The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Anyone who has traveled along Kaneville Road in Geneva this summer has had the opportunity to admire the beautiful homes, wide-open athletic fields and vast prairies of Peck Farm Park nestled among them. And it’s very likely that some have wondered about the development of an immense structure on the north side of Kaneville Road that resembles a modern metal barn.

This 50,000-square-foot barn-like structure is the new Peck Farm Recreation Center being constructed on behalf of the Geneva Park District. Housing two indoor basketball courts, a complete fitness center, an indoor 3-lane walking/running track, separate men and women’s steam rooms, an indoor playground and multiple program rooms, this wonderful addition to the park district is expected to open mid-fall of this year.

Like many families in the area, the Hlava family has watched the construction of this new facility over the last several months. They regularly take morning walks along the trails surrounding Peck Farm Park in an effort to improve their health and enjoy the scenic views of the prairie. The Hlavas discovered Geneva through their occasional bike rides along the winding trails of the area. The warm, smiling faces of the many residents living here made them feel welcome, and for six years they have lived in Mill Creek, a development on the west side of Geneva.

The Hlavas saw roadside banners near the Peck Farm Recreation Center announcing the beginning of membership presales. It was a great opportunity for them to take advantage of the special pricing and extend their healthy lifestyle efforts. On the morning of the first day of membership sales, the couple decided to stop at the on-site office, which happened to be along their usual morning walk. When the couple arrived, the park district staff announced they were the first to participate in the presale event and were, therefore, the winners of a free Gold Membership pass to the new facility. This pass includes usage of all the amenities of both Peck Farm Recreation Center and the park district’s current center, Sunset Racquetball and Fitness. The couple was beside themselves with excitement!

Mrs. Hlava, who admitted that she was considering skipping her walk that morning, said her husband made the remark, “You see, the early bird really does get the worm.” Memberships can be purchased at either the on-site office located at Peck Farm Recreation Center or at Sunset Racquetball and Fitness Center.

This article first appeared in the September 2008 issue of eGeneva Magazine.