With so many features, Downers Grove Swim & Racquet Club is something to look into. The Club has nine tennis courts, three swimming pools, locker rooms, snack bar, shuffle board and the list goes on. Check the social events for something you might enjoy, like a movie night or potluck dinner. Check out Downers Grove & Swim Racquet Club to see how you can become a member.
Cary Gymnastics and Dance Center is dedicated to enhancing the sport of gymnastics and dance for every participant in a positive manner. It provides a safe and educational environment.
Looking for that extra edge against your competition? EFT Sports Performance works with athletes to maximize their workouts and tailor their bodies to their chosen sport. EFT offers services to the highest caliber of sportsmen, including Chicago-area professionals, but also serves high school students looking to make the team or nab that scholarship. EFT's NFL programs feature pre-draft and offseason programs, and the quarterback scoach has trained 82 starting varsity quarterbacks (6 All-State, 10 D-1). Basketball and baseball specialists are available and programs can be customized for skaters, hockey players, runners, and nearly any other high-level athlete.
This family ice arena contains an NHL rink and an international rink. The skate school offers many skating programs teaching parents, tots, teens and adults alike how to skate. There is also an introduction to hockey class for youth's ages 3 to 12 years old. Public skate and rental skates are available.
In collaboration with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, volunteers have maintained a tennis oasis since 1924 at the corner of Lake Street and Harlem Avenue for all to enjoy. Season passes and usage fees cover all operating expenses. Newly renovated for 2010, players of all skill levels are welcome to experience nine state-of-the-art clay courts. For a day trip, make lunch in the kitchen and relax at a picnic table or in the clubhouse. Entrance is off of Bonnie Brae, and the facilities are open May 15 - Oct 1.
Yorkville's Excel Driving School offers classes on safe and courteous driving through education and experience for youth and adults. Complete courses include classroom instruction, driving time and in-car driving observation, but behind-the-wheel only classes are also offered to adults. Excel's Yorkville location is only open during scheduled classes. The main office is in Naperville, Illinois.
The Iron Oaks Environmental Learning Center is a 37-acre nature preserve in which the main focus is environmental education and outdoor recreation. A joint project between the Homewood-Flossmoor Park Distric and Olympia Fields Park District, it is open to the public for group outings, outdoor classroom education, corporate outings, team building and private events. Indoor facilities include room rentals and The Discovery Center, which are available for birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, weddings, student groups, corporate seminars and presentations. Iron Oaks is open year around.
The iWireless Center is the main multi-purpose arena in the Quad Cities area. Located along the banks of the Mississippi River in Moline, Ill., the arena hosts hockey and basketball games, in addition to concerts from some of the nation's biggest acts.
iWireless Center Parking
Parking is widely available at the iWireless Center. The main parking lot is located adjacent to the area, while an additional parking structure sits across River Drive from the facility. For events, parking runs anywhere from free to $10. City lots are also available further away from the iWireless Center, but there are typically enough spaces in the arena lots to make that the better option.
Hotels Near iWireless Center
The most convenient option is the Radisson on John Deere Commons, which is just a short walk away from the iWireless Center. Plenty of options are also available across the river in Davenport, Iowa, where there are three high-end hotels (Isle Hotel, Hotel Blackhawk, Comfort Inn and Suites) with reasonable prices.
Seating at iWireless Center
For the best sight lines in sporting events and concerts, check out the seating along the sidelines, which gets visitors close to the action without paying dearly. For family-friendly deals, go to the 200-level, where there are usually good deals on tickets.
Food at iWireless Center
The food is pretty generic at the iWireless Center with options like burgers, brats and pizza. One specialty, though, is Whitey's Ice Cream, which is a local company and a novelty within Iowa and Illinois.
Beer at iWireless Center
The iWireless Center offers a modest selection of beer with brands like Leinenkugel's and Coors, but certain stands do offer some local microbrews. Prices are pretty reasonable, ranging from $3-8.
Parking Alternatives at iWireless Center
The MetroLINK bus system has a hub near the iWireless Center, so there are multiple routes that drop off in front of or near the arena. There are a couple taxi companies that run there.
What to Bring to iWireless Center
Being an indoor arena, there is no need to bundle up or use sunscreen. However, seat cushions are a good thing to bring along, as only certain seats have cushioning.
Insider Tip for iWireless Center
If you're going to the concession stands, be sure to get the Whitey's Ice Cream for just a couple dollars (usually $2-3). Not only is it rated as one of the best ice cream companies in the nation, but it is a very good value.
Author's bio: Michael Benson is a life-long Illinois resident and an avid traveler throughout the Midwest.
Adams School of Driving has been helping people in Chicagoland learn how to drive since 1946. Teen programs meet graduation requirements with classroom only and behind-the-wheel instruction. Adult programs consist of private tutoring and testing in an Adams car according to the client's needs. Free pick-up and drop-off at home, work or school is provided. In addition to basic highway driving, winter, night, rain and road construction driving lessons are also available.
