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Arts and Leisure: Cultural Events Indicator DuPage County is rich in arts and leisure attractions.
ABOUT THE INDICATOR The Tapestry 2001 report presented data on the attendance at local arts events and institutions located in neighboring Cook County. Data specific to DuPage County were not available. This new chart lists the variety and number of major arts and leisure attractions in DuPage. This indicator is important because it shows the breadth of events and activities available to enhance the cultural lives of DuPage County residents. OBSERVATIONS DuPage County has close to 50 major attractions ranging from family-related entertainment venues to cultural attractions and institutions. Family attractions include Illinois’ largest indoor roller coaster, one of the state’s largest movie theater complexes (featuring more than 30 screens and stadium seating), and a five-story tall, seven-story wide IMAX theatre screen that features educational and recreational films in both 2-D and 3-D. In addition, residents can enjoy musicals, plays, dinner theatres, concerts, family shows, ballet or other dance performances, and comedy acts at several performing arts venues. Among DuPage County’s cultural attractions are various historical sites, and more than 30 museums or other attractions to further residents’ knowledge in the areas of art, history, heritage, design and creativity, religion, and science. For example, tours of two high-tech scientific research facilities, FermiLab and Argonne National Laboratories, offer education on subjects such as matter and energy. And the Billy Graham Center Museum in Wheaton features religious artifacts, art, and other displays. DuPage County also houses a 1,700-acre museum of trees (The Morton Arboretum), a premiere wildlife sanctuary, and numerous seasonal attractions. Other outdoor attractions include 24,000 acres of land and more than 80 miles of nature trails. TAPESTRY DuPage County enjoys a more affluent lifestyle than many other parts of the state. In fact, DuPage County’s median discretionary income level reached a high of $55,249 in 2002. Higher discretionary incomes lead to a greater demand for leisure and cultural activities. Cultural institutions and events benefit a community’s economy in two ways. First, they attract visitors from neighboring counties, who contribute to DuPage County’s economy by spending money on the attraction and possibly food and other items during their visit. Second, cultural activities provide job opportunities for county residents. Art and leisure activities within a community also can contribute to health. A recent Voices for Children study concluded that access to social and recreational programs results in a healthier population and lower rates of obesity. This in turn can lead to lower health care and social services costs. HOW TO GET INVOLVED OR LEARN MORE
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