CARD to be in the Illinois Solar Tour on October 3rd

The Collinsville Area Recreation District and Splash City Waterpark are taking part in the Illinois Solar Energy Association’s Statewide Grassroots Solar Tour on Saturday, October 3.  This free self-guided open house demonstrates how Illinois homes and businesses are using solar, wind, and geothermal to become energy independent.

Stop by to learn about the solar technologies your neighbors are using to drastically reduce monthly energy bills, reduce harmful carbon emissions and enjoy tax credits and financial incentives as they improve their property values.  The Illinois Tour is part of a national event coordinated by the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society.

The Illinois home and business owners with renewable energy installations will be providing tours on Saturday, October 3 from 10am to 2pm.  Tour hosts will answer questions on how you too can harness the power of the sun and wind to fuel your home and business.

The tour will allow communities across the country the opportunity to see new, innovative technologies locally that benefit the environment on a global level.  The tour showcases real-life examples of how individuals are harnessing free energy from the sun to generate electricity, warm and cool their homes, heat water and slash monthly utility bills.

The tour is free and open to the public.  With over 80 locations throughout Illinois, there is a Solar Tour host site near you.  Stop in to see how solar energy can brighten your life.  A few of the local participants are located at:  3424 Brown Street, Alton, IL; 2506 Vandalia Street, Collinsville; 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville; 27 Rose Court, Glen Carbon; 204 Collinsville Road, Troy.

The Collinsville Area Recreation District makes monitoring of a portion of their solar array available online at http://www.collinsvillerec.com/activitysolar.html.  Pictures and more information can be found at this site as well.

Press Release for August 11, 2015

AUGUST 11, 2015 COLLLINSVILLE, IL – The Collinsville Area Recreation District has a full schedule planned for the Fall and Winter months. From Fall celebrations to Breakfast with Santa and Pickleball to Art and Illustrations, CARD has something for those of all ages.

DROP-IN CLASSES: The drop-in classes offered by CARD require no early registration. Participants simply show up, pay a small fee and enjoy the benefits.

 TOTALLY TOTS PLAYTIME: On Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30Am to 11AM, tots fill up two of our rooms for Totally Tots Playtime. Starting August 24, individuals can bring their 1 to 4 year olds to take advantage of our equipment while allowing their child to work on social interaction and motor skill development. At just $2 per session children can be entertained for over an hour.

 OPEN VOLLEYBALL takes place on Mondays from 6:30PM to 8:30PM starting September 14 at Dorris Intermediate School in Collinsville. All equipment is provided. Participants must be 16 or over and just need to bring $3 per session.

 PICKLEBALL is the newest addition and takes place on Tuesdays from 6Pm to 7PM starting September 1 at the Glidden Park Tennis Courts in Collinsville. It is a combination of tennis, badminton and ping pong. Equipment will be provided or feel free to bring your own. Each session is just $2 per person.  HATHA YOGA is from 6PM to 7PM every Thursday at the CARD Activity Center This ancient practice combines focus, mindfulness, breathing and physical movements and has health benefits with regular participation. Participants just need to bring $5 per session, a mat or towel and wear comfortable clothing.

 CARD’s WILLOUGHBY FARM has a lot planned for the community as well.  FALL FARM DAY is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 from 10Am to 3PM. This event is open to all ages and is just $2 per person with a $10 family maximum. Children 3 and under are free.

 COMMUNITY BARN DANCE has returned and will take place on Sunday, October 25 from 6PM to 11:30PM. Put on your best old timey threads and enter our “Best Dressed” contest. Don’t know how to dance? Don’t worry; they will have a complimentary dance lesson from 7PM to 8PM.

 CHRISTMAS AT WILLOUGHBY is scheduled for Sunday, December 6 from 1PM to 4PM. This event is open to all ages and is just $3 per person with a $10 family maximum. As usual, children 3 and under are free.  FAMILY HIKE & PLAY: Families can hike the trails at their own pace then join in for family games. Taking place on Sunday, September 20, October 4, October 25 and November 15 from 2PM to 4PM, there will be plenty to keep you busy. Please call the CARD Office to RSVP.

