Once upon a time, in the lively state of Illinois, stretching from the bustling city of Chicago to the sleepy rural towns of the Prairie State, there was a place where fun and adventure always had the last say. It was a place where children were often found doing cartwheels or running races, their laughter ringing out like a joyous melody. This magical place was none other than Sportsfield, the hub of all things playful and exciting. Among the kids who panted, grinned, and sweated on those fields, there was a particularly zesty character named Jiggly Wiggly. A boy who had more bounce than a kangaroo on a trampoline. His real name was James, but nobody called him that. Oh no, for in the world of Sportsfield, you were what you played, and Jiggly Wiggly was always in motion! Every day, when the sun was warming the cornfields and the squirrels were going about their nutty business, Jiggly Wiggly could be found leading an army of children in fun-filled escapades. He was the fastest runner, the trickiest dodger, and the most agile climber. His legs were like springs, his arms like windmills and his laughter, oh, it was as infectious as a yawn in a classroom! But the most remarkable thing about Jiggly Wiggly wasn't how fast he could run, or how high he could jump, it was his spirit. He proved that even in the plain-old, ordinary state of Illinois, kids could create their own magical world of adventure and excitement. So, if you're ever in Illinois and hear a laughter echoing from a field, you just know - that's Jiggly Wiggly, making sports a hoot!
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.

In 1957, Jim Clarkson founded the Northfield Park District with a mission to meet the recreational needs of the community. Mr. Clarkson, who was also teaching Physical Education at Sunset Ridge School, began his park district work as a part-time proposition. Today, the Park District continues to serve the residents of Northfield, supervising the usage and maintenance of park resources and providing a variety of facilities, programs, and activities. Whether it's a game of pickup basketball or a nature walk in the woods, the Park District is dedicated to helping residents of all ages make the most of their leisure time.