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Commission gives youth a place to play
Harwood Heights
Youth Commission
Winter program schedule
Programs are open to both boys and girls.
Early registration will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, in Village Hall, 7300 W. Wilson Ave.; parents or guardians also may register their children at Village hall. Deadline dates vary.
Call 708-867-7200 for more information.
• Beginning floor hockey for kindergarteners through second grade
When: 6:30 p.m. Fridays starting Jan. 11
Where: Union Ridge School, 4600 N. Oak Park Ave.
Registration fee: Residents $35; Non-residents $45
• Advanced floor hockey for grades 6-8
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays starting Jan. 11
Where: Union Ridge School
Fee: Residents $35; Non-residents $45
• Winter dodge ball for youth ages 10-15
When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Feb. 6
Where: Union Ridge School
Fee: Residents $30; Non-residents $40
Updated: January 7, 2013 7:06AM
HARWOOD HEIGHTS — Opportunities to play organized sports are far and few between for some Harwood Heights youth.
The east portion of the village is not in the Norridge Park District’s boundaries.
Stepping in to fill that void is the Harwood Heights Youth Commission.
Union Ridge School provides the space for the commission’s sports programs.
The school district often works with the village to provide recreational outlets, said Superintendent John Kosirog. It is seeking money to build a new playground and garden that will be open to the community.
Lisa Wilcenski, coordinator of the Harwood Heights Youth Commission, said the group is dedicated to providing recreational opportunities for neighborhood youth.
During colder months, the commission hosts indoor activities.
“The types of programs we offer changes with the seasons,” Wilcenski said. “We just finished with volleyball and basketball. Now we’re offering hockey and dodgeball.”
Registration began Wednesday.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adolescent physical activity improves strength and endurance, helps control weight and reduces anxiety and stress.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends children ages 6 through 17 get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Most of that activity should be aerobic, of moderate to vigorous intensity.
Youngsters also should include bone-strengthening, weight-bearing activities three times a week.
The CDC also recommends parents lead by example. They can add physical activity to their daily routine, such as by taking after-dinner walks and bringing beach balls, kites and jump ropes on vacation.
