Today is National Intern Day and we’re excited to introduce you to the interns currently working with us this summer at the Gurnee Park District. They’re here to learn and grow while supporting various departments and projects that benefit our community. The interns are gaining valuable experience and bringing fresh perspectives to our organization. Take a moment to meet them and learn about their journey with us!
Tommy O’Donnell
Maddie Wichlin
Amber Langosch
Meet Tommy, one of our Recreation Interns! Tommy graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology. He will be starting his first year of graduate school at Eastern Illinois University, where he will be majoring in Sports Administration and working as a Graduate Assistant in their Department of Campus Recreation. “From this experience, I have learned valuable transferable skills which I can utilize during my Graduate Assistantship and professional jobs after completing school.”
Meet Maddie, our Marketing Intern! Maddie will be entering her junior year at the University of Illinois where she is currently pursuing a degree in Advertising. Having previously worked at her local Park District, Maddie was excited at the chance to join the team. After college Maddie plans to work in digital marketing or marketing research. “I’ve already learned so much from this amazing department and I’m excited to contribute new ideas for our team!”
Meet Amber, one of our Recreation Interns! Amber will be an incoming senior at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign majoring in Kinesiology. After college, Amber plans to pursue her MBA with the future plans of working in sports marketing, “I’m excited to be a recreation intern as it was a perfect opportunity for me to gain direct experience and learn from experts in the field. I’m excited to continue contributing in creating enjoyable recreational experiences for our community members”.
Gurnee Park District
Welcome NEW Director of Recreation, Melissa Marsh
Gurnee, Illinois – July 22, 2024. Gurnee Park District is excited to announce and welcome its new Director of Recreation, Melissa Marsh, CPRP.
Melissa Marsh joins Gurnee Park District with a wealth of experience in the field of parks and recreation. Most recently, Marsh served as Division Director of Recreation and Museum Services at Glenview Park District, where she oversaw and supported the district’s comprehensive recreation and aquatics department, as well as the district’s museums: The Grove, Historic Wagner Farm, Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie, and Schram Memorial Chapel. Prior to working in Glenview, Marsh was the Director of Parks and Recreation with the Village of Lincolnwood, where she managed parks and facilities, recreation programs, special events, community partnerships, and capital improvement projects. Her background also includes serving National Gold Medal Award-winning and Distinguished Agency Accredited communities such as the Park District of Oak Park, Fox Valley Park District, and Homewood-Flossmoor Park District.
Marsh holds a master’s degree in public administration from Governors State University and a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism from the University of Illinois. She is a graduate of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Revenue Development and Management School and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Leadership Academy. She is also a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP).
Throughout her time working in the field, Marsh has admired the many ways in which the Gurnee Park District builds community and creates a fun environment where people of all ages can grow. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Gurnee Park District and am excited to work with the team to continue providing innovative programs and services in support of the district’s mission,” shared Marsh. “I am passionate about parks and recreation, both as a professional and in my personal life.” Outside of the office, Marsh enjoys being outdoors exploring parks and trails.
Gurnee Park District looks forward to having Marsh join the team. “We are pleased to welcome Melissa on board,” shared Executive Director, Susie Kuruvilla. “Her contributions will play an integral role in our continued growth and ability to provide exceptional services to our community.”
Happy Retirement
Cheers to 24 Years, Sue McDougle!
It is with bittersweet emotions that we announce the retirement of Sue McDougle, our Interim Director of Recreation. Over her 24 years of service, Sue has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on not only Gurnee Park District, but the Gurnee community as a whole. Many of you may have had the pleasure of meeting Sue over the years, perhaps when your children attended our Growing Tree Preschool classes, through our various youth and adult programs, out and about at community events, or simply by visiting our facilities. No matter how you met Sue, we’re certain her warmth, care, and unwavering commitment to our community left a lasting impression.
