Quincy parks open this weekend as Park District looks to further expand offerings

QUINCY — When Mike Bruns started as director of program services for the Quincy Park District nearly 30 years ago, they supported more than 300 adult softball teams and provided youth programs in baseball, softball, and tennis. 

“We are starting to get into lacrosse,” Bruns said.

Lacrosse?

“This summer we are going to try a league.”

Ok, then.

Over those three decades since Bruns moved from the Quincy Family YMCA to the Park District, some programs have faded in popularity. For example, slo-pitch softball participation is a fraction of what it used to be.

But other programs have taken off.

The Quincy Park District offers youth programs in soccer, mountain biking, fishing, and swim lessons for babies. For adults, there are still a variety of fitness programs, pickle ball, and disc golf. Plus, special features like “Movies in the Park” and a kite flying event.

One of the crown jewels of the Quincy Park District is the Kiwanis Centennial Playground. A cooperative effort among all three local Kiwanis clubs and the Park District and located in Lincoln Park next to the Park District headquarters on Bonansinga Drive. The playground opened in 2015, the same year the Kiwanis celebrated their 100^th anniversary.

According to Bruns, the park is “adapted to kids of all needs … physically or mentally. We knew we needed to do something … plus the community was asking for it.”

At the time of its opening, the closest all-inclusive parks were in St. Louis or Peoria.

The Park District will be adding a new nature trail heading east. Guided tours are available. “We have instructors that lead the tour … a lot of families come and its absolutely free.”

For more information on the Quincy Park Districts offerings, head to www.quincyparkdistrict.com.

Parks officially open April 2.  And, yes, parents … good news … the restrooms will be open.