Sports
Rec Sports: Meet Uncle Joe at the Junction
With mini-golf and batting cages, Tinley Park residents take advantage of the The Tinley Junction's summer operations.
With the temperatures rising to blistering heights and the area kids recently cut from the confines of school, summer is now in full swing for the residents of Tinley Park.
For those who want to safely put this past winter in their rear-view mirror and enjoy the sun and outdoors, there are a plethora of leisurely options.
One such place is the Tinley Park Park District’s Tinley Junction. Located off 169th Street and 80th Avenue, the Junction offers mini-golf, batting cages, a sand volleyball court and is within walking distance from a biking trail and skatepark.
Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Anne Davis of Tinley Park enjoys taking her kids to the Junction.
“It’s just something we can all take advantage of as a family," she said. "It’s a fun place for me to take the kids, and they seem to enjoy it, something we can all have fun doing together."
Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Assistant Manager and recent Ball State University graduate Ray Wilk is in his seventh summer working at the Tinley Junction. Wilk, who earned his degree in architecture, said he enjoys working at the Junction because he likes working outside in the summer.
Wilk said the best time to be there is on the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
“Fourth of July is our busiest time,” Wilk said. “Crowds of people come in for live music, grilling out and activities and games. A fireworks show caps off the event once the sun sets.”
Fresh out of school, Tinley Park’s Lauren Qualizza was there Wednesday to mini-golf with her mom, younger sister and a friend from school.
"I really like the hole with the giraffe,” Qualizza said.
This came as no surprise to Wilk.
“I think the giraffe hole is everyone’s favorite.” he said. “I’m always having to yell at the kids who try to ride it.”
The Tinley Junction opens in late-April and closes doors in early-September. The Junction hosts birthday parties and events, and it offers group packages at a discounted rate. Now, with school out of session, children from the park district camps are known to make use of the Junction on weekday mornings.
