Steve Sadin

Melissa Curran is an environmental scientist with Stantec, is leading the effort to determine the best way to preserve the ravines and river well into the future.

The eco-challenge badge program is designed for families to create awareness of the environment around them.

Most events took place outside in a picnic environment with administrators grilling hot dogs, five food trucks and a stage where youngsters could dance to a deejay’s performance.

Since the program’s inception, 78 playthings have ridden around Waukegan with police officers.

The District 60 Board of Education unanimously approved a contract with OrganicLife on July 14.

Taylor Wegrzyn, the city’s director of economic and community development, said there are a variety of possibilities for mixed or commercial use.

The Rev. Lee Zachary Maxey, the pastor, said the church has held its back-to-school party every year since 2011.

Bringing residents to live in the area is a precursor to more businesses and additional population.