Saybrook neighborhood: A great place for kids
"A Great Place for Kids" is the motto for the Saybrook neighborhood's Beebe Elementary School, but it might as well apply to the entire community, with its parks, competitive schools, sidewalks and safe atmosphere. Mature trees point to the age of the subdivision, which residents estimate to be more than 40 years old.
• Saybrook neighborhood
"It's peaceful, lots of neighbors to talk with. Friendly. I came for a larger house, larger yard."
Bob Korlling, resident
"We moved here when I was 1-1/2. It's really safe and clean. Everyone is friendly; everyone knows each other. It's a small community."
Gracie Niemiro, resident
The Garden Club's Kathleen Seeger moved to Saybrook in April 2001. "It's a great neighborhood," she said. "It's one of the older subdivisions for Naperville. The parks and school are like a meeting point for people, (whether it's) soccer, T-ball practice or going to the park with kids. It's definitely a great place to live."
• Population: 845, according to CityData.com
• Area: 0.252 square miles, according to CityData.com
• Pace bus No. 681 serves Saybrook
• Neighborhood served by the Saybrook Homeowners Association
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1. Beebe Elementary School: Now in its 53rd year, Beebe Elementary is part of Naperville School District 203. Beebe is named for former Superintendent Ralph E. Beebe, who served from 1927 to 1958. The student population has more than doubled from the 318 students it had in 1955 to about 775 students. The K-5 grade school also features child care through the Heritage YMCA's Safe 'n' Sound program. Beebe Bobcats have access to a rock-climbing wall in the gym.
How to get there: Take Ogden Avenue to Washington Street. Turn north on Washington and turn right at 11th Avenue, which takes you to Beebe Elementary at 110 E. 11th Ave.
2. Jefferson Junior High School: Home of the Patriots, the school is also part of Naperville School District 203. Enrollment for Jefferson is 922. The average class size, according the 2008 Illinois School Report Card, is 20.7 for sixth grade, 26.6 for seventh grade and 23.9 for eighth grade. Jefferson offers myriad programs, including athletics, band, builders club, chorus, LRC student volunteers, newcomers club, orchestra, Patriot Press, student council, peer mediators and tree-huggers.
How to get there: Jefferson Middle School is accessible by taking Washington Street north to Bauer, right (east) to Loomis, north to 1525 N. Loomis St.
3. The Saybrook Bath & Racquet Club: It offers guests swim lessons, water polo and tennis. The facility opened its doors in 1962, according to Manta.com. Home to the Saybrook Sharks, the Bath & Racquet Club is a recreation club with a close community atmosphere. The Sharks' Kick Off Party and Parent Meeting will take place at 6 p.m. May 31 at Saybrook Pool, and the summer practice schedule begins June 4.
How to get there: Take Ogden west to Washington. Turn north on Washington, and take that to 12th Avenue, where you will be greeted by signs bearing the Saybrook name. Just past these signs, on your right, is the Saybrook Bath & Racquet Club, 10 E. 12th Ave.
