Jaycees Smart Park Groundbreaking
The Naperville Jaycees Park is ready for residents. With outdoor WiFi and charging stations, the “smart park” will provide an outdoor workspace along the Riverwalk. Solar panels on the roof of the adjacent Municipal Center will power the park. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication at 5 p.m. tomorrow to celebrate the Naperville Jaycees Park.
State Legislative News
In state legislative news, Illinois lawmakers voted to legalize recreational marijuana on Friday. Naperville’s 21st District State Senator Laura Ellman and 81st House District Representative Anne Stava-Murray voted in favor of the bill, while 41st House District Representative Grant Wehrli voted against. The bill now goes to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk for signing. Naperville city councilmembers Patty Gustin and Kevin Coyne are hosting an event on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the municipal center to discuss the legalization.
Legislators also voted to double the state’s gas tax from 19 cents to 38 cents per gallon. The increase will make Illinois’ gas tax burden the second-highest taxed state in the country. That tax will go into effect on July 1, and will help pay for a $45 billion infrastructure plan, which was passed on Saturday.
Kite Festival
It was perfect weather yesterday for the 13th annual Frontier Kite Fly Festival Kick Off to Summer at the Frontier Sports Complex. The Naperville Park District and KidsMatter hosted the event. It featured tons of family fun, including music, bounce houses, and of course, a sky full of kites. One new addition was a police versus fire department obstacle course race, won by the boys in blue. But an old favorite could be seen in the blue skies overhead, as the gigantic kites from the folks at Chicago Kite stole the show.
High School Championships
It was a championship weekend for Naperville high school sports this past Saturday. The Neuqua Valley boys lacrosse team took down Glenbard West in impressive fashion by a score of 16-7 to win the state third place trophy, the best finish in school history.
Benet Academy girls soccer stunned Wauconda with a last minute goal and another in overtime to win the 2A state championship by a score of 2-1. It’s the first ever girls soccer championship for the Redwings.
Later that night, Naperville North girls soccer upset the two time defending state champs from Barrington 3-1 in penalty kicks to win the class 3A state title. Senior Maddie Schlecht knocked home the game winner after two big saves from goalie Amanda Johnson. The Huskies earned their fourth state championship trophy and first since 2013.