Over these past two-plus decades, Sue has been a part of many notable accomplishments within our District, including the NRPA Gold Medal achievement of 2010, the construction and opening of the Hunt Club Park Community Center, many successful Gurnee Days festivals, as well as the growth of our youth programs, including Before & After School CARE, Growing Tree Preschool, and summer camps. In addition to Gurnee Park District accomplishments, Sue also created an impact in the field of Parks and Recreation having served on multiple Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) committees, graduating from Park District Risk Management Agency’s (PDRMA) Risk Management Institute, serving as a Lake County Early Learning Coalition member (10 years), and as a member on the Early Education and Teaching Advisory Board (2 years).
Beyond these impressive accomplishments, what perhaps stands most memorable is Sue’s ability to foster genuine connections with families in the Gurnee community as well as the mentorship of many talented and successful educators and staff members.
As Sue turns this page, we reflect not just on her milestones and achievements, but the countless moments of joy, guidance, and support she has bestowed upon us all. In her 24 years, we thank Sue for truly embodying everything that is Gurnee Park District: a safe, warm, and welcoming space for all.
Cheers to you, Sue, for everything. We wish you all the best in your retirement!
See what's new!
Gurnee Park District Newsletter - July 2024
Summer is officially here, and we’re off to a great start! As we begin July, we’re excited for continued sunny days and all the fun that summer brings. Make sure to get outside and make the most of this fleeting, yet memorable season!
See below for our July happenings here at Gurnee Park District!
MAKE A SPLASH AT THE AQUATIC CENTER!
The Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center is NOW open! Enjoy fun all summer long!
*Don’t forget to check Rainout Line for all weather-related updates!
MONTHLY MIXER – 7/12
NEW summer location: Gurnee Community Church | 4555 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL. 60031
Wear your red, white & blue to our “America the Beautiful” celebration. The afternoon begins with a lunch of ham sandwiches on croissant rolls with Swiss cheese, lettuce & tomato, pasta salad, and chips and dessert. Then sit back as we listen to the melodies of America from NY to LA and every stop in between plus patriotic favorites sung by “Ludy & his Lady”.
Registration deadline: 7/8
Friday, July 12 – 11:30am-1:00pm *Doors open: 11:00am/lunch service begins at 11:30am
Grab your fishing poles – we’re teaming up with our favorite local heroes from the Gurnee Police Department for our FREE Cops & Bobbers Fishing Event!
Officers and Gurnee Park District staff will be onsite throughout the event to help reel in the biggest catch, create fun crafts, announce raffles, and MORE!
Please note: while we will provide a limited number of fishing poles and bait on a first-come, first-served basis, we encourage you to bring your favorite rod to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate in the fun.
This event is designed with young anglers in mind, welcoming children ages 5 -15 years old.
Wednesday, July 31 5:30 – 7:30pm *check-in from 5:00-5:30pm Hunt Club Park (at the pond)
*A waiver must be signed for all participants by a parent/guardian prior to fishing.
July 23: Sounds of Summer Children’s Series: “Miss Jamie and the Farm Hands” at Viking Park (10:30-11:15am) * We’re proud to partner with our friends at Forest Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry. Forest Orthodontics & Pediatrics’ SMILE Ice Cream Truck will be onsite! The team will be serving up FREE, sweet treats to guests (while supplies last)!
July 25: Sounds of Summer Evening Concert – “Chicago Tribute Band” at Viking Park (7:00-8:30pm) *thank you to our sponsor, Old National Bank, for making this event possible!
Special thank you to the Gurnee Exchange Club, who will be onsite for our evening concerts selling concessions!
FALL REGISTRATION – 7/16
It may only be July, but we are already gearing up for FALL FUN!
Mark your calendars – fall registration for fall events, programs, and more opens Tuesday, July 16 at 7:00am! View our Fall Program & Events Guide online beginning Monday, July 8th!
JULY 4th HOURS
Happy July 4th to all! We hope you enjoy this day of independence and joy with family and friends!
