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!
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.
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!
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.”
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
Facility Hours
Click on a facility for more information about special & holiday hours for that particular facility
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.