What a beautiful fall we’ve been having here in Gurnee! Between the changing colors of the trees and the mild weather, this fall has us feeling all the feels!
As we head into November, a month of gratitude, we wanted to share a quick “thank you” to all of YOU! Thank you for continuing to choose Gurnee Park District for all of your parks and recreation needs. We truly appreciate all of your support, now and always!
Please see below for what you can expect this upcoming month, as well as what to look forward to next month!
FAMILY ART NIGHT – 11/8
Explore the world of art at Gurnee Park District’s Family Art Night! Whether it’s painting, drawing, or learning something new, the entire family will have an opportunity to participate together and express their creativity!
A dinner of pizza, salad, and cookies will be provided during the event, along with all art supplies and materials.
Friday, November 8 Hunt Club Community Center 5:30-7:30pm
Thank you to our sponsor, Honey Orthodontics, for making this event possible!
Looking to join FitNation Gurnee? Save BIG with our Black Friday Sale: Buy 2 months/get 1 FREE for only $109 (that’s $55 in savings)! Offer available 11/28 (beginning at 8:00pm) -12/1!
Already a current FitNation Member? – get ready for our Black Friday Personal Training sale! Receive 10 Personal Training sessions for only $250! Offer available 11/29-12/2!
For more information, please see a Member Services Staff Member!
YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUES (3RD-8TH GRADES) BEGIN 11/25!
Looking for ways to keep the kiddos active this winter? Register for our Youth Basketball Leagues! Our leagues focus on the fundamentals of the game, sportsmanship, and, of course, having fun!
As a reminder, we will be operating with limited hours for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 28th:
Hunt Club Park Community Center – CLOSED
Viking Park Community Center – CLOSED (11/28 & 11/29)
FitNation on Nations Drive – 7:00am – 12:00pm
We hope everyone has an amazing holiday with family and friends!
PARK HIGHLIGHT – HUNT CLUB PARK
This month’s Park Highlight is all about Hunt Club Park! Hunt Club Park, located off of Hunt Club Road, offers plenty of ways to stay busy all year long! Take a stroll down the paved trail system, which covers more than a mile of twists and turns around the park’s most stunning views. Or, play the day away at the mud-free playground! During the warmer months, you can also pass the time reeling in a large bass or bluegill at the fishing pond.
No matter the season, Hunt Club Park is a great place to be!
Kick off the holiday season at our 3rd annual “Holiday Lights” event at Welton Plaza (Old Grand Avenue)! We’ll have firepits, hot cocoa*, and s’mores to keep you warm, craft stations to keep you busy, and much more! *hot cocoa will be provided courtesy of our event sponsor, Forest Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry!
Special guests include Gurnee Park District Above the Barre Dance Team, Gurnee Mayor, Tom Hood, and everyone’s favorite holiday duo – Mr. and Mrs. Claus!
Thursday, December 5 5:30 – 7:30pm Welton Plaza on Old Grand Avenue (next to Gurnee Community Church)
Santa Claus is coming to Gurnee! Enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by a meet and greet with the big guy himself! Make sure to bring your cameras to capture these unforgettable memories for years to come!
3 seating times are available: 8:00 – 9:15am 9:30 – 10:45am 11:00am – 12:15pm
We’ve been busy, and we like to share all the 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!
October 23, 2024
The Value of Girls Sports
Here at Gurnee Park District, we take pride in being the first step toward a love for sports, especially in our young female athletes. With professional female athletes like Caitlin Clark, Alex Morgan, and Simone Biles making their mark, providing a variety of sports options to allow young girls to discover and identify their passions has never been more important. Through athletic programs such as basketball, soccer, t-ball, tennis, gymnastics, or dance, we aim to teach young girls not just the game or sport, but also the ability to dream big, whatever their interests may be.
And we are not alone. Gurnee Park District is proud to partner with our local high school, Warren Township High School (WTHS), to prepare aspiring female athletes for the next step in their athletic journeys. As community partners, we value the importance of championing our female athletes, from their first step on a court or field to the cheers of a high school gymnasium and beyond.
