ILASLA PARK CRAWL
October 22 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
DATE CHANGE! THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Join us for our Park Crawl on August 27, 2026! Spend the day exploring western suburban parks, connecting with colleagues and sponsors, enjoying the outdoors, and discovering some of the best green spaces around. We’ll wrap up with a happy hour at Pierce Tavern in Downers Grove. We’ll even pick you up at the Metra!
We’ll visit: Olympic Park in Schaumburg
Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary & Barking Lot Dog Park in Itasca and
McCollum Park in Downers Grove
Can I bring my kids? YES, someone has to crawl up those slides!
Join us on an air-conditioned bus or drive yourself. We will need to know if you are joining us by bus by August 24th. After that date, space on the bus cannot be guaranteed.
Agenda:
Metra Pick Up:
11:45-12:00 The bus will pick you up from the train station if needed:
Schaumburg Metra NORTH LOT, Metra South Springinsguth Rd, Schaumburg
12:00 pm The bus will leave the Metra station
12:00 Meet at Olympic Park, 1675 Old Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
12:10 Exploration and Discussion at Olympic Park: 1675 Old Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
1:15 Drive to Ray Frazen Bird Sanctuary: 650 N Rohlwing Road, Itasca
2:30 Drive to McCollum Park: 6801 Main St, Downers Grove
4:00 Drive to Happy Hour tbd (children are allowed in the restaurant)
5:15 Leave Pierce Tavern
6:00 Drop off at Olympic Park and Schaumburg Metra Lot
LA CES Pending (3)
Questions? Contact education@il-asla.org
$25.00 Families (same price members/non members)
$15.00 Individuals (same price members/non members)
ABOUT THE PARKS:
Olympic Park
Located in Schaumburg and owned by the Schaumburg Park District, Olympic Park is undergoing improvements to its sports courts and athletic fields, with construction scheduled for completion on August 27, 2026.
The project incorporates a combination of artificial turf and natural sod to support a variety of athletic uses. The baseball infields feature artificial turf, while the outfields remain natural sod. To enhance stormwater management, a detention system was constructed beneath one of the soccer fields, providing additional capacity while making efficient use of the site.
The project team includes Gewalt Hamilton as engineer, FieldTurf for the artificial turf, and Team Reil as contractor.
Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary & Barking Lot Dog Park
The newly restored Itasca Park District property, the Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary & Barking Lot Dog Park provides a peaceful natural setting dedicated to bird habitat, wildlife observation, environmental education, and a playground. The sanctuary offers visitors an opportunity to experience native landscapes and connect with nature while supporting local biodiversity.
The site serves as an important refuge for birds and other wildlife within the community, creating habitat and providing a quiet destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and visitors interested in exploring the area’s natural environment.
RVi Planning worked with Itasca Park District as Hitchcock Design Group over many years on several phases of development.
McCollum Park
Located in Downers Grove and owned by the Downers Grove Park District, McCollum Park offers a diverse mix of recreational amenities designed to encourage active play, fitness, and community use. The park includes a playground, fitness and obstacle course, and a variety of sports courts and athletic fields.
The project team includes Upland Design, Forever Lawn Chicago, and D & J Landscape Inc.