HOLIDAY’S WITH CARD

 Halloween on the Farm is scheduled for Friday, October 16 from 5PM to 8PM and is for those ages 10 to 14. Participants are encouraged to come in a Halloween costume for the costume contest and be prepared to hike the haunted trail, roast hot dogs and marshmallows and carve pumpkins.

 Breakfast with Santa is an annual event at Ravanelli’s in Collinsville. This all age’s event will take place on Saturday, December 12 from 9AM to 10:30AM. Not only will you get to enjoy a delicious breakfast, but your little ones will get a picture with the man in red plus some extra goodies for joining us. Be sure to register early for both of these events, space is limited. \

To learn more information about all CARD programs, classes and events visit them online at www.collinsvillerec.com,

call 618-346-PLAY (7529) or drop by the CARD Activity Center at 10 Gateway Drive. Registration for all programs can

be done online as well.

July 2015 Press Release

COLLINSVILLE, IL – JULY – The summer weather finally seems to be agreeing with the Collinsville Area Recreation District’s Splash City Waterpark.  After a rough start of closing early and some days not even opening at all, Splash City is up and running.

From the return of the summer day camps for ages 7-13 to after hour rentals, the pools are staying full.  Summer camps started June 1.  There are eight themes to choose from with four weeks left to sign up for.  If the weather is permitting, day camps end with campers making a splash at Splash City.  Pee-Wee camps are also offered for ages 3-6.

Other events to look forward to this summer are Tunes on Tap and the parks annual Dash ‘n Splash 5K Run/Walk.

Tunes on Tap:  Party at the Poolside is an after hour party specifically for the 21 and up crowd.  Guests must be able to provide a valid ID and designated drivers will receive special treatment.  Music will be provided throughout the evening by local favorite Sweetbottom Band and the concession stand will be open late so visitors do not have to worry about dinner.  Admission is just $3 if tickets are purchased by July 6^th.  Admission is $5 for tickets purchased after July 6^th.

The Dash ‘n Splash 5K Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, July 18 with a race start at 6pm.  Registration is just $30 and those registering by July 1^st are guaranteed a t-shirt and gift bag.  Music will fill the waterpark with the help of Phat Mix Productions.  A light dinner will be provided following the race and the concession stand will be open late to help curb those other urges.  An awards ceremony will follow the race for the top-three finisher in each age group and for overall finishers as well.  For those wanting to attend the after-party at Splash City, racers may purchase after-party passes for just $12 for age 17+ and $8 for ages 3-16.  There is no charge for ages 2 and under.  Additional race t-shirts may be purchased as well.  Participants are encouraged to register before July 1^st, but same day registrations can be done from 5pm-5:45pm race day.  GCS Credit Union of Collinsville is a proud sponsor of this year’s race.

Those wishing to learn more about any events or to register for events can call the Collinsville Area Recreation District at 618-346-PLAY, visit online at www.collinsvillerec.com or in person at 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234.

CARD Press Release for December the 18th, 2014

The Collinsville Area Recreation District (CARD) announced today that it had filed suit in Madison County, Illinois against the City of Collinsville. The suit was filed to protect the parks from the City development. “It is unfortunate that it has come to this, but our parks cannot continue to be erroded away” said Patrick Collins, President of the Board of Commissioners for CARD. The subject of the suit is the City’s proposal to expand its water plant into the Jaycee Sports Complex. In addition to land being leased to CARD, the same land was acquired through an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development  (OSLAD) grant requiring that the property be kept as a public use park. The City has previously developed park land for non-park purposes while CARD has invested hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars in these lands for people to enjoy. Under the terms of the current lease agreement between CARD and the City, the City cannot develop certain park property and facilities whenever they want. CARD is seeking answers regarding the City’s long term vision of the park properties, and what is going to remain park land and what is going to be used by the City for other purposes. CARD has filed certifications with the Illinois Department of natural resources (IDNR), the administrator of the OSLAD grants that the land is being used for public open space purposes.

CARD has attempted to privately negotiate with the City, to resolve the concerns that exist over the validity of the City’s proposed taking of park property, but the City has not been willing to discuss these issues. CARD has an obligation to the residents of the district to operate and maintain their parks, and further has an obligation to the IDNR to protect the integrity of the OSLAD program.

There’s Still Plenty To Do During Winter

The colors on the leaves are changing and Summer may be making way for Fall but there’s no need to stay couped up all winter-long!  Arlington Greens, The Jaycee Sports Complex, Willoughby Farm, and the CARD Activity Center still have plenty to offer!

