COVER STORY | Fit & Happy Kids

It is a joy when we see our children fit and happy and enjoying all that life has to offer. Here, we highlight three local families whose children are active and healthy while still pursuing their current passion.

Strength, Speed and Fitness Riley and Brady McCann, Naperville

Naperville’s Fort Hill Activity Center is conveniently located near Ryan and Krista McCann’s home, which is great for their two teen boys who were looking to stay in shape for their various sports. Just over a year ago, Brady (15) and Riley (13) started the Center’s Teen Fitness University where they participate in three 60-minute sessions with a trainer to learn what equipment they should be using to train, how to use it properly, fitness etiquette and the benefits of the many other athletic activities they offer. Once the boys “graduated” from the program, they were eligible to become full-fledged members.

“I like to train at the Center to stay in shape for soccer,” says Brady. “I go almost every day after school unless I have soccer practice.” Riley also plays soccer as well as basketball at the school. He likes to train at the Center to work on his speed and fitness. “I usually go about three times a week, but I also like going to open gym to play basketball with my friends,” states Riley. Both boys have found that training on their own time has helped them improve in their sports and gives them that extra edge.

Photos by Mike Mantucca

Strength, Speed and Fitness

Riley and Brady McCann, Naperville

Naperville’s Fort Hill Activity Center is conveniently located near Ryan and Krista McCann’s home, which is great for their two teen boys who were looking to stay in shape for their various sports. Just over a year ago, Brady (15) and Riley (13) started the Center’s Teen Fitness University where they participate in three 60-minute sessions with a trainer to learn what equipment they should be using to train, how to use it properly, fitness etiquette and the benefits of the many other athletic activities they offer. Once the boys “graduated” from the program, they were eligible to become full-fledged members.“I like to train at the Center to stay in shape for soccer,” says Brady. “I go almost every day after school unless I have soccer practice.” Riley also plays soccer as well as basketball at the school. He likes to train at the Center to work on his speed and fitness. “I usually go about three times a week, but I also like going to open gym to play basketball with my friends,” states Riley. Both boys have found that training on their own time has helped them improve in their sports and gives them that extra edge.

​​It’s All About the Dance Megan, Allison, Shannon and Holly Neville, Naperville

For the past ten years, dance classes and dance recitals have been a major part of Kevin and Jennifer Neville’s lives. All four of their daughters have studied dance at the Naperville Park District starting at the age of five. Megan (15), the oldest, took ballet as her very first class, and a decade later, ballet is still the only type of dance she studies. Allison (12), Shannon (9) and Holly (9) have moved on from ballet and enjoy studying jazz technique. “We chose the Naperville Park District because they offered a large variety of dance classes and times which was helpful for our schedule,” says Jennifer. “The girls all love to dance, and we love what performing has done for their confidence.”

“The teachers are nice at the park district, and we get a lot of personal attention,” says Allison. Megan adds that they like meeting dancers from different schools who they may not have met if not for dance. “You get to show everyone what you have learned after practicing for months! Also, the costumes are cool,” Holly and Shannon chimed in. For Kevin and Jennifer, they are happy that their girls stay active and have fun while they do it.

Nerf War Hero Gus Pickelsimer, St. Charles

Marcie and Eric Pickelsimer enjoy bringing their kids to the different activities offered up by the St. Charles Park District. So, when their youngest son, Gus, was looking for a great party idea for his 10th birthday, he chose the park district’s Nerf Party. “He is obsessed with nerf guns, like every 10-year old boy, and it was a great option,” says Marcie.

The park district sets up shields and bases for nerf target practice, shooting drills, and undercover training exercises. “My favorite part was when we did the team fight,” says Gus. “It was an epic battle. My dad even joined in the fun.” The set-up is a great opportunity for kids to run around, be active, tire-out and enjoy using their imaginations. Besides the Nerf Party, Gus likes coming to the park district for their summer camps and to play mini-golf. Along with these fun activities, he stays fit and happy by being an avid soccer player. “It’s my favorite sport,” states Gus.

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