Please note that our facilities will be operating under the following holiday hours:
7/4 – Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center: OPEN 11:00am – 7:00pm
7/4 – Hunt Club Park Community Center: CLOSED
7/4 – FitNation on Nations Drive: OPEN 7:00am – 12:00pm
7/4 & 7/5 Viking Park Community Center: CLOSED
Looking to get outside? Our parks will be open from dawn to dusk!
Gurnee Days is right around the corner and sure to be the highlight of the summer! Gear up for a weekend of your favorite time-honored family traditions, including kid’s activities, local food and drinks, LIVE music, the Gurnee Days parade, one of the BEST fireworks shows in Lake County, and much more!
For a complete list of events and schedules, please visit www.gurneedays.com _____________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for a FUN and REWARDING job? We’re hiring! Available positions include:
Facility Maintenance I & II (FT & PT) Fitness Attendant (PT) Group Exercise Instructor (PT) Member Services Staff (PT) Personal Trainer (PT) Preschool Teacher (PT) And MORE!
Have a great month! We look forward to seeing you out and about at Gurnee Park District!
Executive Director's Blog
Summer FUN at Gurnee Park District
Summer is officially here, bringing with it much excitement! From creating memories at summer camp, to splashing the days away at the Aquatic Center, as well as a host of inviting events and other summer plans, I am excited to share with you what you and your family can expect this season.
Every summer, we look forward to the energy and excitement that our summer camps bring. Whether it be meeting new friends, learning new skills, or participating in unique activities such as field trips, special events, and swim days at the Aquatic Center, our summer camps provide children the perfect space for creating lifelong memories and enjoying all that summer has to offer. While Session 1 is already underway, we still have spaces for session 2 & 3! Make sure to sign your camper up for summer fun today!
And speaking of summer experiences, don’t forget to purchase your Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center season pass! With exclusive benefits like discounted rates for you and your guests, special perks at the Cattail Café, appreciation days, extended hours, and more, your summer will be filled with endless fun and enjoyment!
But the summer fun doesn’t stop there. This year, we are thrilled to announce a series of exciting events in partnership with our community partners. Enjoy weekly Neighborhood Nights at the park joined by our friends from Warren Newport Public Library, or, as summer continues, dance to live music in the park during our Sounds of Summer concert series where members of the Exchange Club of Gurnee will proudly serve their delicious concessions. In July, grab your fishing poles and join us at Hunt Club Park for “Cops and Bobbers,” a free fishing event co-hosted by the Gurnee Police Department! To view all of our summer events, visit our event calendar!
Closing out the summer, we will once again celebrate the Gurnee community with our annual Gurnee Days festival. Gurnee Days will take place on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11 and will include some of your favorite time-honored traditions. We are fortunate to co-host this community festival with our neighboring partners, the Village of Gurnee, Village of Gurnee Chamber of Commerce, and the Exchange Club of Gurnee. To learn more about our events lineup, please visit our new Gurnee Days website!
In addition to a variety of events and programs, we also offer plenty of ways to stay active all summer long. Reconnect with nature by visiting one of our 28 parks, many of which feature miles of trails great for walking, biking, and running. Or, plan to meet new friends with our GO Gurnee Walking Club, which hosts weekly walks in Gurnee and throughout Lake County. If you would rather stay indoors, challenge yourself with a new workout plan at FitNation! Whatever your interests may be, make sure to take time to enjoy this beautiful time of year!
I look forward to getting outside and seeing you all at our Gurnee Park District events, facilities, and parks! Let’s make this summer one to remember together!
Susie Kuruvilla, CPA, CPRP Executive Director
See what's new!
Gurnee Park District Newsletter – June 2024
While summer doesn’t officially begin until June 20th, it’s safe to say it is officially feeling like summer! The trees are fully boasting their summer flair and the temperatures are slowly rising higher and higher! Make sure to soak up those rays and beautiful days by taking a visit to one of our amazing 28 parks (see this month’s Park Highlight below)!
We have a lot in store this month! Mark your calendars for our upcoming June events and MORE!
MAKE A SPLASH AT THE AQUATIC CENTER!
The Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center is NOW open! Enjoy fun all summer long!
*Don’t forget to check Rainout Line for all weather-related updates!
FAMILIES ON THE FAIRWAY – 6/7
This Friday (6/7), get ready for our annual Families on the Fairway event at Bittersweet Golf Course! This event is FREE and FUN for the whole family! Friday, June 7 7:00-9:00pm Bittersweet Golf Course | 875 Almond Road
Grab your friends as our popular monthly mixers have been extended through July!
NEW summer location: Gurnee Community Church | 4555 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL. 60031
As summer begins, let’s celebrate with an old-fashioned picnic, indoors of course! Lunch will include fried chicken, potato salad, vegetable and fruit trays, and dessert. Following lunch, we’ll play “Name That Tune” with singer and piano player, Robb Pedraza.
Friday, June 14 – 11:30am-1:00pm *Doors open: 11:00am/lunch service begins at 11:30am
Our Sounds of Summer concert series begins this month! See below for our upcoming June concerts:
June 13: Sounds of Summer Evening Concert – “90s Pop Nation” at Viking Park (7:00-8:30pm)
June 18: Sounds of Summer Children’s Series: “Mary Macaroni” at Viking Park (10:30-11:15am) * We’re proud to partner with our friends at Forest Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry. Forest Orthodontics & Pediatrics’ SMILE Ice Cream Truck will be onsite! The team will be serving up FREE, sweet treats to guests (while supplies last)!
June 27: Sounds of Summer Evening Concert – “Radio Gaga” at Viking Park (7:00-8:30pm) *thank you to our sponsor, Old National Bank, for making this event possible!
Special thank you to the Gurnee Exchange Club, who will be onsite for our evening concerts selling concessions!
DEI CORNER – PRIDE MONTH
As we welcome the month of June, we also welcome Pride Month, a time to celebrate, remember, and continue the progress toward equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Here at the Gurnee Park District, where the heart of our mission lies in fostering a welcoming environment for all members of our community, we embrace the significance of this month by reflecting on its origins and celebrating its importance.
Head on over to the east side of Gurnee, just past Route 41, down Belle Plaine Avenue, and you will find…Shaw Park!
Tis’ the season to get outside, and Shaw Park is a great place to do just that! Tucked away in the quiet neighborhood near Spaulding School, Shaw Park is another one of Gurnee Park District’s finest locations. The park boasts an inviting playground for all ages, plenty of shade from mature trees, as well as a wooded walking path. If you’re looking to get in some extra steps, hop on over to the “Boulevard View Trail,” which connects to the park for an extra ¾ mile walking adventure.
Did you know? In 2018, the park received a makeover to its playground structures, including new slides, climbing features, a merry-go-round, a swing set, and a tot lot. In addition to plenty of new and exciting play features, our Parks Teams also added a large shade sail or kite, making picnics at the park the perfect summer activity!
UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS
Mark your calendars for MORE fun throughout the summer!
Looking for a FUN and REWARDING job? We’re hiring! Available positions include:
Business Services Specialist (FT) Facility Maintenance I & II (FT & PT) FitNation Childcare (PT) Fitness Attendant (PT) Group Exercise Instructor (PT) Park Ambassador (PT) Personal Trainer (PT) Special Events Coordinator (PT)
Have a great month! We look forward to seeing you out and about at Gurnee Park District!
May 8, 2024
Gurnee Park District Newsletter – May 2024
It’s safe to say that all those April showers gave way to some beautiful May flowers! Spring is SPRINGING here at Gurnee Park District! Take time to enjoy all of the vibrant signs of spring by planning a visit to one of our parks – pack a picnic lunch, invite some friends, and make a day of it! This time of year is fleeting, but the memories it brings can last a lifetime! We have a lot in store this month! Mark your calendars for our upcoming May events and MORE!
UPCOMING MAY EVENTS:
OPENING WEEKEND AT HUNT CLUB PARK AQUATIC CENTER – 5/25-5/27
Opening weekend at the pool is coming up fast! See our Aquatic Center hours below!
