Naperville Park District offers a variety of recreation activities and events to keep visitors of all ages entertained all summer long. Whether it’s building a sandcastle near the cool water or spending time with friends and family paddling away, you’re invited to enjoy some summer fun at the Naperville Park District’s historic Centennial Beach and Paddleboat Quarry.

Located near the heart of Downtown Naperville, these facilities continue to create long-lasting memories for residents and visitors alike every year – making these perfect “staycation” destinations.

The Paddleboat Quarry provides a unique experience where visitors can cruise on the water right in the middle of the suburbs. Located along the Naperville Riverwalk and adjacent to Rotary Hill, patrons can rent a paddleboat, kayak, or paddleboard for 20-minute or 40-minute rides. Grab your friends and explore every corner of the quarry as paddleboats and kayaks seat two to four people. If you want to go solo, enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding by yourself. Paddleboards and kayaks must be operated by individuals 13 years of age or older. Parents or guardians must accompany anyone under 18 years old. Rental fees are required.

Centennial Beach, located within a limestone quarry-turned-public swimming spot, has been one of the hottest summer sites in Naperville since 1931. Welcoming thousands of beach goers each year, visitors can wade peacefully in the zero-depth entry, dive into depths of up to 15 feet, play bags or sand volleyball, or cool off in the shade with a delicious ice cream cone from Centennial Grill. Whether you are searching for the perfect place to spend a summer day or seeking to be a Beach regular via seasonal membership, Centennial Beach can fit nicely into your summer agenda. Daily passes and season memberships are available for purchase at napervilleparks.org/centennialbeach.

The Florida Gators women’s team wrapped up their track and field season on Saturday by competing in the final day of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

On the final day of the competition, Florida had six athletes participate, adding 14 points for the Gators. After placing third in the NCAA Discus event in her freshman and sophomore years, Alida Van Daalen placed second in this year’s competition. Further, she recorded a throw of 64.94m, the best discus throw for a Gator in the history of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Sprinting up the leaderboard

Florida freshman Habiba Harris walked into the championship meet as the favorite for the competition; however, she suffered an apparent leg injury during the 4x100m relay that prevented her from finishing the race.

This was a big blow for the Gators as Habiba could not compete in the hurdles final due to the injury. Coming off the best finish from a Gator in the 100m since 2008, Anthaya Charlton placed 4th in the 100m sprint, finishing with a time of 11.19 and gaining five points for Florida.

Also, Gabrielle Mathews managed to place eighth in the 200m final. After placing eighth in the race, she was rewarded with First-Team All-American Honors. Mathews barely qualified for the finals as she was the last to earn a spot. Gabrielle managed to earn a point for the team.

First-Team All-American – Gabrielle Matthews

22.84 – good for eighth in the 200m Final!#GoGators pic.twitter.com/Db4fLeqDUb

— Gators Track and Field & Cross Country (@GatorsTF) June 15, 2025

Freshman debut

Freshman Asia Phillips competed in her first NCAA Championship event final and placed ninth in the Triple Jump competition. Despite being unable to earn a point for the Gators, she still had a strong outing in her debut by recording a jump of 13.13m that earned her a place on the All-American Second-team for the second time.

Eric Dane, who announced his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis in April, has revealed the first symptom he experienced about a year and a half ago.

“I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand, and I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” the actor, 52, explained to Diane Sawyer on “Good Morning America” Monday.

“I thought maybe I had been texting too much or my hand was fatigued. But a few weeks later, I noticed it had gotten a little worse.”

Dane said he went from one hand specialist to another, then to two neurologists. After nine months of doctors’ appointments, he finally received his “sobering” diagnosis.

Since then, Dane’s right arm — his dominant — has “completely stopped working.”

“And then your left arm is fine?” Sawyer, 79, asked.

“No, it’s going,” the “Grey’s Anatomy” alum replied, adding that he feels he has “a few more months” left of use of his left.

He’s also “worried” about his legs going next.

A few months ago, the father of two — a former competitive swimmer and water polo star — was on a boat trip with one of his teenage daughters, whom he shares with his on-again wife, Rebecca Gayheart.

When he jumped into the ocean, he quickly realized he “couldn’t swim or generate enough power to get [himself] back to the boat.” It was then that he had to accept, “I’m not safe in the water anymore.”

As his daughter “drag[ged]” him back to the boat, Dane was “breaking down in tears.”

“I was just heartbroken” he lamented.

Asked how “angry” the illness makes him, the “Euphoria” star responded sternly, “Very.”

He elaborated, “I’m angry because my father was taken from me when I was young, and now there’s a very good chance I’m going to be taken from my girls while they’re very young.”

(Dane’s dad died by suicide when the actor was 7.)

As he continues “fighting” the disease, which is largely “out of [his] control,” Dane plans to “spend time with [his] family and work a little bit — if [he] can.”

He made sure to note that he doesn’t believe this is “the end” of his story.

ALS, according to the ALS Association, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the eventual demise of motor neurons.

When the motor neurons die, the brain stops being able to initiate and control muscle movement, which can lead to the inability to speak, eat, move and breathe. There is no known cure.

The HBCU community is mourning the loss of a legend. Morehouse College has announced the passing of Thomas Wells, affectionately known as T.J., a longtime assistant coach and proud alumnus. Wells was a key figure in the success of Morehouse’s track and field and cross-country programs for nearly 40 years.

Coach Wells graduated from Morehouse in 1974. He was a two-sport athlete who played football and ran track. In 1987, he returned to campus as a coach. His energy, passion, and leadership helped shape generations of Maroon Tigers.

A Championship Legacy in HBCU Athletics

Coach Wells worked closely with Head Coach Willie Hill to build one of the most dominant programs in HBCU history. Together, they led Morehouse to 38 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championships. These titles spanned cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track and field.

Wells’ most recent achievement came in February 2025. The Maroon Tigers won the first-ever SIAC Indoor Track & Field Championship. That victory followed the 2024 SIAC Cross Country title. Under his leadership, Morehouse produced numerous All-SIAC athletes, NCAA qualifiers, and student leaders.

A Mentor and True Morehouse Man

“T.J. Wells was more than a coach—he was a cornerstone of our program,” said Athletic Director Harold Ellis. “He shared a vision for excellence that went beyond medals and trophies.”

Coach Willie Hill added, “Anybody can live. No one can live giving like Coach Wells. He was a true giver of life.”

Wells mentored young men with discipline, love, and purpose. His impact reached beyond athletics. He built a culture rooted in integrity, teamwork, and service. That culture still defines Morehouse athletics today.

A Life Dedicated to Service

In addition to coaching, Wells served his community. From 1973 to 1998, he worked as a Center Director for the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation. He also volunteered with Scouting America, mentoring youth across Atlanta.

Coach Wells lived with humility, dedication, and a belief in the power of education and sport. His commitment to Morehouse and the HBCU tradition was unmatched.

An Enduring Legacy in the HBCU World

Wells gave 38 years to Morehouse. In that time, he touched thousands of lives. His players remember him not just for wins, but for wisdom and heart.

Morehouse College will announce memorial details in the coming days. The community extends its deepest condolences to the Wells family, former athletes, and all who knew him.

Thomas Wells was a leader, a mentor, and a proud Morehouse Man. His legacy will live on through every athlete he inspired—and through every HBCU program that strives for excellence.

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