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!
BACK TO SCHOOL DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT – AGES 13-17
Come join us for our second annual Back to School Dodgeball Tournament for high school students!
Captains will register individually for their team. Teams will consist of up to 8 players, with 6 players competing at a time. Teams will compete in round robin play, and conclude with a tournament.
Championship t-shirts will be given out to the winning team.
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.”
Join the GO Gurnee Walking Club at Lake Carina Forest Preserve. (33319 Milwaukee Avenue in Gurnee)
Directions/Walk Details: 1-mile hard packed loop around a lake. Mostly flat except for a slight hill getting from the parking lot to the trail. On the East side of Milwaukee Avenue between the tollway and Gages Lake Road. Pets allowed. Limited parking so if you can carpool, please do.
Directions/Walk Details: This trail is an access point to the Des Plaines River Trail. It is packed gravel. Mostly flat. We’ll be heading SOUTH on the Des Plaines River Trail. To Washington Street and back will be 2.5 miles. To Route 120 and back is 4 miles. Gowe Park is located behind Warren Township High School (O’Plaine Campus). Follow the access road (McClure Avenue) between the school and Grand Avenue towards the river. No restrooms. Pets allowed.
Directions/Walk Details: This is near the Gurnee Jewel. Park in the EAST lot of the fire station. The bike path is behind the station. We’ll walk WEST along the path for roughly 1.5 miles and then turn around. Crushed gravel. Pets allowed. No restrooms.
Directions/Walk Details: This is NOT the same Raven Glen that we usually walk. This one is accessed about a mile WEST of Route 45 on Route 173. Pretend you are heading towards the Walmart in Antioch, this preserve will be on the left just past the light at Savage Road and before Deep Lake Road. 4-mile round trip gravel trail. Mostly flat. Minimal shade. Pets allowed. Limited parking so if you can car pool, please do.
Directions/Walk Details: This trail is an access point to the Des Plaines River Trail. It is packed gravel. Mostly flat. We’ll be heading NORTH on the Des Plaines River Trail. To Kilbourne Road and back will be 2 miles. Of course, you can continue further North to the 2nd bridge and make it a 4-mile round trip. Feeling really adventurous? To the fishing pond and back is 6 miles. No restrooms. Pets allowed.
Park near the new sledding hill by the smokestack. The actual walk through Central Park is not too long but there is a loop that takes you through downtown Grayslake and the total walk is 1.5 to 2 miles (depending on 1 detour). Paved. Mostly flat. Pets allowed. Take Route 45 to Center Street in Grayslake, Head West. Turn right on Railroad Street (just before the train tracks) and meet by the smokestack.
Directions/Walk Details: . This is a 2.3-mile loop circling a lake. Crushed rock path and mostly flat. It is near Route 60 & Freemont Center Road (think the Target in Mundelein). GPS will be helpful but here are rough directions from Gurnee. Take Route 45 South to Peterson Road. Right on Peterson all the way to the end. Left on Route 60. Quick right on Freemont Center Road. Quick right on Erhart Road then look for the forest preserve about a mile down the road on the left. The entrance is marked by a giant Black Angus cow. Pets allowed.
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.