Saturday, May 25 – 12:00 – 7:00pm* *11:00am-12:00pm passholder entry only Sunday, May 26 – 12:00 – 7:00pm* *11:00am-12:00pm passholder entry only Monday, May 27 – 11:00am – 7:00pm
*Visit Rainout Line for all weather-related updates!
Make sure you and the family are ready for the summer season – purchase your Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center 2024 season pass today at reduced rates now – 5/31!
Summer is right around the corner! Get ready by taking a look at our NEW Summer Program and Events Guide, which includes summer programs, classes, events, and more!
Let’s play ball! Our T-Ball and Lil’ Sluggers leagues begin soon. These leagues are perfect for your future all star to learn basic fundamentals of the game of baseball, all while having fun and being part of a team!
Make sure to join your team soon – spaces are limited! Practices begin the week of June 10!
Looking to learn more about the GO Gurnee movement? Join us for our GO Gurnee Re-Boot event on Sunday, May 19! The GO Gurnee Re-boot event will include guided walking groups, FREE GO Gurnee swag, music, FREE hot dogs and chips (while supplies last), and MORE. Have a furry friend who likes to walk, too? Bring them along to meet other dog lovers and even enjoy some pet-friendly giveaways!
We will be open with limited hours on Memorial Day (Monday, May 29). Please see below for our facility hours:
Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center: OPEN 11:00am – 7:00pm Hunt Club Park Community Center: CLOSED FitNation on Nations Drive: OPEN 7:00am – 12:00pm Viking Park Community Center: CLOSED
PARK HIGHLIGHT – PRAIRIE OAKS
Tucked away in the rolling landscape of the Prairie Oaks neighborhood, you will find one of Gurnee Park District’s most hidden gems – Prairie Oaks Shagbark Park.
Entering the park, especially during this time of year, is nothing short of magical. In fact, with groves of mature oak trees, stunning landscaping, and even a hidden fairy garden, it’s almost as if you’ve entered a scene from the Secret Garden. And it’s right here, in Gurnee!
Behind every twist and turn that the park has to offer brings something new to behold. Make sure to visit one of the two permanent book-lending libraries, built by local park neighbors, or, drop a “bone” in the dog toy-sharing bin. Looking for more fun? Walk the short path, which connects Prairie Oaks Shagbark to the neighboring Prairie Oaks Silo Park!
Did you know? The playground equipment at Prairie Oaks Shagbark Park was recently updated in the fall of 2022. Among the many new features replacing those that had been installed 20+ year ago, include a nod to the park’s fairy tale theme, with playground equipment including a tree fort aesthetic.
DEI CORNER – MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Spring is in full bloom as we head into a new month, signaling a time to get outside! And what better way to do so than during the month of May, also recognized as “Mental Health Awareness Month.”
Looking for a FUN and REWARDING job? We’re hiring! Available positions include:
Aquatics (current and summer positions – PT) Business Services Specialist (PT) Customer Service Representatives (PT) Cultural Arts Supervisor (FT) Dance Instructor (PT) Director of Recreation (FT) Facility Maintenance (PT) Member Services (FT) Personal Trainer (PT) And MORE!
Nice place. Overall I think it's great but it's too expensive for me. The pool is nice but it's a little shorter than a regular pool. The sauna and steam room are both great and the locker room is in good condition and clean.
I have not yet used the facility, but the tour was thorough, and the staff was friendly. I would like there to be weight machines, but lots of classes are offered that I'm looking forward to trying.
Always clean, not too noisy, sauna, steam sauna, spacious hot tub, plenty of machines, broken machines get fixed in timely manner, lots of water bottle fillers, plenty of sanitization wipes, friendly staff, friendly people working out... overall worth the price! (Just wish they were open later on weekends)
I finally found a club that is clean, open and expansive with working machines and lots of good reviews. It has everything you should expect in a quality health club, including a pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, clean locker rooms and even drink vending machines. They even have a senior citizen discount, which several of the store front places do not. The front desk area is almost as big as some of these storefront places. They do provide towels and have clean showers 🚿. Please tap on the thumbs up 👍 and follow me with my many reviews.
