There is something truly magical about the winter season here at Gurnee Park District. As we watch the snowflakes begin to float delicately to the ground, and we shake off the morning frost, we’re reminded of the beauty and joy that awaits around every corner. Whether it be connecting with nature, creating lasting memories, or finding new ways to stay active, we are truly excited to share this season of wonder, adventure, and togetherness with all of you.

At Gurnee Park District, we believe in the power of nature, which is why we strive to protect and showcase the natural beauty of our parks. The winter season is no exception. When the snow begins to fall, our parks begin their transformation into beautiful winter wonderlands, ready to be explored by all. Whether you prefer sledding down the snowy hill at Christine Thompson Park, ice skating with friends at our outdoor ice rinks located at Betty Russell Park and Viking Park, or hiking through one of our glistening trails, we invite you to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of our parks.

Looking for a little adventure this winter? Bundle up for a walk with our GO Gurnee Walking Club! Our walking club members meet every Saturday morning to traverse the scenic trails of not only Gurnee but those throughout Lake County. For members, it’s not only about exercise, but also creating new friendships with those who share similar interests, as well as engaging in warm conversations along the way. The sense of community our walking club embodies is contagious and we hope you can be a part of it this season and beyond.

As a park district, we strive to impart a feeling of connection and community in all that we do. This is especially true in this upcoming season of togetherness. Gather your friends, family, and neighbors for a lineup of special events that will make this winter season truly unforgettable. Delight in the joy of one of our favorite winter traditions – “Frosty Fest,” where you will find a variety of exciting activities for all ages to enjoy. No matter the season, we offer plenty of ways to keep the whole family involved and having fun.

After the holidays, we begin anew with a fresh start into a new year. Let FitNation help make 2024 your best year yet! Whether it’s a stimulating spin class, or a refreshing yoga session, our dedicated instructors will guide you towards achieving your fitness goals and keep you on track all season long!

Winter is a time for reflection and gratitude. With that said, we are honored to continue our commitment to providing memorable experiences that bring you closer to nature, foster a sense of community, and promote overall well-being. As we navigate the coming months, we thank you for being a part of the magic that is Gurnee Park District.

With warmest wishes and heartfelt appreciation,

Susie Kuruvilla, CPA, CPRP
Executive Director

As we head into the busy month of December, we wanted to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season! We thank you for your continued support throughout the year and we look forward to providing more FUN this month and in the months ahead!

December will be filled with plenty of opportunities for you and your family to get out and celebrate the season. Please see below for what’s to come!­­

2023-2024 WINTER PROGRAM AND EVENTS – REGISTER TODAY!

Registration is NOW OPEN for our upcoming 2023-2024 winter programs and events!

Start planning today! 

View our 2023/2024 Winter Program & Events Guide

2024 HUNT CLUB PARK AQUATIC CENTER SEASON PASSES – ON SALE NOW!­­­

Give the gift of summer fun this holiday season! Purchase your 2024 Aquatic Center season passes at the lowest rates of the season from now until 12/31! 

Purchase your 2024 season pass!

 HOLIDAY LIGHTS – 12/7

Join us to kick-off the holidays with the 3rd annual “Holiday Lights” event at Welton Plaza (Old Grand Avenue)! We’ll have firepits and s’mores to keep you warm, food trucks to keep you full, craft stations to keep you busy, and much more!

Want to help those in need this holiday season? Staff will be collecting non-perishable food items for theWarren Township Food Pantry during the event. Please bring your donations to help make a difference in our community!

Special thank you to Forest Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry for providing hot chocolate!

When: Thursday, December 7
5:30-7:30pm (Welton Plaza) 

Learn more here!

MONTHLY MIXER – 12/12

Celebrate the holidays with a lunch of roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, and dessert. Following lunch, we will play “Singo,” a song Bingo game using holiday carols.

Feel free to bring a $6.00 or less wrapped gift for the gift exchange game!

11:30am – 1:00pm
Viking Park | 4374 Old Grand Avenue
Ages: 55+
Fee: $10

Registration deadline is Thursday, December 7. 

Save your spot!

WINTER BREAK DAYS OFF SCHOOL – 12/22 – 1/8

Winter Break is coming! Keep the kids busy with our Days Off School Programs! We have a variety of FUN activities planned for each day. Sign up today; spaces are limited! 

View our complete Days Off School schedule here!

HOLIDAY FACILITY HOURS

Please see below for our upcoming holiday facility hours:

Friday, December 22 –

• Viking Park Community Center – CLOSED

Sunday, December 24

• Hunt Club Park Community Center – CLOSED
• Viking Park Community Center – CLOSED
• FitNation on Nations Drive – 7:00am – 12:00pm

Monday, December 25

• Hunt Club Park Community Center – CLOSED
• Viking Park Community Center – CLOSED
• FitNation on Nations Drive – CLOSED

Sunday, December 31

• Hunt Club Park Community Center – 7:00am – 12:00pm
• Viking Park Community Center – CLOSED
• FitNation on Nations Drive – 7:00am – 3:00pm

Monday, January 1

• Hunt Club Park Community Center – CLOSED
• Viking Park Community Center – CLOSED
• FitNation on Nations Drive – 10:00am – 5:00pm

To see our daily facility hours, please click on the links below: 

Hunt Club & Viking Park daily hours

FitNation on Nations Drive daily hours

PARK HIGHLIGHT – VIKING PARK

This month’s Park Highlight is all about Viking Park (pictured above)! This expansive park, located off Old Grand Avenue, features not one, but TWO engaging playgrounds, paved and gravel walking paths, multiple sport courts, a challenging skate park, indoor and outdoor rental spaces, and plenty of picturesque backdrops for every season!