Jennifer Swanson, the WTHS Girls Varsity Basketball Head Coach, knows the importance of girls’ sports. Swanson grew up playing many different sports, such as basketball, softball, soccer, and more since she was 4 years old. As she grew older, she continued her athletic journey, playing volleyball, basketball, and track at Oak Forest High School, and went on to play basketball at North Central College. “I wanted to be involved in as many sports as I could,” said Swanson. “I just loved to play.”
As this year’s new varsity head coach, Swanson brings her love for sports to center court, imparting the value of girl’s athletics to the Gurnee Community by emphasizing the essential skills sports teach to young female athletes, such as:
Self-Confidence and Perseverance: Participating in competitive sports teaches female athletes more than just a game. “Sports help to show young girls that they are capable of doing anything that they put their minds to,” shared Swanson. “This empowerment translates to increased confidence in their abilities to lead and make decisions in various aspects of their lives.”
Teamwork and Unity: Joining a team teaches young female athletes about cooperation, communication, and respect. “Learning how to work with others is very important for young female athletes,” emphasized Swanson. “It is a skill that will help them to be successful in the future.”
Determination: Facing and overcoming life’s challenges is a part of sports and beyond. “In my personal opinion, resiliency and determination are two of the most important qualities in order to be successful,” stated Swanson, “In life, there will always be challenges that hold you back from achieving everything you want in life, but when you are resilient and determined, you can push through those challenges.”
Lifelong Skills: No matter the sport, young female athletes are destined to learn more than just the skills of a game. “I believe that sports can teach many different qualities that will help young female athletes in the future,” said Swanson. “Some of the ones that I believe are the most important are patience, resiliency, discipline, time management, team work, and organization.”
How can young girls get started in their athletic journey? “My advice would be to get involved in as many sports/activities as possible at an early age,” noted Swanson. “Not only will it help you find what sports you are most passionate about, but it will also teach you different skills that will help make you more successful in the future.”
So, to every girl dreaming of her moment in the spotlight, and to every parent supporting that dream, Gurnee Park District, along with Warren Township High School, is ready to be with you every step of the way. Here’s to dreaming BIG.
Please visit our websites for more information on our sports programs and how you can get involved.
It’s officially fall, and what a beautiful time of year it is here at Gurnee Park District! The arrival of fall means the return of vibrant, changing colors, refreshing, crisp air, and nostalgic aromas like pumpkin spice or bonfires with friends after dark. Make sure to enjoy all that fall has to offer by taking time to get outside, attend a special event, or try something new with Gurnee Park District!
HALLOWEEN FALL FEST – 10/12
Gather the family and get ready to celebrate the beauty of fall! The Gurnee Park District, in partnership with the Village of Gurnee, is set to host its 2nd annual “Halloween Fall Fest” at Hunt Club Park Community Center! From fall favorites such as hayrides, carnival games, crafts, along with Halloween-themed activities like our infamous “Trick or Treat Path,” “Mad Science Slime Lab,” “glow-in-the-dark ghost busting”, and a giant pumpkin bounce house, participants of all ages will find FUN around every corner!
Entertainment schedule: “Mary Macaroni” Kids Show | Hunt Club Park Family Activity Room 1:30pm | 2:30pm | 3:30pm
The clinic is being offered to girls in grades 3rd-8th and will include basic basketball skills and games all taught by members of the WTHS girls basketball team.
When: Saturday, October 26 Where: Hunt Club Park Community Center Time: 3rd-5th grade girls – 1:30-2:30pm / 6th-8th grade girls – 2:30-3:30pm
Please bring your own basketball (if you have one), athletic wear, indoor gym shoes, and a water bottle.
With 28 parks, 14 trail systems, multiple outdoor sport courts, and more, it’s easy to get outside and enjoy all that fall has to offer! Whether you want to get in a game of pickleball, take a ride on one of our twisty, turny slides, or, simply get out for a walk to view all of the changing fall colors, our parks are the perfect place to do so!