• We’re adding new programs at the Activity Center including our new Holiday Crafts Class and Cookie Decorating Class, where you’ll learn how to bring your own special touch to your holiday celebrations.

• Arlington Greens Golf Course still looks great and now we’re at winter rates for the season; meaning you can save money and still enjoy doing what you love!  And if you get a little chilly just come into the clubhouse and get yourself a nice hot cup of cocoa.  Some come by and play a round!

• Fields are still available at all of our parks and the Jaycee Sports Complex for those fall-time pick-up softball and baseball games.  Contact the Activity Center for information on rates and availability!

• Willoughby Farm has added a few new faces for Fall.  We have Lady Amherts Pheasants on display.  If you hear the coup a-squakin’ you best come-a-knockin’ because they won’t be here long; so plan your visit soon!

We also offer gift-cards and certificates for those convenient stocking-stuffers.  So don’t forget to come by and see us!

Give To Your Kids While Giving To Yourself

Fall is here, which means Halloween is right around the corner. What better way to prepare for the droves of young trick-or-treaters than an evening out to yourselves? We’re happy to offer you a fun, easy way to get some free time in your month with our new Parents Night Out program! Ms. Kathy is starting a monthly program where your child will learn crafts, play games, and make new friends while you get some much-deserved alone-time. And don’t worry, we’ve got snack-time covered, too!

The first day for this new program is October 24th from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. So sign your child up now and then prepare to relax. You’ve earned it!

Splash City Closing Day

It’s that time of year, again.  Splash City is closing down operations for the 2014 season.  We want to thank all of our staff, partners, and guests who helped to make it a success.  We hope to open to a bigger, brighter summer next year and we want all of you to join us poolside for 2015.  And while there isn’t a pool to take a dive in during the fall and winter months there are plenty of other recreational activities on hand to enjoy.  Please see our program guide about fall classes, tennis lessons, Breakfast with Santa, Christmas at Wiloughby, and much more!

We also would like to take this opportunity to thank our Park Specialist, Pete Peterson,  the Aquatic Supervisor, Ryan Besse, the Assistant Manger Quinn Fuhrmann, and our Guest Services manager Jeveda Hoults and all of their staff for all of their hard work and dedication this year.  We couldn’t have done it without you.  

And most of all we want to thank our partners, Splash City season pass holders, and our guests who have supported us through the years.  Splash City wouldn’t be what it is without all of you.  So thank you!  And we’ll see you next summer. 

Open Volleyball starts in September

We’re very excited to bring a new drop-in program to our program roster!  Every Monday night start September 8th we’ll be hosting an Open Volleyball game from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Dorris Intermediate School Gym, located in Collinsville off of 159.   Entry is just $3 at the door each night you want to play; and since this is a drop-in program no registration is necessary!  Just show up, pay, and play; It’s that easy!  To see all of our programs and events be sure to check out our new Events Calendar.  Everyone stay cool and we’ll see you at the net!

The Fall Schedule is Now Available!

Our new fall line up is in!  If you’re looking to keep active even as the trees start to turn from green to orange we’ve got you covered.  You can sign up for our traditional classes: Dynamic Dance, Karate, and Tumbling or try something new!  We’re starting Tennis Lessons out at Glidden Park in September, where our instructors will be serving up fun along with sharing techniques to get you to the top of your game.

We also offer drop-in classes (a drop-in class means you don’t sign up, just pay per session and come whenever you can).  Yoga is every Thursday evening from 6 pm to 7 pm and our Totally Tots Playtime is every Thursday morning from 9:30 am to 11 am.

If you’re interested in learning more or signing up for any of CARD’s classes visit our online enrollment page at rec.collinsvillerec.com.

August 8th Movie Night

The Collinsville Area Recreation District is hosting a Despicable Me Movie Night on Friday, August 8th at Splash City Family Water Park.  You can enjoy all the park’s features until 8:30 pm when the movie will start in the Party Zone Tent.  Monsoon Mountain will be shut off for the duration of the movie but all other park features will be available. Gates open at 7:30 pm, show at 8:30, the park closes at 10 pm.  Sign up online for the event and save $2 off admission!