I've been coming to fitnation since September 2022. I really like all of the staff, amenities and group fitness classes. I wish there were more group fitness classes offered in the evenings and on later on the weekends.
I highly recommend Fit Nation they have so much to offer! Working out here is great we also love the pool and all the additional amenities such as: women's workout room, classes, basketball 🌻
I rejoined FitNation just about a month ago after a 2 year hiatus. That hiatus put 30 pounds on my frame and now, since March 27 and a month at FitNation I am down 20 of those pounds. FitNation is clean, the staff accommodating and the equipment - awesome!
The FitNation facility is impeccable. In spending over an hour 6 days a week watching the care taken by the staff from maintaining the equipment, lighting, towel service and cleaning everywhere, I am thankful to have became a member. I know it's difficult for many to make it a habit to of working on our physical being, the recognition and greetings by the front desk staff makes one feel like this is the place you belong. When you get the call to join a facility, to address your physical needs, the cost value comparison of FitNation is money well spent. Thanks for better health, physically and mentally.
Were not clear about the kids memberships , was kinda of a waste of time. My kid has gone alone paying the daily pass , but when I tried to get him a membership he needed and adult to go with him. Not sure how that works but 🤷♀️
Bonnie, the Hydrofit instructor for aquartics on Mondays and Tuesdays ROCKS! Her class is a WORKOUT from 9-10 with little downtime in between exercises. That down time is filled with jogging in place. I appreciate her enmcouragement and options for folks with limited mobility. Thank you, Bonnie!
I've only been to the Nation's Drive facility and it's wonderful! The front desk is super helpful and very pleasant. They always wish you a great workout when you arrive, and they send off with a "Have a nice day", when you leave. Always!
The facility is very clean, and I see the staff constantly vacuuming, cleaning, and going the extra distance to keep up with covid requirements so that the place is safe for all guests.
All the machines are in good condition and I particularly love the two private work out rooms within the women's locker room.
5 stars, Fitnation!
It was my first time back since the pandemic started and I really appreciate the practices in place for maintaining a clean workout area and social distancing. Everyone followed the rules and it felt very safe. Plan to try and make more time again to workout safely.
Gurnee Park District Welcomes NEW Youth Program Supervisor, Megan Baird!
Gurnee Park District is excited to announce and welcome Youth Program Supervisor, Megan Baird, CPRP.
Megan Baird, New Youth Program Supervisor
Megan joins Gurnee Park District with a wealth of experience in the field of parks and recreation. In 2015, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University. From there, she worked as a Recreation Coordinator at Round Lake Park District before entering her most recent role as the Recreation Supervisor for Buffalo Grove Park District. As a Recreation Supervisor, Megan oversaw a variety of recreation programs, including fitness, camp, athletics, and various in-house programs.
Deeply committed to her profession, Megan is a member of the National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA), as well as the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA). In September 2022, she continued her professional growth by becoming a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP).
Having been a proud Gurnee resident for many years, Megan is excited to bring her passion for recreation to Gurnee Park District. In her new role as Youth Program Supervisor, Megan hopes to further foster community engagement, create inclusive environments, as well as aid in the continued success of our youth programs.
Gurnee Park District looks forward to having Megan join the team. “We are thrilled to welcome Megan on board,” shared Sabrina Hinkens, Youth Program Manager. “Her contributions will play an integral role in our continued growth and ability to provide exceptional services to our community.”
March 26, 2024
Gurnee Park District Newsletter – April 2024
Welcome to April! Spring is officially underway, and what a beautiful time of year it is here at Gurnee Park District! As you enter our facilities, you will now notice the emergence of colorful blooms greeting you around every turn – that’s right, flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips are ready to make their mark this season! Take time to get outside and enjoy these welcoming signs of FUN to come!
POOL PASSES ON SALE!