Explore the world of art at Gurnee Park District’s Family Art Night! Whether it’s painting, drawing, or learning something new, the entire family will have an opportunity to participate together and express their creativity!
A dinner of pizza, salad, and cookies will be provided during the event, along with all art supplies and materials.
Friday, November 8 Hunt Club Community Center 5:30-7:30pm *Registration deadline is 11/1
All aboard! Our popular holiday train ride, the Arctic Express, is making its way to the North Pole again on Saturday, December 14 & Sunday, December 15.
Make sure to save your spot – registration opens for residents on Friday, November 1, and for non-residents on Friday, November 15.
Looking for a FUN and REWARDING job? We’re hiring! Available positions include:
Customer Service Representative (PT) Customer Service and Rental Coordinator (FT) Customer Service Coordinator (FT) Facility Maintenance (PT & FT) FitNation Childcare Coordinator (PT) FitNation Fitness Attendant (PT) FitNation Group Ex Instructor (PT) Personal Trainer (PT)
Stay up-to-date with the latest park happenings! From reminders to recaps, program news, and more, we’re always sharing! Stay in the know and follow us today!
Have a great month! We look forward to seeing you out and about at Gurnee Park District!
Gurnee Park District Tree & Park Bench Dedication Program
5 Reasons to Donate a Tree or Park Bench
Take a walk in many of our parks, and you may notice a small inscription at the foot of a tree or on the back of a park bench. While the inscriptions vary, they all share one thing in common: they are part of our Tree and Park Bench Dedication Program. Gurnee Park District’sTree and Park Bench Dedication Program takes place each year, offering community residents, park goers, and others the ability to purchase a gift that keeps giving – a growing tree or a lasting park bench.
These timeless tributes signify the memory of loved ones, celebrate life’s milestones (anniversaries, weddings, significant birthdays), and honor remarkable individuals who have left a lasting impact. They are small (or giant) reminders of lives well lived and the kindnesses bestowed upon others. And they stand, proudly within our parks for all parkgoers to enjoy.
Why should you be a part of this program in 2025? Here are the top 5 reasons to donate a tree or bench this upcoming year!
1. YOU PICK, WE MAINTAIN
Did the person(s) you want to honor enjoy a certain park location? Is there a specific park location that holds meaningful memories to you? Trees and park benches are available for many of our 28 park locations! Once a park is chosen, our team will work closely with you to determine the perfect resting place within the park.
After your tree is planted and/or park bench placed, you can rest assured. Our team will continue to maintain throughout the years, including watering, mowing, weeding, and more so that your donation can be enjoyed by not only you and your family, but all who pass by.
2. VARIETY OF TREES TO CHOOSE FROM
From big, shady oaks to towering pines, we offer a variety of trees to choose from. Pick the type of tree that is right for you and holds that special significance to your loved ones, friends, or neighbors in which you are dedicating the tree.
Park benches ordered through our Dedication Program are built to withstand outdoor elements, such as rain, snow, wind, and whatever else the Midwest weather throws our way. These sturdy benches provide a place to reflect when honoring or remembering your loved ones, and they are placed in the location that means the most to you.
Trees provide many benefits, such as the promotion of mental wellbeing, increased oxygen, wildlife habitats, shade, and, of course, beautiful scenery. By choosing to be a part of our Tree Dedication Program, you are choosing to play a part in enriching our parks, as well as contributing to the health and beauty of the Gurnee community.
Finally, when you donate a tree or bench, you are not only honoring the person it was chosen for, but you are impacting the entire community. Current and future generations will be able to watch the growth, sit down and reflect, or learn of the impact, story, or occasion of your dedicated tree or bench. It’s a gift that continues to give for years to come!
Summer has come to a close, which means fall is officially here! After a busy summer, the arrival of fall is always a welcoming time, especially when the air gets a little cooler (hopefully soon?), the leaves start to show off their vibrant hues of amber and gold, and every walk outside becomes a peaceful yet cozy adventure. As we transition towards this amazing time of year, I am excited to share with you some of the ways you can make the most of fall here at Gurnee Park District.
