Solar panels have been installed on the roof of the new shelter area next to the 19th Hole at Baker Park. [Photo by Mike Berry]

A busy summer lies ahead in Kewanee’s parks, with activities ranging from a fishing rodeo to a free movie in the park.

Andrew Dwyer, executive director of the Kewanee Park District, gave an overview of projects and programs coming up in the parks.

Within a few weeks, Dwyer said, work will be completed on the new outdoor seating area at the Baker Park clubhouse.

The concrete floor is in place and the roof has been built. A solar array has been installed on the roof, and is already providing power for the 19th Hole restaurant. 

More solar panels have been installed on the roof of the park district offices across 11th Street from the clubhouse building.

The new outdoor facility will include gas fire pits and electrical connections that will allow for musical performances and other activities. Seating has been ordered and is ready to be set up, which will provide an opportunity for people to dine or gather while looking over the golf course.

Also in the works is a revamping of the tennis court at Windmont Park.

Dwyer said requests for proposals from contractors for the work will go out soon.

The project will include resurfacing the tennis court, putting up basketball hoops and providing facilities for converting the tennis court into up to four pickleball courts.

Some of the fencing around the courts will be removed and new lighting will be installed.

Dwyer said he expects that work will be completed sometime before the end of summer.

Several programs for young people are planning in the parks this summer.

There are also the usual park programs for young people. Dwyer said he hopes the Oasis Family Aquatic Center can be opened by Memorial Day, and baseball and soccer programs are gearing up.

Last year, Dwyer said, record numbers of kids participated in soccer, and he’s hoping more than 400 boys and girls will sign up to play baseball and softball.

Also on the schedule:

— The annual fishing rodeo will be held June 1 at Windmont. Once again this year, Oldeen Roofing is donating catfish to provide plenty of opportunities for kids to make a catch.

— Youth golf clinics are scheduled for the weeks of June 3 and July 15. The two-week clinics are free, but kids must bring their own clubs.

A family movie sponsored by IHMVCU will be shown on the evening of June 8 at Northeast Park.

— The movie in the park at Northeast Park on June 8 will be The Super Mario Brothers Movie. The movie, sponsored by the International Harvester Mississippi Valley Creidit Union, is free; moviegoers should bring their own seating.

— The annual Special Needs Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon June 10-14 at the Windmont Park shelterhouse.

— Youth golf league will run Wednesdays from June 12 to July 24. There will be three age divisions.

— Day Camps will be held the weeks of June 24 and July 22 at Windmont, and will include a session at the Oasis pool and a field trip.

— Tennis camp will be held July 8-15 at Northeast Park.

More details on any of these programs are available at the park district office, (309) 852-2872; and on the park district’s Facebook page.