Make sure you and the family are ready for some fun in the sun – purchase your Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center 2024 season pass at reduced rates now – 5/31!
Gather your squad and get ready for an action-packed night of adrenaline-pumping Nerf battles and activities for the whole family to enjoy! Fuel up with a dinner of pizza, salad, and dessert before taking on the Nerf arena. All Nerf supplies, such as blasters, foam darts, and goggles will be provided (please leave your supplies at home).
Spring is in full swing so come join us for an evening playing games to win prizes at our indoor pool carnival! There’s fun for everyone with food and drinks, cannonball contests, ring toss, cornhole, and more. Swim right up and fling your way to a pool prize! ***Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by someone ages 16+ and everyone attending must be registered for the event (even if they don’t want to swim). Children under 3 are free.
Friday, April 19 6:00-7:30pm FitNation Indoor Pool
We’ve made it easier to receive program updates! Text alerts are now available to Gurnee Park District program participants. Ready to sign up? It’s easy!
Click on one of the links below to update your account settings to begin receiving text messages. Note: Participants will only receive texts relevant to active memberships, classes, events, and/or programs.
Ravinia Park is ready for you and your family to make the most of the spring season!
Located off of Ravinia Drive in Gurnee, Ravinia Park offers plenty of ways to stay active. Aside from an amazing mud-free playground with plenty of shade for those warm, sunny days, sports courts, and fields, Ravinia also offers a paved walking path.
The paved walking path, which covers approximately .5 miles, navigates around the nearby wetlands, bringing you up close and personal to the serene backdrop of the park. As you make your way towards this area, keep an eye out for some of the park’s residents, including the return of redwing blackbirds, Sandhill cranes, herons, and more.
Did you know? To combat flooding that may occur each year from the adjacent wetlands, our Parks Team installed a boardwalk in 2016. The sections of the boardwalk offer the ability to traverse the path safely no matter what the weather brings each season.
DEI CORNER BLOG
The month of April celebrates a variety of cultures, causes, and initiatives all month long. We are proud to highlight several significant observances that we feel help to spread the importance of inclusion, awareness, and giving back to our society.
Get ready for a sizzling night of delicious food, refreshing brews, and cozy vibes at our “Bonfire and Brews: Food Truck Frenzy” event, exclusively for adults 21+! Savor the delicious flavors of local food trucks, beverages courtesy of Gurnee Exchange Club, live music from Matt Nanke, Axe Throwing from Axe Legends, giant games, and more!
Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
$10 per person (adults 21+ only) / Register online or at the door!
When: Saturday, May 4 Time: 7:00-11:00pm Location: Viking Park
Join us to help beautify your community parks! We will be planting flowers, mulching, and picking up branches/trash at four park locations. Please plan to dress in layers based on the weather – long pants, old sneakers/shoes, gardening gloves, etc. Additional tools and supplies will be provided. All ages welcome!
Park locations include:
Hunt Club Park O’Plaine Park Ravinia Park Viking Park
It’s time to put on your walking shoes and get on over to Viking Park for an afternoon of fun and walking. Participants will get a free “GO GURNEE” t-shirt and other GO Gurnee swag (while supplies last), learn about the many parks and walking paths Gurnee has to offer, and meet others in the community who want to better their health or even create a walking group. Fuel up on a FREE hot dog and chips (while supplies last)!
Have a furry friend that likes to walk too? Bring them along to meet with other dog lovers and even enjoy some pet-friendly GO Gurnee giveaways. If you don’t own a puppy, don’t worry as volunteers from “Reach Rescue“, a non-profit animal rescue group located out of Mundelein, IL, will be on hand with a few of their available rescues. Let’s get GO-ing this spring!When: Sunday, May 19 Time: 1:00-3:00pm Location: Viking Park
Looking for MORE fun? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with daily park happenings, news, and more!
Have a great month! We look forward to seeing you out and about at Gurnee Park District!
