Blog Author: Lisa Lombardi, Certified Life Coach and President of Lisa Lombardi Coaching Inc. | School is wrapping up and getting ready for holiday breaks! You're finalizing holiday plans with your family and friends, in addition to your family's day to day schedule.  Here are a few ways to stay engaged with your child, should the holiday...

Blog Author: Maria Michl NASM PT, PES As you all know, when the weather starts to get colder, we tend to stay inside and eat more. Sweets and treats are everywhere and with the holidays around the corner, it can be a time where food anxiety sets in. This can lead to overeating and packing on the pounds.  That's why its important to p...

With an average of 16 years of board experience, President Jim Goshorn, Vice President Libby Baker and Commissioner Vicki Paddock are extremely deserving of their Board Member Service Anniversary Awards. Honored for 10 years | Jim Goshorn  "As a father, I felt it was very important to be involved in the community, especially when there are opp...

Pat Bodame, CPRP, Fitness Facility Manager ​ -  It's been one month since the FitNation pool has completed 2018 renovations. The surface of the pool has been refinished and overall air quality within the pool area has been improved with an updated ventilation system. ​ "Nice place! Pool, machines, locker rooms, multiple aerobic studios, sauna,...

Blog Author: Sue McDougle, Preschool Manager - If your child is ready to make friends, learn and have fun. This means, they're ready for what's next! Whether heading to school, day care, sports or activities, a new place and new people can contain some anxious moments for both children and parents. How to adjust to a new place or routine:...

We provide a non-scary experience for the littlest trick-or-treater. Mark your calendar TODAY for Saturday, October 13th! Don't Miss Out!  Special Events Manager, Beckie Korzyniewski, CPRP shares how to join in the fun and a few pointers for the day of!  1) Plan your day: ​ Park – please follow parking signs when you arrive. GPD staf...

Learn from Aquatic Manager, Kara Moss. Swimming laps or taking lessons? Keep these tips in mind when working on your freestyle. You know swimming is a good for you! Having proper form while taking swim lessons or working out reduces the risk of injury. Swimming builds strength and endurance while toning muscles. Here are a few tips to keep in ...

Join the GO movement on Saturday, September 29 at 9:00 am. This walk will celebrate the GO success with music, prizes, light refreshments and a walk with 15 other GO Lake County partners. "It's exciting to bring GO communities together for one giant celebration and a walk!"  Jon Ashworth, Health Equity Coordinator for Lake County Health D...

Blog Author: Maria Michl NASM PT, PES - With a long weekend coming up, it can be hard to stay focused. Make the effort to take extra steps, go for a run or try this workout… before you kick back this Labor Day!  This work out can be done outside or from the comfort of the lake house, hotel or your home, with the use of a chair or bench. B...

Blog Author: Sue McDougle, Preschool Manager -  The first days of preschool are exciting ! Children are ready to carry their favorite character backpack, wear a special outfit and meet their classmates. This day may also contain some anxious moments for you and your child. Here are a few things to keep in mind on the first day back or the firs...

  Gurnee Park District is pleased to announce that it has received the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada's (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its current year budget for the eighth consecutive year. The award represents a significant achievement by a government entity. It reflects commitmen...

Message from Executive Director, Susie Kuruvilla -  The Gurnee Park District is turning 50 years old this year! I want to take this opportunity to thank you and our Gurnee community for your support of the park district for the past 50 years. On September 7, 1968, voters approved a referendum, initiated by the Village of Gurnee, establishing G...

Blog Author: Davida Doyle, Youth Program Coordinator - With summer winding down, three words are inevitably coming into every parent (and child's) mind: "back to school!" The start of a new school year can be stressful, especially as you begin to skim school supply lists or plan for that special first-day outfit. One thing you shouldn't have t...

Blog Author: Sue McDougle, Preschool Manager -  If your child is ready to make friends, learn and have fun in a safe and dynamic classroom setting than they're ready for Preschool! Growing Tree Preschool is a curriculum based preschool program with childcare options available before or after class. Rather than childcare with curriculum include...

By: Carol Esler, Gurnee Resident and Walking Club Member | GO GURNEE started in 2016 and in 2017 the GO GURNEE Walking Club put their best foot forward to enhance efforts, promote wellness and keep people moving! Today, the group gets together every Saturday to enjoy a local 30-minute walk. Members can walk longer or shorter depending on their...

Blog Author: Nicole Mendez, Aquatic Coordinator ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) It's summer! The Hunt Club Aquatic Center is filled with fun! Families are swimming, diving, and sliding their way through summer! Together with parents, Gurnee Park District looks forward to encouraging children of all ages to swim safely. The best way to start? Try...

By: Maria Michl NASM PT, PES ​ Going on vacation? Celebrating 4th of July? Summer is full of fun! This quick circuit workout will take 10 to 30 minutes. Don't cheat yourself, get it done!  Exercising while on vacation, or before that BBQ will enhance your day, give you more energy, build confidence and burn extra calories! Additionally, you ca...

By: Kay Wilt, Gurnee Resident and Pickleball Player -   Since 2014, the sport of pickleball continues to be one of the fastest growing sports. Why? The sport can be played at any age at a variety of skill levels.  I was first introduced to the game in 2016 at FitNation Gurnee's health fair. I signed up for a time slot with a few frie...

State of FitNation: Pat Bodame, CPRP, Fitness Facility Manager  It's summer! Graduations, summer camp, sports, vacations and everything in between have taken over. As a parent, I know it can be difficult to find "me time" and/or gym time. This summer, stay committed to your fitness goals by taking the time to plan, embrace the buddy system, pr...

Director's Message: Susie Kuruvilla, CPA, CPRP Summer is my favorite season of the year! The upcoming long, holiday weekend kicks off summer! As many of you, I am eagerly waiting to get outside, enjoy the parks, take a few walks and ride my bike.  I invite you to start your summer with Go! This year, Go the Distance, our youth walking cha...