Need a cup of sugar? Come to Bolingbrook!
Written: Aug 17 '00 (Updated Aug 17 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Friendly, accessible town
Cons: It's going to get congested in a few short years
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| Barefooter's Full Review: Illinois |
Welcome to tonight's "Your Hometown" write off! Thanks to our host, Bobbie (IrishMa4), several of us are showcasing our towns tonight. When you're done reading all of these, you'll know more about pieces of America than you ever thought you would! Some may be future travel destinations to check out.
Check out the host's hometown feature: http://barefooter.epinions.com/trvl-review-24A2-8B34366-399C85E3-prod6
Other hometowns are featured under the following writers:
annexation, levda, jenninca, chelie11, Frani49, blollies, JulieinID, Lucky47, Elorraine,
saprswife, cheynasmom, benagee, Prepoia, francesca57, frazzledspice, amykhar, slicksbabe, Barefooter, kinganamort, momsworkinlate, ElmoTicle,
JenN2kids, BeanieRandy,
MeNMyZach, Gizzykat, CeltMom, foberswife,
Trawma, mom2twinz, endora60, Prncess, braggio, sunnydayM, KaraHoo, VeeZee, thinkerlady, nylawgirl,
KCFemme, laryan, BigJack, Redlass, jenb123, IrishMa4,
pmckay, jo.com, moderngypsy, file13, Y2JMcDohlm 29th_Candidate, disartain,
Dr_Steph, bootsers, MsBayLady, BeeCharmer, Kassie, driver4t5,
erin5oaks, jankp, menomonee1, Ahiggs, Elizajane
Here's a piece of America that I'd like to introduce to you: Bolingbrook, Illinois.
Remember "Old Chicago?" Some of you familiar with the area will remember the grandious indoor amusement park with a mall adjoined to it. "Old Chicago" was simply an idea before its time. Check out Mall of America-- those exact plans were envisioned for Old Chicago. The money and the people didn't materialize fast enough. Bolingbrook didn't have the hotels built to accomodate the crowds. Poof-- in a few years, Old Chicago was history.
Fast forward to Bolingbrook today: on the west side of town, business is booming. The east side is experiencing a wonderful renovation period similar to a barn raising. "If you build it, they will come." Sure enough, Bolingbrook is shedding its image as a bedroom community and is now home to name-brand businesses and expensive housing.
When we first moved to Bolingbrook, we sensed the snickers and invisible eyeball rolling among our friends. "You're moving where? There's nothing out there!" was the similar refrain when we announced the news.
I've got news for you... the friends are no longer snickering and they're coming out to Bolingbrook to shop!
Whereas 9 years ago, we had to go to Naperville or Joliet to shop for clothes or toys, now my AC in my car doesn't even blast cool air before I'm at a store. Kohl's, Target, Kmart and various smaller shops have hunkered down in Bolingbrook and are reaping the rewards of money pouring in. Meijer's, the place for frugal people frequently has to run their staff outside to keep up with the carts that are leaving the store.
Yes siree, Bolingbrook is growing! Need a job? Check out the huge business corridor with famous names like Tellabs and Home Depot. No more commuting to Chicago, heck-- you can draw a $100 grand plus salary right here. Ten minutes from your house to your cushy job-- who could ask for more?
True, Bolingbrook was built on sprawling farmland, so the trees are mighty young looking in the sharp subdivisions. But in the heart of Bolingbrook, is a wonderful forest preserve with lush trees and a bubbling river. Begin walking or riding on the path, and you'll lose yourself in a piece of nirvana that you thought wouldn't be possible in the middle of surburbia. The path ends at Hidden Lake-- where fishermen stand on the banks reeling in the catch of the day. The park district hosts day camps in this area, teaching kids about nature and respect for the natural surroundings.
Speaking of the park district-- Bolingbrook is home to the T-ball Capital of the World. Yup! Over 600 kids line up to kick off a parade that begins each season with much fanfare. The mayor and other head honchos show up every year and the parade is featured on cable television. The kids get quite a boost seeing themselves on tv. The games are also filmed and shown on cable.
People with disabilities love moving to Bolingbrook. Roger Claar, the mayor, is a wonderful advocate for access, and he has taken action to make Bolingbrook a leader in the field. Bolingbrook builders are now required to make their new homes accessible, so that people with disabilities can enjoy checking out and owning homes. The village is good about providing sign language interpreters upon request. They've installed TTYs in the village hall, library and park district for phone access.
What's unique about Bolingbrook is the small airport smack dab in the middle of the shopping center. My brother loves flying in for breakfast or dropping my niece off by plane. Talk about convenience!
A little slice of Bolingbrook is home to one of the best school districts in the state: Naperville 204. The preschool is one of only 7% of schools that are accredited in the country. Considering that Bolingbrook has lowered their tax base in the last several years, that's a slice of good news.
As I look out at my neighborhood, I'm really happy with what I see. There's a lot of cultural diversity surrounding me. A sense of community is something that's hard earned, and it's evident in Bolingbrook. The fire engine is always booked for block parties. The village hosts an annual picnic, and the entire meal is free.
If you're looking for an old-fashioned neighborhood where you can borrow a cup of sugar, then mosey on down to Bolingbrook. Heck, the neighbors are likely to toss you entire pound of sugar!
Recommended:
Yes
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Barefooter
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Member: Karen
Location: Chicago area
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"Life is too short to pout all the time."
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