fun in the water, as opposed to sitting on top of the water, know Hickok Aquatic Center (711 Hickok Ave, 708-534-6141) is the place for a good splash down. The park has a 100-foot waterslide that's fun for kids of all ages. When the novelty of 'human cannonball' wears thin, dry off with a game of volleyball on the park's sand volleyball court. And, of course, they have a concession stand for that post swim snack (remember, no eating an hour before getting in the water).

A fun site to meet with friends and family in University Park is the Riegel Farm Complex (580 Farmview Road, 708-534-6456). Visitors can rent out the Riegel barn for birthday parties or to host family reunions or company parties. The barn itself is an old Sears, Roebuck Co. mail order structure, built in 1924. The little ones will enjoy the farm's petting zoo and there's also volleyball, softball, basketball and tennis. For gardeners with limited garden space of their own, the complex has fifty mini land plots for residents to rent and grow their own produce.

The six acres of Craig Park (Blackhawk Drive/Sandra Dr, 708-534-6456) is a popular spot to get in a late game of baseball on the park's lighted diamond. There are also two full basketball courts and, in the likely event that you work up a thirst after your game, a concession stand is on hand with refreshments. Soccer or football? All-around sporters don't have to choose when it comes to the sprawling grounds of Palmer Park (Olmstead Park/Riegel Rd, 708-534-6456). With 25 acres of athletic fields and open green space, there's enough room to accommodate everyone's favorite sport or pastime. In addition to the soccer and football fields, Palmer Park has a baseball diamond, two basketball courts, and a play area for the tiny tykes.