The City of DeKalb put a study together on how to revitalize the Annie Glidden North neighborhood on the city’s northwest side and then created “Opportunity DeKalb” to put it into action. Chad Glover is Executive Director of the non-profit economic revitalization organization and was this week’s Rotary keynote speaker. He said the area happens to house one out of every three school age children in DeKalb and Police Chief David Byrd said he wanted some type of summer-long programming to get children and families into nearby Welsh Park. A Tuesday night “Fun Jam in the Park” was the outcome.
Glover said “Fun Jam” features live jazz music, food, and games. He said highlights include a live reptile show, card games, and board games. Various Northern Illinois University sports teams and local civic clubs show up to interact with youths and their families. Glover said events are held from 5-7 PM every Tuesday during June and July. Based on the popularity of the events the past couple of years, Glover said attendees are asked to bring “an open chair” to meet and share with another person to help build a feeling of community. Details may be found on their website: www.OpportunityDeKalb.com.