The best gift my mom ever gave me was growing up in Oak Park.  The late 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s in this city were filled with family, friends, fun, and freedom.  All of us who grew up here know exactly what I’m talking about. We had neighborhood kids as best friends, the park was our playground, and the pool was the place to be.  Every week we listened to a variety of concerts at the Music in the Park program, and we watched hundreds of games at the ball diamonds every year.  The library was the best place to be, especially on hot days.  We would cool off, check out some books, and participate in the Summer Reading Program.

But summer really started with the Ethnic Festival, and the Funfest, which lasted for about 10 days, leading up to the 4th of July.  Everyone was at the park on the 4th of July!  We decorated our bikes with red, white, and blue streamers, taped flags to our handlebars, and wore red, white, and blue clothes to match, and proudly rode our bikes in the parade.  After the parade, we stayed in the park all day, eating junk food, playing games, buying things we didn’t need, and hanging out with our friends.   There was no better place to be than Oak Park.

I treasure every memory.   I believed that the best days of Oak Park were in the past.  I mean, what could possibly compare to our “Wonder Years” Oak Park childhood?  Well, this spring I realized that as wonderful as the past was, the present is even better.  Oak Park has become even better than it was before, and I love this city even more.  That’s why this blog, Oak Park Connections, is back for good now.  I want to share everything that is going on, all the stories, all the connections, all the news about everything Oak Park with those of you who share the memories and want to join in the fun, even if from afar.  So come on with me. Tomorrow is the 4th of July, and I’ll be at the park (Shepherd Park, aka Oak Park Park) watching the parade, seeing old friends and neighbors, hanging out in the park, just like always.  I can’t wait.

I didn’t tell you what’s new yet, did I?  Come back, and I’ll tell you all about the Sherman Summer Pop Up Park, the Public Safety Ice Cream truck, the almost daily events at the library, the upgrades at the Oak Park Pool,  Summerfest, the OPHS Reunion Picnic Part 1 and Part 2 (because one is just not enough for OPHS alumni!!) and MUCH more!!  If you love Oak Park, please subscribe, and keep checking back.  I have photos, stories,  and more to share.  Let’s reconnect, and notice just how connected we all are, no matter where we are now, we are Oak Parkers forever.  #OP4Life #ForeverOakParkGirl