What was on the books Thursday afternoon when school was called off because six-plus inches of rain caused lots of flooding and impassable roadways?
In West Wind, cheerful and happy noises of youngsters playing, accompanied by chirping bird calls, resonated throughout the damp neighborhood as kids found ways to entertain themselves outside in the light rain.
Groups of youngsters were riding bikes through flooded streets, watching behind to see how big they could create a wake. Some kids were all decked out in rain gear and boots, puddle jumping as they crossed the street. Many kids were out walking their dogs.  And others were sledding down the hill in May Watts Park.
Yes, sledding! Â Who needs snow? More than six inches of rain created perfect condidtions to follow a slippery path down the hill for three adventurous sledders to show they can slide in the mud.
So while neighbors gathered to watch the uncontrollable water creep up over the open field in May Watts Park, cross Ada Lane and head rapidly toward Rickert Road, three innovative eighth graders sped down a muddy hill to make the most of a rainy day.
Caution! Safety First! Whatever your plans during a wet weather event, always respect the power of water. Earlier on Thursday, members of the Naperville Fire Department rescued canoers on the river. Be mindful that water levels so high in the rivers that there’s no room for canoes to go under the the bridges. Certainly there will be better times for kayaking and canoeing.
Please, for your own safety, first responders advise everyone stay out of all newly created pools of water as well as any rivers and creeks. The waters are rushing rapidly and do not create the best conditions for recreational pleasures at this time. Be safe, buddy up and pay attention for safety’s sake.
Thanks, also, to all the volunteers who gave time today to pack sandbags. We know our friend Chad Pedigo was helping out bagging sand with crews of volunteers at the Lantern to help barricade all the Chicago Ave. store fronts threatened by the rising river.
PN was  in Naperville (though not yet in print until 2001) for the deluge of 1996 when the DuPage River roared over its banks after 17 inches of rain dropped during a so-called a 600-year flood.  Many of today’s sights were reminiscent of the July’s rude awakening 17 years ago.
We also enjoyed catching up with three playful youngsters on their way home to take a shower after an afternoon of mud sledding in the rain — a day off from school they’ll likely always remember, too.