March 18, 2024
Spring Forward with Gurnee Park District
Spring has finally arrived, and what a wonderful time of year it is here at Gurnee Park District. Soon, colorful flowers, such as the tulips our Parks Team planted last fall, will emerge, brightening our parks and facilities for all who visit. These welcoming signs of spring, along with the return of sunshine and warmer days, bring a sense of energy and excitement all around. With that said, I am excited to share with you ways you can “spring” forward into an all-new season of FUN!
Alongside the natural beauty within our parks, this spring you can count on a lineup of familiar and new events for all ages. Get ready to meet everyone’s favorite spring Bunny at Viking Park during our annual “Bunny Bash” on Saturday, March 23rd. Enjoy breakfast, crafts, egg hunts, and countless photo opportunities during this egg-citing morning. In April, our “Family Nerf Wars” event returns, offering competitive and playful families the chance to take aim and engage in various fun games and Nerf battles. With the arrival of May, we welcome a NEW event for adults – “Bonfire and Brews: Food Truck Frenzy”. Join us for a memorable night out full of live music, games, delicious local flavors, and refreshing beverages under the stars.
As the days begin to lengthen and the temperatures rise, you may find yourself eager to embrace a more active routine. Take this time to try something new! Join our motivating group exercise instructors as they lead a variety of fitness classes at our fitness facility, FitNation. Or, perhaps you are looking for some friendly competition. Try a game of pickleball! We offer indoor play at our FitNation and Hunt Club locations or grab a friend and head down to our outdoor courts at O’Plaine, Betty Russell, and Hunt Club Parks. If you prefer to get outside to explore the sights and sounds of spring, our GO Gurnee Walking Club hosts weekly walks in and around the Gurnee area. If you haven’t experienced the benefits of the GO Gurnee movement, save the date for our GO Gurnee Kickoff Event at Viking Park on Sunday, May 19!
With warmer weather on the horizon, and the end of the school year close within reach, it is the perfect time to start planning your summer adventures! What would summer be without the excitement of summer camp and relaxing pool days? We offer a variety of summer camps that meet every family’s needs and interests. Summer camp is a great way to stay active, meet new friends, as well as make lasting memories. And when the summer heat sets in, our affordable pool prices make sure you can cool off and savor those sunny days by the pool!
This spring season promises to be packed full of excitement, and I can’t wait to see you all enjoying everything Gurnee Park District has to offer. Whether you are immersing yourself in the beauty of the season, making cherished memories at one of our community events, discovering new ways to stay active, or gearing up for a summer of fun in the sun, I encourage you to spring forward and enjoy all that our park district has in store for you!
Susie Kuruvilla, CPA, CPRP
Gurnee Park District Executive Director
Facility Hours
Click on a facility for more information about special & holiday hours for that particular facility
900 N Hunt Club Rd
Melissa Marsh joins Gurnee Park District with a wealth of experience in the field of parks and recreation. Most recently, Marsh served as Division Director of Recreation and Museum Services at Glenview Park District, where she oversaw and supported the district’s comprehensive recreation and aquatics department, as well as the district’s museums: The Grove, Historic Wagner Farm, Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie, and Schram Memorial Chapel. Prior to working in Glenview, Marsh was the Director of Parks and Recreation with the Village of Lincolnwood, where she managed parks and facilities, recreation programs, special events, community partnerships, and capital improvement projects. Her background also includes serving National Gold Medal Award-winning and Distinguished Agency Accredited communities such as the Park District of Oak Park, Fox Valley Park District, and Homewood-Flossmoor Park District. 
It is with bittersweet emotions that we announce the retirement of Sue McDougle, our Interim Director of Recreation. Over her 24 years of service, Sue has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on not only Gurnee Park District, but the Gurnee community as a whole. Many of you may have had the pleasure of meeting Sue over the years, perhaps when your children attended our Growing Tree Preschool classes, through our various youth and adult programs, out and about at community events, or simply by visiting our facilities. No matter how you met Sue, we’re certain her warmth, care, and unwavering commitment to our community left a lasting impression. 
