Putting Chicago playgrounds back into play

CHICAGO | Moments on the playground are often vivid childhood memories: the pungent smell of fresh mulch beneath feet, the squeak of bare legs on a slide, tennis shoes gripping a metal ladder, pauses for breath after a game of tag.

Scouts focus on water safety

Pictured are the Cub Scouts of Pack 773, enjoying the water at Mann Park Pool in Hegewisch.

Scouts focus on water safety

Cub Scouts of Pack 773 took advantage of their community resources by moving their regular meeting Jan. 18 into the Chicago Park District Pool at Mann Park in Hegewisch.

Historic preservationist tells history of area parks in new book

In the 1830s, Chicago, though still a village, had aspirations not only to become a city, but one with glorious parks as well.

Grant Park looks ugly for the holidays, but redesign aims for a natural wonderland

Peggy Denny, 58, born and raised in Chicago, had to stop midway across the BP Bridge when she realized Grant Park was missing its trees. She said she was optimistic about the park's future.

Grant Park looks ugly for the holidays, but redesign aims for a natural wonderland

CHICAGO | Last week's tree plucking of northern Grant Park marked the most drastic change so far in a planned $55 million reconstruction, baring the unfamiliar epidermis of a park that once was.

Eat right, be active with Chicago Park District

The kids took part in physical activity through a game of tag.

Eat right, be active with Chicago Park District

Children at Humboldt Park's field house learn about nutrition with Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion

Eat right, be active with Chicago Park District

CHICAGO | Every Wednesday, kids of all ages from the Humboldt Park community gather after school at their local park field house for physical activity and nutrition education run by the Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion.

Chicago children can have a field day with new turf in local parks today

Children play soccer at Kilbourn Park on Chicago's Northwest Side. The Chicago Park District is set to put in new turf at 10 parks by next year.

Chicago children can have a field day with new turf in local parks today

CHICAGO | A million dollars might not be what it used to be, but it still can buy a lot of things: an exclusive Italian sports car, a luxury Swiss watch or maybe a condo in the Chicago Loop.

OFFBEAT: Chicago Parks Dept. reminds not all 'Movies in the Park' nights are gone

Philip Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

WATCH AND WAIT

ROLL IT - - Even though the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival has ceased, the Chicago Park District will continue to sponsor Chicagoland neighborhood "Movies in the Park" with free admission events during the 2010 summer. (Times File Photo)