H&R Staff Report

DECATUR - The park leader program, which invites young people to spend their summer vacation afternoons and evenings in the city's parks, is offering new activities this year.

There will be wrestling instruction, sports competitions, close encounters with exotic pets, chess and checkers and reading and math instruction. Other activities include arts and crafts and games.

The young people will receive free lunch and snacks, courtesy of the Illinois State Board of Education.

Children must be old enough to care for themselves, or be accompanied by an older sibling who is responsible for them, through 18 years of age. Park leaders include college students, teachers and some mature high school students.

No advance sign-up is required.

The schedule is Monday to Friday, June 11 to Aug. 6, except Friday, July 4.

All of the 23 parks in the program will have afternoon hours, with 16 also having evening hours.

Call Mary Jane Hayes at 422-8535 for more information.

WEEK ONE

Decatur Park District "Getting to Know You Week" for the week of June 8 to 14:

Playgrounds open Wednesday, June 11:

n Noon to 4 p.m.: Baker Woods, Brush College, Coates, Cresthaven, Garman, Grant, Greenwood, Knights of Columbus.

n Noon to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Fans Field, Galloway, Garfield, Hess, Jasper, Lincoln, Monroe, Mueller, Spencer.

n Noon to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 9 p.m.: Johns Hill, Kiwanis, Lions, Oak Grove, Sinawik, South Shores.

n Noon to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 10 p.m.: Fans Field, Torrence.

All playgrounds will close 8 p.m. Fridays.

Bookmobile at Brush College 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 12.