Join us for a day full of creativity, color, and fun at our Art Extravaganza Day! From painting and clay sculpting, to collaborative murals and tie-dye fun, there’s something for everyone!
What to bring:
– Lunch
– Water Bottle
– Appropriate outerwear as some activities may be held outside
The program time is 6:30am-6:00pm. Children can be dropped off as early as 6:30am and picked up by 6:00pm. Themed activities will take place between 9:00am-3:00pm.
This is a non-school day for students in both Districts 50 & 56.
Celebrate love, friendship, and fun on Valentine’s Day! With music, crafts, games, and plenty of love, our Valentine’s Day event promises a day filled with laughter and heartfelt moments.
What to bring:
– Lunch
– Water Bottle
– Appropriate outerwear as some activities may be held outside
The program time is 6:30am-6:00pm. Children can be dropped off as early as 6:30am and picked up by 6:00pm. Themed activities will take place between 9:00am-3:00pm.
This is a non-school day for students in both Districts 50 & 56.
For Woman’s History Month we will enjoy a heart lifting story about a woman, Joal Derse Dauer, and her special dog, Sadie. Joal was donating blankets at a local no-kill shelter when an injured and despondent dog caught her eye. There was something special about Sadie. With patience, hope, and plenty of love, Joal saw her canine companion grow in strength and joy. And before long, she discovered that sweet Sadie had transformed her life in ways she never could have imagined. Saving Sadie is a triumphant story about the power of unconditional love and second chances—for humans and animals alike.
Lunch will include cheese pizza and salad from Kaisers in Gurnee and, of course, dessert.
Registration deadline: March 6, 2025
Doors open at 11:00am. Lunch service begins at 11:30am.
It was February 7, 1967, when the Beatles burst on to the music scene in the USA. Sit back and enjoy Grammy-nominated musician Dave Rudolf as he plays songs from the Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, and many more groups from that era.
Lunch will include a grilled sun-dried tomato pesto chicken sandwich with roasted red pepper, onion, provolone, lettuce, and tomato on a ciabatta roll from Khayat Catering in Gurnee, a cup of chicken noodle soup from Panera, and dessert.
Registration deadline: February 6, 2025
Doors open at 11:00am. Lunch service begins at 11:30am. https://ilgurneeweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?module=ar&keyword=302835
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!
BLACK FRIDAY FITNATION DEALS (11/29 – 12/1)
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!
THANKSGIVING HOURS (11/28)
As a reminder, we will be operating with limited hours for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 28th:
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!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mark your calendars for added FUN next month!
FREE HOLIDAY LIGHTS (12/5)
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)
Special thank you to our sponsors, Gurnee Community Bank, Forest Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, Honey Orthodontics, and DCFS!
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA (12/7)
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
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Looking for a FUN and REWARDING job? We’re hiring!
Available positions include:
Basketball Scorekeeper (PT)
Customer Service Representative (PT)
FitNation Childcare Coordinator (PT)
FitNation Fitness Attendant (PT)
FitNation Group Exercise Instructor (PT)
Personal Trainer (PT)
Click here for more information!
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STAY CONNECTED
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!
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Have a great month! We look forward to seeing you out and about at Gurnee Park District!
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
NEW this year – enjoy some of your favorite vendors from the Gurnee Farmers Market!
*Children must be accompanied by an adult 16 years or older, adults are free.
This event is proudly sponsored by our friends at:
FREE GIRLS BASKETBALL CLINIC – 10/26
We’re teaming up with the Warren Township High School (WTHS) Girls Basketball Team for a FREE skills clinic!
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.
VISIT A PARK!
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!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mark your calendars for added FUN 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
*Registration deadline is 11/1
ARCTIC EXPRESS – 12/14
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)
FOLLOW US!
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, 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.
Not a Walking Club member? Join for FREE today!
Join the GO Gurnee Walking Club at Gowe Park / Des Plaines River Trail (4621 McClure Avenue in Gurnee.)
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.
Not a Walking Club member? Join for FREE today!
