Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 3rd annual IPRA Park Pursuit on September 14 in Wrigleyville. With a course length of just over 8 miles, park and recreation professionals were given a true test of physical endurance. But working together as a team and having a great attitude got every single team across the finish line.

Congratulations to the winning team from the Downers Grove Park District - the “DG Detours” (picture). In second place was the team of “JBRA” from the Itasca Park District (picture). Rounding out third place, and getting the award for furthest distance traveled, was the Freeport Park District’s “The Pretzel City Pursuit” (picture). We can’t forget about our team with the best costume, the “A.T.L. Specials” from the Main-Niles Association of Special Recreation (picture).

During the Park Pursuit, teams followed clues and participated in challenges all throughout the Wrigleyville area, up and down the lake front, and for some…a little bit out of the way (view a map of the course).

• Teams had to complete a puzzle along the lake with three of the team members unable to contribute…just try to give direction;
• Find our “skipper” at the Belmont Harbor who had to notify teams that the “SS Minnow” capsized near the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary;
• There teams had to find the message in a bottle left by the SS Minnow crew for a treasure map to the next location;
• Then teams needed to find the X on the map where our friends at 9FM were helping us out;
• A decision had to be made then - picking a random clue card to either run the bases while spinning around a bat at each base or consecutively volleying a tennis ball without missing;
• Teams then headed to Wrigley Field where they needed to find a random person that had the next clue (those people were names on the commemorative bricks outside Wrigley…very tough challenge for most);
• Next teams raced to the Briar Street Theater to perform like the Blue Man Group and catch marshmallows for a 10′ distance;
• Nearing the end now, teams then headed to the School of Rock music studio where they had to do karaoke to mystery songs;
• Then finally everyone raced (or crawled) to the final destination, Redmond’s, for a well deserved reception.

Overall, the Park Pursuit was a great day to be with friends and colleagues, practicing what we preach…recreation. But it’s more than just fun and games…and some some muscles and blisters. Teams had to work together as a team…everyone got to meet new people and network a bit…and the whole event really just brought everyone together to enjoy what we do for a living - parks and recreation. Thanks again to everyone for having a great time and making the Park Pursuit another huge success. Visit the Park Pursuit picture gallery.
Thanks again to our wonderful sponsors!