Blessing open to all pets Saturday in Rolling Meadows

There're not allowed at the Sunday service, but pets of all types can get a blessing of their own at Rolling Meadows church event Saturday.

The Rev. Ben Bergren started the pet blessing tradition at Trinity Lutheran last year. "People love their pets like family members, so why not give a blessing on the animals?" he said. "We were amazed at how many came out."

Saturday's event consists of the blessing given by Bergren at noon followed by lunch for the owners. Dogs can play in a fenced-in area, and a veterinarian and representatives from a local pet rescue will be on hand. Each owner will receive a "certificate of blessing" to take home.

The event is free and open to the public. The church is at 3201 Meadow Drive.

Last year about 60 animals and their owners attended, including dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, snakes and even a racehorse. (OK, the owner just brought a picture of the horse for the blessing. Incidentally, the horse took first place in its next race - you be the judge.)

Make a play date: The new playground at Florey Park is taking shape, and soon the pitter patter of little feet will be heard.

Actually, the patter will be muffled because of a special surface under the equipment. It consists of interlocking rubber squares that cushion falls but also allow wheelchairs and strollers to glide over them.

"It'll be a terrific safety feature, plus it won't get muddy," said Bill Cooley, a parks commissioner who became involved with the playground renovation when neighborhood planning meetings were held more than two years ago.

At 19 years old, the previous play structure was outdated and and didn't meet today's standards. The new equipment includes slides of varying lengths, a roller slide, swings, a climbing area and sun shades, Cooley said. In addition, the two nearby tennis courts and basketball court have been resurfaced.

With three young children of his own, Cooley is excited about the park's opening in a couple of weeks.

Amy Charlesworth, executive director of the Rolling Meadows Park District, is planning a park re-dedication, most likely on a Saturday in mid-July, though the playground may open a few days before that.

"As soon as the fences around it are down, the kids will be playing," she said, "and we can't wait for that."

Florey Park, formerly known as Campbell Park, is north of Campbell Street on both sides of Salt Creek. Included in the park's renovation is a new picnic pavilion on the east side of the creek. It features educational signs and sculptures about animal life and the history of the area.

With this project about wrapped up, the park district already is looking to its next task: renovation of South Salk Park playground, located south of the pool complex.

Colleen Thomas welcomes your news about community events and people. Call (847) 427-4591, or e-mail her at cthomas@dailyherald.com.