Stepping outside this season, you will find that around every corner of our 28 parks, there’s a spot for you to enjoy all that fall has to offer. Whether traversing one of our 14 walking paths, watching the sunrise on a quiet morning, or spending time with your little ones on one of our many playgrounds, our parks offer a safe and scenic setting to create lasting memories of fun all season long.
Fitness, as always, remains a year-round priority at Gurnee Park District, and we offer a variety of ways to support your health goals this fall. If you enjoy being outdoors, sign up for our FREE GO Gurnee Walking Club. With weekly meetings every Saturday throughout the year, our Walking Club provides an opportunity to enjoy the autumn surroundings, while logging in some extra miles. As the temperatures drop, head on over to our indoor fitness facility, FitNation. With over 50 group exercise classes, two convenient locations, and countless amenities, FitNation makes it easy to tackle your fitness goals any day of the week.
The excitement of fall also marks a special time for growth and learning. It was so exciting to welcome back the return of our Growing Tree Preschool and Before/After School CARE participants. Throughout the year, students are provided meaningful lessons, activities, and all the fun that makes our programs the first step towards a love for learning. Along with the start of our school programs, we are also pleased to continue to offer our indoor swim lessons, youth basketball leagues, dance classes, and many other flexible and cost-effective options.
In addition to our facilities and program offerings, we will also be hosting a variety of fun events for all ages to enjoy. Celebrate the beauty of fall at “Halloween Fall Fest” on Saturday, October 12. This family event, originally held at Viking Park, will now be hosted at our Hunt Club Park Community Center and will include all things fall – hayrides, “Trick-or-Treating,” crafts, games, kids entertainment shows, food trucks, and MORE! As fall continues, don’t forget to sign up for events such as “Family Art Night,” “Breakfast with Santa,” and our popular “Arctic Express” train ride!
Finally, as I reflect on the year gone by, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to all of our staff, volunteers, members, and community. Thank you for all the work you do on a daily basis, for your time and contributions to programs and events, and for continuing to choose Gurnee Park District. I am truly honored to serve you.
Susie Kuruvilla, CPA, CPRP Executive Director
September 2024
Gurnee Park District Newsletter
They say summer is fleeting, and this year was no different. Summer brought plenty of excitement here at Gurnee Park District, whether it was soaking up the sun at the Aquatic Center, enjoying live music at our Sounds of Summer series, watching fireworks at Gurnee Days, or even taking to the courts for a game of pickleball! While it may be hard to say goodbye to those long, carefree summer nights, fall is right around the corner and promises to bring plenty of enjoyment, too!
This fall, take time to get outside and visit one of our 28 parks, attend a special event, try a new program, and so much more!
THANK YOU FOR AN AMAZING SEASON!
The Hunt Club Aquatic Center is now closed for the 2024 season. Thank you to all who helped make it such a success! We hope to see everyone back in 2025!
Looking for more swimming fun year-round? We offer indoor swim lessons through Gurnee Park District’s Swim School, located at the FitNation indoor pool on Nations Drive!
Parents – spend a night out while we take care of the kids! Parents Night Out events at Gurnee Park District include an evening of fun, age-appropriate activities for children ages 1 -11* such as games, crafts, sports, and more! A dinner of cheese pizza, juice, and water will be provided.
*Children 1-3 years old will have separate activities.
Join us at Bittersweet Golf Course for “Bonfire and Brews: A Taste of Gurnee”! Unwind by the fire enjoying the live music of Matt Nanke while sampling the flavors of local food vendors and sipping on adult beverages! Continue the fun by competing with friends at Axe Throwing, bags, giant games, and more!
Drinks and food will be available for purchase from local vendors at this adult-only event!