As we head into the month of December, prepare for Viking Park to be transformed into a magical winter wonderland, complete with holiday lights and an outdoor ice skating rink (weather dependent). NEW this year is a welcoming light tunnel brightening up a portion of our brick pathway. Feel free to take a stroll, and maybe a quick photo session, too! 

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UPCOMING JANUARY EVENTS:

FROSTY FEST – 1/6

Enjoy an unforgettable day of FREE outdoor family fun at Viking Park! Sleigh rides, ice skating (weather dependent), and other festive winter games and crafts will be available. Warm up with hot cocoa in the Dance Hall or s’mores by the fire!

When: Saturday, January 6

Time: 10:30am – 1:00pm

Where: Viking Park | 4374 Old Grand Avenue

Thank you to our sponsors, Advocate Aurora Health, BCU, and Honey Orthodontics, for making this event possible!

GROWING TREE PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSES – 1/17 & 1/18

See how we learn and grow at Growing Tree Preschool! Whether your child currently attends or you are considering enrolling in the upcoming school year, our Open Houses provide parents the opportunity to learn about our program philosophy and curriculum. Parents can also enroll their children in the upcoming school year with a discounted registration fee.

Open Houses will take place from 6:30-7:30pm on:

Wednesday, January 17 at Hunt Club Park Community Center (gymnasium)
Thursday, January 18 at Viking Park Community Center (Dance Hall)

NOTE: Registration for the 2024/2025 school year will open on 1/17/24 at 6:30pm; those who register during an Open House will receive a discounted registration fee.

NEW! WINTER BEACH BASH – 1/19

Those winter blues starting to make you feel down? Shake off the snow and join us for a night of beach-themed activities, prizes, and splashing good times at our 87-degree indoor pool at FitNation! Light snacks and drinks will be provided for all. Don’t forget your favorite beach attire!

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by someone age 16+. Everyone attending must be registered for the event (even if they don’t want to swim). Children under 3 are free. 

Join in the fun!

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Looking for a FUN and REWARDING job? We’re hiring!

Available positions include:

Customer Service Representatives (PT)
Facility Maintenance II (PT)
FitNation Childcare Coordinator (PT)
Fitness Attendant (PT)
Preschool Teacher (Substitute) (PT)
Swim Instructor (PT)
Youth Program Coordinator (FT)
And MORE!

Click here for more information!

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STAY CONNECTED

Looking for MORE fun? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with daily park happenings, news, and more!

Gurnee Park District Facebook Page

Gurnee Park District Instagram Page

Gurnee Park District LinkedIn Page

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Have a great month! We look forward to seeing you out and about at Gurnee Park District!

NOVEMBER 2023 GURNEE PARK DISTRICT NEWSLETTER

What a beautiful fall we’ve been having here in Gurnee! Between the changing colors on the trees and the mostly mild weather, this fall has us feeling all the feels!

As we head into November, we are excited to share what we have in store here at Gurnee Park District. From programming, to upcoming special events, to gearing up for the holidays, we have plenty for the whole family to take part in! Take a look below! 

NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS

FAMILY ART NIGHT – 11/10

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 10th
Hunt Club Community Center
5:00-7:00pm
*Registration deadline is 11/06/23.

Reserve your spot here!

 BLACK FRIDAY FITNATION DEALS (11/24 – 11/27)

Looking to join FitNation Gurnee? Save BIG with our Black Friday Sale (11/24-11/27): Buy 2 months/get 1 FREE for only $109 (that’s $55 in savings)!

Already a current FitNation Member? – get ready for our Black Friday Personal Training sale! Purchase 10 Personal Training sessions for just $250!

Mark those calendars – these offers will only be valid from Friday, November 24 – Monday, November 27!

For more information, please see a Member Services Staff Member!

Learn more about FitNation’s Personal Training Options!

YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUES (3rd-8th GRADES) BEGIN 11/27!

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! 

Join your TEAM today!

 THANKSGIVING HOURS (11/23)

As a reminder, we will be operating with limited hours for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 23rd:

• Hunt Club Park Community Center – CLOSED 
• Viking Park Community Center – CLOSED 
• 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 (pictured above)! 

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 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! 

Click here to view all of our park locations and information!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Mark your calendars for added FUN next month!

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA (12/2)

SANTA! We know him! Enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by a meet and greet with Santa! 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 

Limited seating still available!

Save your seat today!

