For the first time ever, Minooka Park will open for a full week during spring break from Monday, March 16 through Sunday, March 22.

The park, which normally opens Friday through Sunday, will observe regular operating hours all week long from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

General admission will apply during spring break; however, Park Manager Gerald Arrington reminds park goers that there is no admission for walking, hiking and picnicking.

“We don’t charge anything for people to come walk, picnic and just enjoy the facilities,” Arrington said. “That’s free for everyone.”

As Minooka approaches the one-year anniversary of its grand opening March 14, park officials are planning several events this spring, including a poker run and a new activity that is yet to be announced.

Arrington said business is already picking up, as February’s attendance topped that of December and January.

“If we have a nice weekend, traffic really picks up,” he said. “We’re expecting March to be a big month.”

Although the park is closed Monday through Thursday, small groups of ATV and horseback riders may schedule midweek rides on a first-come, first-serve basis.

ATV trails cannot be used for horseback riding while the park is open, however, as mandated by the federal ATV grant, Arrington explained.

Trails designed exclusively for horseback riding are under construction, and more hiking trails are also in the works, he added.

The following is a list of admission prices:

All ATV/dirt bike riders: adults: $15 per day; ages 10 and under: $5 per day; groups of 10 or more or members of a legitimate riding club: $10 (riding pass includes all activities including fishing)

Fishing pass: includes hiking, fishing, and picnicking: adults $5

General admission for walking, hiking, and picnicking is free for all ages

Primitive camping: $10 per night

For more information, call 312-1376 or visit www.minookapark.org