Wag your tails while honoring our nation’s heroes! Join us at Viking Park for a paw-some, Veteran-themed FREE GO Gurnee Walkin’ & Waggin’ event! Our Veteran-themed dog walk is the perfect opportunity to show your furry friend some love while also paying tribute to those who have served our country. Leash up your pup, meet with members of Reach Rescue of Mundelein, and receive some FREE pet-friendly GO Gurnee swag (while supplies last). See you there!
Sunday, September 29 9:00-10:30am Viking Park | 4374 Old Grand Avenue
Fall officially begins Sunday, September 22 here in Gurnee, and it’s the perfect time to get outside and explore! From unique and inviting playgrounds, to adventures out on one of our 14 trails, our 28 parks provide a quick escape to nature for any age! And the best part? Most of our parks are within walking distance of many Gurnee Park District residents! Get outside today!
Mark your calendars for added fall fun next month!
HALLOWEEN FALL FEST – 10/12
Gather the family and get ready to celebrate the beauty of fall! The Gurnee Park District, in partnership with the Village of Gurnee, is set to host its annual “ Halloween Family Fall Festival” at Hunt Club Park Community Center on Saturday, October 12 (1:00-4:00pm)!
From fall favorites such as hayrides, carnival games, crafts, DJ, and entertainment, along with Halloween-themed activities like our infamous “Trick or Treat Path,” “Mad Science Slime Lab,” “glow-in-the-dark ghost busting”, and pumpkin bounce house, participants of all ages will find FUN around every corner!
*Children must be accompanied by an adult 16 years or older; adults are free.
This event is proudly sponsored by our friends at:
Looking for a FUN and REWARDING job? We’re hiring! Available positions include:
NEW! Trades & Construction Supervisor (FT) NEW! Cultural Arts Supervisor (FT) Customer Service & Rental Coordinator (FT) Grounds Maintenance II (FT) Facility Maintenance I (PT) & II (FT) Member Services Supervisor – Hunt Club (FT) Preschool Teacher (PT) and MORE!
Stay up-to-date with the latest park happenings! From reminders to recaps, program news, and more, we’re always sharing! Stay in the know and follow us today!
That’s all for now! Have a great month. We look forward to seeing you out and about at Gurnee Park District!
Growing Tree Preschool
Tips for First Day Success
There is a hustle and bustle going on in the halls of Gurnee Park District’s Growing Tree Preschool wings these days! Our staff are eagerly prepping their classrooms and daily schedules as they prepare to meet their new students!
Classes begin the week of August 26th and we are all excited here at Gurnee Park District to welcome a new school year and new friends! With that said, here are a few reminders as well as some tips and tricks to deal with those first day emotions that may arise.
Children attending Growing Tree Preschool should bring or wear:
A backpack with a full change of clothing and a jacket or sweatshirt
A reusable water bottle half filled with water (don’t forget to label!)
Lunch and snacks (for full-day preschool students only)
Comfortable clothing that is easy to manage in the bathroom and that can withstand the occasional artistic messiness
Gym shoes rather than sandals, flip flops or Crocs, which are dangerous on playground equipment and woodchip surfaces
The first days of preschool are an exciting time for parents and children, but they can also bring about some mixed emotions. Some tips and tricks to help your child ease into the start of the school year are:
Read books together about going to school and the emotions that may come with it (view reading suggestions below)
Establish a healthy bedtime routine so your child is well-rested each school day
Provide a healthy breakfast before the school day begins (Pro-tip: let your child pick out a special breakfast option at the store prior to the first day of school!)
Separation anxiety? Learn how to combat those first day and/or first week jitters here!
Empty your child’s backpack and home/school folder together
Ask your child how they made the art project
Compliment your child’s effort to write their name and practice at home
Have your child sing a new song that they learned at school
Tell your child how proud you are of them and what they have accomplished
As parents, we also go through a mixture of emotions. We are excited that our children are learning new things and meeting new friends, but there is also a yearning for them to stay little and by our sides. Some reminders to help ease yourself through this transition are:
Know that your child’s ability to be independent in a classroom setting enhances the parent/child bond.
You will enjoy hearing about the exciting new things your child will learn and fun new experiences.