HOLIDAY LIGHTS (12/7)

Mark your calendars for the 3rd annual “Holiday Lights” event at Welton Plaza (Old Grand Avenue)! We’ll have firepits and s’mores to keep you warm, food trucks to keep you full, craft stations to keep you busy, and much more!

Special guests include Gurnee Park District Above the Barre Dance Team, Gurnee Mayor, Tom Hood, WSRA Choirs, and the BIG Guy himself, Santa Claus!

Want to help those in need this holiday season? Staff will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Warren Township Food Pantry during the event. Please bring your donations to help make a difference in our community!

Thursday, December 7
5:30 – 7:30pm
Welton Plaza on Old Grand Avenue (next to Gurnee Community Church)

ARCTIC EXPRESS – SOLD OUT

All aboard as we travel to the “North Pole” to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus! The ride will be filled with music, stories, and surprises! *Note: this event is currently SOLD OUT

Special thank you to our amazing sponsors, D. Wells Automotive and Great Lakes Credit Union, for making this event possible!

HUNT CLUB PARK AQUATIC CENTER SEASON PASS SALE!

Give the gift of summer FUN this upcoming holiday season! Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center season passes will be on sale this December at our lowest prices of the season! Stay tuned for more information!

Learn more about our Aquatic Center!

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Looking for a FUN and REWARDING job? We’re hiring!
Available positions include:

Aquatics (seasonal and year-round positions – PT)
Dance Instructor (PT)
Facility Maintenance I (PT)
KidNation Childcare Coordinator (PT)
KidNation Childcare Staff Member (PT)
Personal Trainer (PT)
Preschool Teacher / Substitute Teacher (PT)
Youth Program Coordinator (PT)

Click here for more information!

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STAY CONNECTED

Looking for MORE fun? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with daily park happenings, news, and more!

Gurnee Park District Facebook Page

Gurnee Park District Instagram Page

Gurnee Park District LinkedIn Page

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Have a great month! We look forward to seeing you out and about at Gurnee Park District! 

On Saturday, October 14^th, Gurnee Park District in partnership with the Village of Gurnee will host a Halloween favorite, with a NEW twist. Due to inclement weather in the forecast, Halloween Fall Fest will be held indoors at Hunt Club Park Community Center (920 Hunt Club Rd., Gurnee, IL).

Halloween Fall Fest will still include visits with favorite characters, and of course … CANDY! The cost is per child ($10 Gurnee residents / $13 nonresidents), adults are free. Guests of Halloween Fall Fest can register online or pay at the door.

Other reminders/tips for the event:

• LOCATION HAS BEEN CHANGED TO HUNT CLUB PARK COMMUNITY CENTER
• Dress to impress. Costumes are encouraged.
• Bring your camera to take pictures! There will be plenty of photo ops. 
• Bring a bag/bucket for candy and other goodies. 
  

Halloween Fall Fest will be held on Saturday, October 14^th at Hunt Club Park Community Center (920 Hunt Club Rd., Gurnee, IL) beginning at 1:00 pm. For any questions, please contact Mary Lester at 847-599-3745, or visit gurneeparkdistrict.com/events.

More information:

• Sponsored by: Great Lakes Credit Union and Honey Orthodontics
• Halloween Fall Fest Event 

Families are invited to visit January 18 and January 19

Gurnee, Illinois – January 18 – 19: Visit tonight and tomorrow to see how we learn and grow at Growing Tree Preschool! Whether your child currently attends or you are considering enrolling in the upcoming school year, our Open Houses provide parents the opportunity to learn about our program philosophy and curriculum.

Parents can also enroll their children in the upcoming school year with a discounted registration fee.

Both locations will host open houses from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm.

• January 18 | Hunt Club Park Community Center
• January 19 | Viking Park Community Center

Visit the classrooms where your child(ren) will engage in a variety of fun activities! Parents will meet the staff and learn more about Growing Tree Preschool.

The first days of preschool are exciting! Sue McDougle, Gurnee Park District’s Preschool Manager shares a few things for parents to keep in mind when sending their children back to school. Parents can be worried or anxious too, it’s common. By controlling emotions, and creating a routine, families can easily transition and get their child(ren) ready to start school.

Preschool is a new experience for parents too. Here are a few ways to help with the transition.

• Know that a child’s ability to be independent in a classroom setting enhances the parent/child bond.
• Ask children about what their learning and new experiences.
• Avoid showing emotion in front of your child. Some children become upset when they see this.
• Preschool is an opportunity for parents to meet other parents and form lasting friendships.

Leading up to school starting as well as when school starts, establishing a routine and new habits can help!

• Having children stay with a trusted adult before school begins can reduce separation anxiety.
• Healthy bedtime routines prepare children to be well rested each school day.
• Just like bedtime, the morning should have a routine and include breakfast.
• Make school an important family priority!
• Empty your child’s backpack and home/school folder together.
• Ask about their art projects.
• Compliment efforts and practice writing at home.
• Sing with them. They’re always learning new songs at school!
• Be proud and be sure to tell your preschooler.