Parks

Just in time for the next spell of hot temps and high humidity, Kankakee Valley Park District has some good news. The splash pad at Bird Park will open on Wednesday,

At Monday’s BTPD board Committee-of-the-Whole meeting, executive director Mike O’Shea discussed the concept of a multi-purpose pavilion to host events year-round at Perry Farm Park.

The commissioners approved a contract with LZ Design Build Group to renovate Mayor R.J. Bailey Park.

The Crystal Lake Park District Police bestowed a first-of-its-kind award to a sergeant to recognize her efforts in helping a suicidal person.

The Sterling Park District has released its fall 2025 Activity Guide, showcasing fitness programs, recreational sports, wellness services, and family-friendly events designed to engage residents of all ages.

The splash pad at Bird Park in Kankakee was supposed to be open by now. Instead, it appears to have wilted under the hot, humid conditions that have hit the area.

Ogle County residents and even livestock went to the water to try to beat the heat on Monday, July 28, 2025. Temperatures rose into the 90s and, coupled with high humidity, pushed the heat index into the 100s.

After completing $5.9 million in renovations, the Batavia Park District is inviting the community to tour the new Patrick J. Callahan Community Center during a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting event on August 9.

A portion of the much-anticipated $3 million walking path that will loop around Crystal Lake’s Three Oaks Recreation Area is ready for visitors.

The Oswegoland Park District purchased the 45,000-square-foot building for $2.55 million. Esporta Fitness closed its doors Oct. 16, 2023.

The Oswegoland Park District Board of Commissioners now plans to launch a search for a new executive director. Betsinger became the park district’s executive director in December 2023.

So far this summer, more than 18,000 people have visited the Park District’s Civic Center Aquatic Pool and Winrock Pool in Oswego.

Runners, walkers passed through a series of color stations where powdered colors created unique patterns on official race T-shirts.

The Crystal Lake Park District Board found itself in another hostile meeting that lasted nearly five hours with yelling, personal jabs and booing from the public with over 100 people in attendance.

The Oregon Park District's annual Color Run was held under sunny skies on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. About 400 people chose to run or walk through a series of colored powder stations as they traversed the hiking/bike path at Oregon Park West. The event was held prior to the park district's final Concert in the Park.

Check our these Joliet area public pools and splash pads to cool off from the intense heat headed our way beginning Wednesday.

The fun and colorful 2K Kids Color Bash Run returns to Ackerman Park from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 9 in Glen Ellyn.

Summer camp is not only about nature and exploration. Youth campers also take first steps learning basic skills associated with a hammer and saw.

The Bourbonnais Township Park District is offering Yoga on the Prairie, a free outdoor yoga program in partnership with Limber Mind & Body Wellness Studio, on three upcoming Saturday mornings — July 19, July 26, and Aug. 2— from 8 to 9 a.m. at Perry Farm Park.

The Kankakee Valley Park District is kicking off summer in style with a free concert at the newly-renovated Don Palzer Bandshell at Bird Park in Kankakee on Wednesday, July 23 at 6 p.m.

The free summer concert series concludes Tuesday, July 22, 2025, with Burn N Bush and Color Run.

Blue Steel was the featured act at the Oregon Park District's Concert in the Park on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Oregon Park West. E.D. Etnyre Co. was the sponsor for the outdoor concert.

The City of Lockport has released an online survey for community members to offer feedback for the city's strategic plan.

A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examines how green spaces and outdoor activites near the family residence influence functioning in early childhood.

Construction on the Northwestern Steel & Wire Park and its splash pad, part of Sterling’s $300 million Riverfront Reimagined project, are on track to be completed by the end of the month.

A large crowd of spectators kicked off the Fourth of July weekend at Bird Park on July 3 as they watched the Kankakee Municipal Band perform its annual patriotic-themed concert. The concert season continues on Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Bird Park through Aug. 7.

Playground equipment installation was underway Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Sterling's riverfront park.

Plainfield Police are investigating an overnight shooting in Settler's Park.

The Glen Ellyn Park District will host an evening of fun and adventure at its family campout at 6:30 p.m. July 11 at Maryknoll Park.

The village’s Happy Tails Dog Park opened in August 2022 on 1.5 acres next to the Oswego Public Works facility at 100 Theodore Drive.

The 80s Hit List band, sponsored by Coilcraft, played at Oregon Park West

Cooler temps and music from the 1980s brought close to 700 people out to Oregon Park District’s Concert in the Park on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

National recognition celebrates excellence in budgeting and reflects an ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective financial planning

The playground at Cannonball Ridge Park in Yorkville could be undergoing a more than $100,000 makeover with all new inclusive play areas.

A $1.23M upgrade of Limestone Park District's Hawkins Park is complete and open to the public.

Recent actions by the Crystal Lake Park District board, with three newly elected members, have caused tension in the community, with many residents speaking out against a series of swift changes.

A smattering of light rain didn’t stop “Buzzed by SonSET” from performing at the Oregon Park District’s Concerts in the Park on Tuesday, June 24.

The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation will hold its annual Fireworks from the Fishing Pier raffle.

Parks are ideal venues for physical activity, encouraging individuals to engage in regular exercise. Ultimately, parks serve as vital resources that support both mental and physical health, fostering healthier and more active communities.

The annual Taste of Joliet, the city's biggest summer festival, opened Friday, June 20. The event features food vendors, multiple music acts across many genres, other live entertainment and a carnival. Runs through Sunday, June 22 at Memorial Stadium.

The Exploration Station invites families and children of all ages to step into a world of wonder as it opens its most ambitious and enchanting exhibit in three decades — Storybook Forest — which will be unveiled on Monday during a free open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign to raise $800,000 to support enhanced amenities in Phase 1 of the Glen Ellyn Downtown Community Park.

Summer concerts on Tuesday nights are offered through the Oregon Park District and made possible by local sponsors

Sterling’s new riverfront park has been named Northwestern Steel & Wire Park.

With school out for the summer, kids across the Sauk Valley have extra time and energy to burn. The Sterling Park District is offering a variety of summer sports camps to keep them active and engaged.

Chants of “boo” and “shame” broke after the Crystal Lake park board, which has a new majority post-election, voted to remove the district’s diversity, equity and inclusion policy from the books.

All summer long, Gurnee Park District will host free events for all ages.

In a vote on the payment of bills amounting to $692,890, some objections were raised by Trustee Mike Barry, who expressed concern over the final cost compared to the original estimate.

The $3.5-million investment by Bradley into the renovations of Lil's Park are complete as the park's splash pad opened Sunday.

The Will County Resource Recovery and Energy Division will host the Book Reuse and Recycling Event Friday through Sunday. More than 80,000 books found new homes last year.