Preschool is an opportunity for parents to meet other parents and form lasting friendships.
Finally, set up a coffee date, run an errand, enjoy a quiet walk in thepark, or take a workout class. Use this time to focus on YOU, because when you are at ease, so are they.
Have a former preschool student? What tips and tricks would YOU suggest to make the first day a success?
From all of us here at Gurnee Park District, thank you for choosing Growing Tree Preschool! We look forward to meeting you next week!
SEE WHATS NEW
Gurnee Park District Newsletter – August 2024
With summer reaching its peak, and the school year is just around the corner, we hope you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer! Here in Gurnee, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy and celebrate the season. See below several ways to stay active and continue enjoying those summer vibes.
HUNT CLUB PARK AQUATIC CENTER
The Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center is still open. Get your last summer swims in! To see what we have planned visit our Aquatic Center event calendar here! Visit for the day!
*Don’t forget to check Rainout Line for all weather-related updates!
WEEKEND ONLY HOURS BEGIN:
CLOSED Monday – Friday, Starting Monday, August 12th
OPEN Saturday – Sunday, Starting Saturday, August 17th (11am – 7pm)
*11am – 12pm passholder entry only
*12 pm – 7pm open to public
Enjoy the last days of summer at the pool! Our Passholder Appreciation Cookout will be hosted on Saturday, August 17th (12 – 8:00pm) More info HERE
SWIM SCHOOL LESSONS
Looking to keep swimming? Swim School is held at Fit Nation’s indoor pool. From the youngest swimmers (6 months) or our oldest (18+ adults), swimming is a lifelong skill. You are never too young or old to learn.
A summer favorite, Gurnee Days, is quickly approaching. Enjoy family activities and entertainment for all ages. Join us for your favorite Gurnee Days traditions, such as delicious food, kid’s zone*, vendor booths, parade, one of the best fireworks shows in Lake County, and so much MORE!
*Kid’s Zone includes: Euro Bungee*, Inflatable slide*, bumper cars*, bounce house, carnival games*, glitter tattoos, WNPL Bookmobile, and crafts *with $10 wristband (available for pre-sale or day of) **wristbands can be purchased online or at the Hunt Club Park Community Center front desk during regular business hours beginning Monday, August 5 – Saturday, August 10 at 8:00am. Pre-purchased wristbands can be picked up at the Hunt Club Park Community Center on Friday, August 9.
Join us for Sounds of Summer, our FREE summer concert series. The last two Sounds of Summer concerts of the season are this month! See below for our upcoming August concerts:
August 15: Sounds of Summer Evening Concert – “China Grove Doobie Brothers Tribute ”At Viking Park Band Shell (7:00 – 8:30pm)
August 20: Sounds of Summer Children’s Series: “Todd Downing Music” At Viking Park Band Shell (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 at our Children’s Concert! The team will be serving up FREE, sweet treats to guests (while supplies last)!
BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL C.A.R.E.
Back to school season is right around the corner. Registration for C.A.R.E. (2024-2025 school year) is open. We offer before and after school options for students in Districts 50 & 56, as well as after school care for our Growing Tree Preschool. Make sure to register soon, as there are limited spots available.
Looking for a fun and rewarding job? Join our Before and After School CARE Team! We’re on the lookout for awesome counselors aged 16 and up. If you love working with kids and want a job that’s both fun and rewarding, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and be part of our great team!
Please note that our facilities will be operating under the following holiday hours:
9/2 – Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center: OPEN 11:00am – 7:00pm
9/2 – Hunt Club Park Community Center: CLOSED
9/2 – FitNation on Nations Drive: OPEN 7:00am – 12:00pm
9/2 – Viking Park Community Center: CLOSED
UPCOMING EVENTS
MONTHLY MIXER 9/10 – “Fall in Line”
Get out your cowboy boots and hat and let’s celebrate the start of Fall with a good ole’ country Line Dance. Lunch includes pulled chicken sandwich, coleslaw, chips, & dessert. Following lunch, we will learn some line dancing steps from Susan Moore, our favorite line dancing instructor.
