Park district to celebrate Meadow Glens renovations
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated playground at Meadow Glens will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23.
New playground equipment at the park, 1303 Muirhead Ave., includes a 360 Loop with a ramp and slide, musical chimes and an accessible swing, the Naperville Park District said.
Outdoor fitness stations throughout the park also were renovated and include equipment with adjustable weights, suspension training, kettle bells and two recumbent bikes, the district said.
After the ceremony, light refreshments will be served.
In the case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Naperville Jaycee Paul DeKruiff, center, has been named a United States JCI senator, the highest honor for the Jaycees organization bestows. He is seen here with Illinois JCI Chairman of the Board Andi Whalen, from left, Illinois JCI Administrative Vice President Megan O’Brien, Illinois JCI President Lanna Bartko and Naperville Chapter President Dennis Chase. (Naperville Jaycees)
Naperville Jaycee Paul DeKruiff named U.S. JCI senator
Paul DeKruiff, a Naperville Jaycee member who manages the Jaycees Labor Day Parade, has been awarded the designation of United States JCI senator, the highest honor for the organization.
DeKruiff joins more than 8,000 senators from across the country and is one of only three in the Naperville Jaycees, a news release said.
The honor is given to recognize outstanding service, the release said.
DeKruiff previously served as executive director of the Last Fling in 2005 and was the organization president in 2008.
He is vice president of acquisitions for Redwood Living. He has been a past Rotary board member and shelter leader for DuPage PADS and is a current legislative committee member of the Chicago Apartment Association, the release said.
Night for Nature to benefit DuPage forest preserves
A Night for Nature, a fundraiser to benefit the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Danada House at the Danada Forest Preserve, 3S501 Naperville Road, Wheaton.
The evening will feature small plates, drinks and desserts, and the band Big Sky Acoustic will perform. Guests can take wagon rides throughout the preserve and enjoy the fall scenery, a news release said.
A Night for Nature is hosted by the district and its nonprofit partner, Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Tickets are $100 per person and guests must be at least 21 years old.
A silent auction is open to attendees and those who cannot attend. Registration opens Sept. 12 and includes nature-based experiences such as a ride-along with a district ranger and an opportunity to witness a rehabilitated animal release with wildlife experts.
Proceeds support the protection of native plants and animals and the restoration of habitat in the DuPage County preserves. For tickets and silent auction registration, go to www.dupageforest.org/friends.
KidsMatter plans volunteer fair at Fort Hill Activity Center
More than 20 Naperville area nonprofit organizations will seeking volunteers at the 22nd annual KidsMatter volunteer fair being held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville.
The fair helps connect community members with groups that need volunteer help. Among them are nonprofits that work with nature, children, animals and people with special needs.
Registration is not needed to attend. For more information, go to www.kidsmatter2us.org/volunteerfair.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/11/naperville-park-meadow-jaycee-dekruiff-kidsmatter-jobs/