Parks

Jeff Ellis and Associates, Aquatic Safety and Risk Management Consultants awarded Gurnee Park District the 2024 Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award.

Will County is among five northern Illinois forest preserve districts and two park districts working on a comprehensive bike safety initiative. 

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to leave baby birds and young animals alone when encountering them in the wild.

The Bradley Village Board unanimously approved an agreement with IDOT to create a new biking-walking path leading into Perry Farm.

Watercraft lake usage decals, boat launch key fobs and watercraft dry storage stalls are available for purchase from the Crystal Lake Park District.

The city of Dixon announced the start of its $12 million pedestrian bridge project Tuesday morning at the band shell in Page Park. Project Rock will construct a pedestrian bridge over the Rock River, add 2.8 miles of multi-use pathway and resurface about a mile of Page Drive.

The park is part of the city’s $300 million multiphase Riverfront Reimagined project.

Ron Clewer of developer Gorman & Co. said several hoteliers have expressed possible interest in developing hotels at the Lawrence Bros. and National sites, including representatives from Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and two local hoteliers.

The members of the Pierce Downer’s Heritage Alliance are taking a breather after decades of service to Downers Grove and are passing the torch of community activism.

Joliet Police arrested a previously convicted child sex offender March 25 after a suspicious incident at the Joliet Park District in February.

In six years of service, Quin O’Brien, went from Walking Club participant to dedicated volunteer leader, generously offering over 800 hours of community service.

The Village of Antioch is excited to welcome Katie Kotloski as its new director of parks and recreation.

The renovation of Crystal Lake’s downtown Depot Park is underway, creating new a new “community gathering area” with a performance space and seating.

Improvements will include the addition of a parking lot, new playground, walking trail, disc golf course, basketball court, and a lighted baseball field

The the Glen Ellyn Park District is ready to celebrate with a diverse collection of events this March and April.

The grant provided funds to the Coloma Township Park District.

As Sterling’s city manager, Schumard is responsible for many of the day-to-day operations of the city, including managing labor contracts and city budgets, recruiting city employees, applying for grants and acting as a liaison for city groups.

Gurnee Park District is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael “Mike” Szpylman as its new executive director, effective May 1.

Whether it’s the anticipation of baseball season, your child’s countdown until spring break or summer, the planting of your garden, or getting back on the golf course, there is so much to look forward to. 

Bring your child to the Joliet Public Library for a day of fun activities on Saturday.

Registration for activities featured in the for the Glen Ellyn Park District’s 2025 Spring Playbook and Summer Camp Guide begin Feb. 1 for residents and Feb. 8 for non-residents.

Foundation to hold Jan. 29 public investment meeting for planned riverfront park.

Among the project highlights will be a new playground chock-full of features, plus amenities that add shade at various sites in the park.

At Westwood, The Lab provides various features that are universal to all sports, yet designed specifically for the biomechanical and physiological demands of each individual’s sport.

Crystal Lake's Lippold Skate Park could possibly move to Woodscreek Park as part of the renovation construction expected to start in August. The park district is seeking input.

The Dixon Park District’s Page Park ice rink is open for business. The rink opened at noon Saturday, Jan. 11, closed for a short time after, but reopened Monday.

Gurnee residents are invited to Community Input Meetings at 6 p.m. Jan. 15 and 16 to help shape the future of Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave.

Hikers will meet at 1:30 p.m. at Bridge 37 at the Geneseo Campground, 22978 Illinois Highway 82, where they will be shuttled to Bridge 34 to begin.

The Sterling City Council swore in two new police officers and two new firefighters during a City Council meeting on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

The Lombard Park District has formally acquired the cleared site of the former Helen Plum library along Lilacia’s south side.

The dusting of snow, coupled with 20-degree temperatures and a stiff wind on Friday, provided enough of a base for sleds and one snow board to slide down the hill.

Last week’s smattering of snow wasn’t much to make a fuss about for northern Illinois residents, but for a Florida family visiting Morrison it was all that and more when they visited the sledding hill at Morrison's Winter Park on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.

The Sterling City Council has hired Matt Hughes from the lobbying firm MRH Solutions to assist in securing a designation that, if approved, could provide millions of dollars in additional funding for city development.

2024 has been a big year for Sterling, with several projects and plans that will shape the city’s future underway.

The money comes from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant from the state of Illinois. The splash pad project will be located on the AFC school grounds in Ashton, along Highway 38.

The primary objective is to provide unique recreational amenities for the southwest region of the Plainfield Park District.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources wants outdoor enthusiasts to start the year off on the right foot with a First Day Hike at an Illinois state park on Wednesday, Jan. 1.

Sterling’s Park District is set to receive $600,000, while Morrison will get $81,500.

Pam Otto: "After 25 years of living the dream as a naturalist, I’m stepping away from full-time employment to chase after a few other dreams and goals I’ve set for this next chapter."

$100,000 grant award announcement Monday night coincides with council’s acceptance of newly completed strategic plan.

The park district so far has completed about 1.55 miles of its planned 2.75-mile multi-use trail that will connect Hoover Park to Sauk Valley Community College.

A lighted holiday display will open Friday, Nov. 29, at Centennial Park in Rock Falls.

Sterling’s Riverfront Commission met Wednesday to discuss updates for Sterling’s $300 million multi-phase Riverfront Reimagined project.

The new park at the former Northwestern Steel and Wire Mill site is phase one of Sterling’s $300 million Riverfront Reimagined Project.

Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves host volunteers to help restore sunlight to the woodland floor for Oak trees to reproduce by clearing invasive Maple trees and brush in Pilcher Park in Joliet on Sunday, Nov. 10.

Park District of La Grange officials are expected to discuss specific plans for various parks now that voters have approved a property tax hike referendum

The village of Algonquin is looking to residents to help create a renovation plan for Willoughby Farms Park at an open house Saturday.

Mt. Morris officials hope to have Zickuhr Park renovations started — and completed — next year. In January, the village of Mt. Morris received a $152,600 OSLAD grant to redevelop Zickuhr Park; the total cost of the project is $305,200.

Northern Illinois University’s Media Relations Department confirmed Sept. 23 that the 141-acre facility will permanently close Dec. 15.

What is now empty green space off Bloody Gulch Road, between the city’s Gateway development along South Galena Avenue near Interstate 88 and a neighborhood known as Overlook Gardens, will soon be a gathering space complete with a multi-use path, fishing piers and picnic areas.