* Registration Deadline 9/5. Doors open at 11:00am. Lunch service begins at 11:30am
BONFIRES & BREWS 9/21 – A Taste of Gurnee
Join Gurnee Park District at Bittersweet Golf Course for “Bonfires and Brews: A Taste of Gurnee”! Unwind by the fire while enjoying live music, tasting your favorite adult beverage, savoring the flavors of local food vendors, and chatting with friends! Or compete with friends at Axe Throwing, Giant Jenga, and Giant Connect 4. Drinks and food will be available for purchase from local Gurnee brewers and food vendors at this adult-only event!
Managed by Aquatic Facility Manager, Diane DeLorenzo and Aquatics Coordinator, Amanda Kochenash, as well as their team of seasoned Pool Managers, each summer, these unsung heroes ensure that every jump, dive, and swim is conducted with the utmost safety in mind, and they do so with a profound sense of responsibility.
These guards, though they may look young, are some of the most experienced and well-trained first responders in our community. Daily, they demonstrate physical and mental readiness through a variety of skills and abilities, such as discipline, endurance, and vigilance. When we say nothing gets past them, we mean nothing. Their rigorous training prepares them for any aquatic emergency that may arise.
Certified through the world leader in Aquatic Safety, Jeff Ellis and Associates International Lifeguard Training Program, all lifeguards at Gurnee Park District have mastered a range of emergency response skills from water rescues to health care provider level CPR, first aid, AED, and emergency oxygen administration. In addition, their strength and endurance are tested through weekly training and in-pool drills, which involve swimming, diving, and treading water under demanding conditions.
On active duty, lifeguards are in constant motion, vigilantly rotating through multiple zones to monitor and respond to any risks. The “10/20” rule, developed by Ellis & Associates, is strictly adhered to, which mandates a standard where lifeguards must be able to spot and reach a guest in distress within seconds.
Gurnee Park District lifeguards share a commitment to safety and their passion and willingness to help others at all costs is unmatched. Please take a moment the next time you visit the Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center to thank these unsung heroes – your Guardians of the Water.
Gurnee Park District
2024 Seasonal Employee of the Year
This year, we are proud to present the 2024 “Seasonal Employee of the Year” Award to Jourdan Baldwin-Sylvester.
Jourdan began working for Gurnee Park District as a Day Camp Counselor in 2015. Since then, she has returned nearly every summer and is currently positioned as the Sports Camp Site Director.
As a day camp counselor, Jordan brought fun to her campers and the Gurnee Park District Summer Camp program, always with a smile on her face and a positive attitude no matter the situation. Working mainly with the Step Into Sports and Sports Campers, Jourdan showed great awareness in understanding the importance of treating all campers with differing athletic abilities equally. Not only did she prove to be a great counselor, but as years passed, she showed great leadership and poise to take on the role of Site Director.
For many years, Jordan worked as the Site Director for Step into Sports Camp. There, she created an atmosphere where staff felt respected and children felt heard. Her ability to talk with parents and campers when challenging situations arise, adapt to campers’ and team member’s individual needs, and teach the importance of sportsmanship truly reflects the great leader she is. As a high school teacher in Kenosha, Jourdan also brings her classroom experience to our summer camps. She is highly organized, motivated, and truly embodies Gurnee Park District’s SOFIE values.
This summer, before the start of camp, Jourdan was asked to make the switch from Step Into Sports Camp to work as the Sports Camp Site Director. While this would be a new role for her, Jourdan did not hesitate, saying, “Wherever you need me is where I will go.” Her adaptability, positive mindset, and leadership qualities, along with many other reasons, are why Jourdan has been awarded the Seasonal Employee of the Year Award.
Please take a moment to congratulate Jourdan on this well-deserved achievement!
Facility Hours
Click on a facility for more information about special & holiday hours for that particular facility
900 N Hunt Club Rd
This year, we are proud to present the 2024 “Seasonal Employee of the Year” Award to Jourdan Baldwin-Sylvester.