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.”

Dive into the world of fantasy with themed activities, crafts, and games inspired by fairytales and magical creatures.

Are you looking for something for your child to do on the next day off school? Let us take care of the planning. Registration closes one week prior to the program date. Non- Park district residents who reside in Districts 50 or 56 receive resident rates for that specific program.

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 9:00a-3:00pm.

Monday, January 20th 

Dress up as your favorite Disney character and enjoy Disney-themed activities, games, and movies.

Are you looking for something for your child to do on the next day off school? Let us take care of the planning. Registration closes one week prior to the program date. Non- Park district residents who reside in Districts 50 or 56 receive resident rates for that specific program.

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 9:00a-3:00pm.

Monday, January 6th 

Show off your sports spirit by wearing your favorite team’s jersey and participating in sports-themed games and activities.

Are you looking for something for your child to do on the next day off school? Let us take care of the planning. Registration closes one week prior to the program date. Non- Park district residents who reside in Districts 50 or 56 receive resident rates for that specific program.

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 9:00a-3:00pm.

Friday, January 3rd  

Step into a world of sweetness and delight at our Candyland-themed! Join us for a day filled with colorful treats, fun games, and magical adventures.

Are you looking for something for your child to do on the next day off school? Let us take care of the planning. Registration closes one week prior to the program date. Non- Park district residents who reside in Districts 50 or 56 receive resident rates for that specific program.

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 9:00a-3:00pm.

Thursday, 

Ring in the New Year with our exciting New Year’s celebration at the Gurnee Park District. From creating their own New Year’s party hats and noisemakers to enjoying a countdown to ‘midnight’. Join us as we celebrate new beginnings and create lasting memories together! 

Are you looking for something for your child to do on the next day off school? Let us take care of the planning. Registration closes one week prior to the program date. Non- Park district residents who reside in Districts 50 or 56 receive resident rates for that specific program.

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 9:00a-3:00pm.

Monday, December 30th 

Step right up to a day of circus-themed fun with crafts, face painting, and circus games!

Are you looking for something for your child to do on the next day off school? Let us take care of the planning. Registration closes one week prior to the program date. Non- Park district residents who reside in Districts 50 or 56 receive resident rates for that specific program.

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 9:00a-3:00pm.

Friday, December 27th 

Come and join us as we transform our Gurnee Park District into a magical Winter Wonderland, filled with snowy adventures and frosty fun!

Are you looking for something for your child to do on the next day off school? Let us take care of the planning. Registration closes one week prior to the program date. Non- Park district residents who reside in Districts 50 or 56 receive resident rates for that specific program.

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 9:00a-3:00pm.

Thursday, December 26th 

Celebrate the season with us at our Festive Celebration. From holiday themed crafts to fun festive snacks.

Are you looking for something for your child to do on the next day off school? Let us take care of the planning. Registration closes one week prior to the program date. Non- Park district residents who reside in Districts 50 or 56 receive resident rates for that specific program.

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 9:00a-3:00pm.

Monday, December 23rd