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!"  John Ashworth, Health Equity Coordinator for Lake County Health ...

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...

Blog Author: Nicole Mendez, Aquatic Coordinator  (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) It is that time of the year! The weather is (thankfully) starting to warm up, the grass is becoming a bit greener, and we no longer have to scrape a sheet of ice off of our cars. Yep, summer is quickly approaching and before we know it, it will be time to bust ou...

​ Gurnee Park District competitive dance team, Above the Barre demonstrated precision, poise and success at the 40th annual I Love Dance competition.   As four year veterans to this competition, the success of the team was no surprise to Kris Norwood, Dance Coordinator for Gurnee Park District. "Team dynamic goes beyond hard work and dedicatio...

This summer team up with the NFL and play flag football! Gurnee Park District looks forward to supporting the mission and vision of the NFL Flag Football League! Want to try it out, Kid's Combine will be at Hunt Club Park, next to the community center on June 2 from 12:30 - 2:30PM.  It's FREE to come out and test your skills!  ​ Mission: ...

With support from Woodland School District 50 and Gurnee School District 56, GO The Distance: Youth Walking Challenge combines efforts with the youngest members of the community. All children ages 5 to 14 are welcome to participate and attend the April 29 kick-off with their entire family. Please be sure to register for FREE to receive GO GURNEE t-...

Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) awards an active member of the IPRA Facility Management Section who exemplifies leadership and collaboration.  Congratulations to Patrick Bodame CPRP, Fitness Facility Manager who has been a part of Gurnee Park District's growing fitness department for the last six years. With a contagious work e...

Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) with Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) honored four volunteers that donate their time and talent to serve the community. Congratulations to the 2018 IPRA/IAPD Community Award Winners; Linda Brogren, Simone Johnson, Tim Hill and Mike Newborn! LINDA BROGREN Go Gurnee Walking Club  Drawi...

Everyone has the ability to swim, but according to an American Red Cross National Survey in 2014, "more than half of all Americans can't swim or perform basic swim safety skills." Adults take the time to sign their children up for swim lessons but do not take the time to learn themselves. "Everybody should know how to swim," shared Kathy Atkins Gur...