The interns have entered the villa! 🌴 Can we pull you for a chat?

Meet Michael, a former water polo player and our Recreation Intern. As a freshman at Cornell University studying Industrial and Labor Relations (yes, that`s a real major), he`s back for his second season with GPD and ready to make a splash. He comes from Gurnee, attended Warren Township High School, and somehow mastered the art of aquatic soccer along the way. His goals this summer: meet new people, learn more about parks and rec, and fly down the water slide at Hunt Club. Look out!

And Ashley, our villa veteran and other Recreation Intern, is a junior at Iowa State University studying Event Management. She knows this place better than anyone, and she WILL use that to her advantage. She`s a fellow Warren Township alum, where she played lacrosse: the sport everyone talks about, but no one understands. Her goals this summer are to get hands-on experience, learn the ins and outs of recreation, and run some sporting events. She`s a returning legend. Show your respect!

Lastly, Tristan, our Marketing Intern, is a senior at the University of Illinois studying journalism, which means he`s been professionally nosy since freshman year. A Round Lake local and Grayslake Central alum, he edited the literary magazine Inkblots, reported for the school paper, and briefly played basketball before discovering it`s more than just being kind of tall. Safe to say, he won`t be attending Ashley`s sporting events anytime soon. Instead, his goals are to meet new people, sharpen his communications and photography skills, and put Gurnee Days on the map.

Welcome to the villa, you three. The public will be watching… especially Tristan, since that`s literally his job. 👀 …

🏆 And the Full-Time Employee of the Year Award goes to…the one and only, Katie "The Plant Lady" Cook 🌺

If you`ve ever visited our facilities throughout the year, chances are, you`ve admired some of Katie`s work. As our resident landscape artist, Katie transforms our spaces with stunning seasonal displays that help make Gurnee Park District feel welcoming, vibrant, and beautiful for everyone who visits. But Katie`s impact doesn`t stop there.

Aside from Katie`s green thumb, she is one of the most hard working, committed, dependable, and positive team members. Katie consistently goes above and beyond, taking tremendous pride in her work, and brings enthusiasm, creativity, and energy into all she does.

The beauty you see throughout our parks is a reflection of the care and pride Katie puts into her work daily, which is why we are beyond proud to recognize Katie as this year`s Full-Time Employee of the Year recipient!

Katie was celebrated today in front of family and friends, and fellow Gurnee Park District Team Members. If you see Katie out and about at our parks, please make sure to congratulate her!

#GurneeParkDistrict #GurneeIL #EmployeeoftheYear # #ParkDistrict #PlantLady #TeamRecognition …

🏆And the 2026 Part-Time Employee of the Year Award goes to: Customer Service Representative, David Hartshorne!

If you`ve visited the Hunt Club Park Community Center front desk, chances are you`ve seen David in action. His exceptional customer service, professionalism, dedication, genuine compassion, and positive attitude are what help to create a welcoming experience for every guest, and are just a few of the reasons he was selected as this year`s recipient.

David`s kindness and commitment make a lasting impact on both our guests and fellow staff members, and we are grateful to have him on our team.

Please join us in congratulating David on this well-deserved recognition!

#GurneeParkDistrict #GurneeIL #PartTimeEmployeeoftheYear #EmployeeRecognition #TeamAppreciation #ServiceWithASmile …

First Day of Camp! Camp is officially back in session, and we can`t wait to see what the rest of summer has in store!😎

#GurneeIL #GurneeParkDistrict #firstdayofcamp …

Camp Countdown – We can`t wait to see everyone tomorrow!🤸‍♀️
#GurneeParkDistrict#GurneeIL#VikingPark#firstdayofcamp …

Camp Countdown – 2 days to go! Sweet treats + water balloon fights = the perfect combo for a hot summer day😎. Join us!
#GurneeParkDistrict#GurneeIL#VikingPark#waterballons …