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Thornton Township brings 14th ‘Days in the Park’ to Lansing

by Melanie Jongsma

LANSING, Ill. (July 15, 2019) – Friday afternoon, July 12, brought some relief from the sweltering humidity that had hovered over Lansing earlier in the week. So people were glad to gather in the main pavilion at Lan-Oak Park from 4:00–7:00pm for a generous picnic provided by Thornton Township. For 14 years, the Township has been hosting Days in the Park in all 17 of their municipalities throughout the summer.

In the shade of the pavilion, Lansing gathered and socialized. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Larry Lawrence is a Program Manager with Thornton Township. He emceed the picnic as well as organizing the youth who set up and helped serve. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Ms. Trysh—of America’s Got Talent (2018) fame—entertained the crowd with a number of R&B songs. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Larry Lawrence (left) convinced Trustee Maureen Grady-Perovich to join him in serving as Pips to Ms. Trysh’s Gladys Knight number. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Youth from the Thornton Township STEM program served hot dogs, turkey dogs, burgers, and brats. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Kids jumped in the bounce house while waiting for supper to begin. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Face painting added to the fun. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
South Suburban College had a table in the shade where they offered giveaways and information. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Illinois Horse Rescue brought a variety of animals for the kids to meet. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
The llama was a particular favorite. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
The goats were at eye level for the younger kids. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
A couple of ponies grazed in the trailer. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)

As clean-up began, generations enjoyed line dancing together:

Days in the Park was the brainchild of Thornton Township Supervisor Frank M. Zuccarelli, who wanted to give communities an opportunity to enjoy summer traditions together.

Lan-Oak Park, Lansing’s largest park, is located at 180th Street and Arcadia Avenue.

Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.