COVER STORY
I admit it. I spend waaaay too much time looking at my phone, my laptop, and my tv screen.
At this time of year, when I realize that summer is already half over, I often find myself thinking about that line from Mary Oliver’s amazing poem, The Summer Day: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
I don’t want to spend it staring at my cellphone, that’s for sure. So I’m looking forward to taking part in the fifth annual Unplug Illinois Day this Saturday, July 15.
The Unplug Illinois campaign was created by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association to encourage people to “unplug” from their electronic devices and recharge their minds and spirits by spending time in our state’s beautiful parks and recreation areas. The Glen Ellyn Park District will host an Unplug Illinois event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road. You’re invited to show up and take part in games, craft projects, and other tech-free activities. The event is free to all. (You’ll want to check the Park District’s weather hotline on Saturday morning if it looks like rain.)
Keep in mind that you don’t need to attend a special event to take part in Unplug Illinois Day. You can have a picnic at Lilacia Park in Lombard, play a game of tennis at Lisle’s Community Park, enjoy the playground at Doerhoefer Park in Downers Grove, or visit Naperville’s newest park, Naper Commons. Whatever you do, try to carve out a couple of hours to turn off your screens, get outside, and have fun!