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!
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Gurnee Park District Newsletter – June 2024
While summer doesn’t officially begin until June 20th, it’s safe to say it is officially feeling like summer! The trees are fully boasting their summer flair and the temperatures are slowly rising higher and higher! Make sure to soak up those rays and beautiful days by taking a visit to one of our amazing 28 parks (see this month’s Park Highlight below)!
We have a lot in store this month! Mark your calendars for our upcoming June events and MORE!
MAKE A SPLASH AT THE AQUATIC CENTER!
The Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center is NOW open! Enjoy fun all summer long!
*Don’t forget to check Rainout Line for all weather-related updates!
FAMILIES ON THE FAIRWAY – 6/7
This Friday (6/7), get ready for our annual Families on the Fairway event at Bittersweet Golf Course! This event is FREE and FUN for the whole family! Friday, June 7 7:00-9:00pm Bittersweet Golf Course | 875 Almond Road
Grab your friends as our popular monthly mixers have been extended through July!
NEW summer location: Gurnee Community Church | 4555 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL. 60031
As summer begins, let’s celebrate with an old-fashioned picnic, indoors of course! Lunch will include fried chicken, potato salad, vegetable and fruit trays, and dessert. Following lunch, we’ll play “Name That Tune” with singer and piano player, Robb Pedraza.
Friday, June 14 – 11:30am-1:00pm *Doors open: 11:00am/lunch service begins at 11:30am
Our Sounds of Summer concert series begins this month! See below for our upcoming June concerts:
June 13: Sounds of Summer Evening Concert – “90s Pop Nation” at Viking Park (7:00-8:30pm)
June 18: Sounds of Summer Children’s Series: “Mary Macaroni” at Viking Park (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! The team will be serving up FREE, sweet treats to guests (while supplies last)!
June 27: Sounds of Summer Evening Concert – “Radio Gaga” at Viking Park (7:00-8:30pm) *thank you to our sponsor, Old National Bank, for making this event possible!
Special thank you to the Gurnee Exchange Club, who will be onsite for our evening concerts selling concessions!
DEI CORNER – PRIDE MONTH
As we welcome the month of June, we also welcome Pride Month, a time to celebrate, remember, and continue the progress toward equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Here at the Gurnee Park District, where the heart of our mission lies in fostering a welcoming environment for all members of our community, we embrace the significance of this month by reflecting on its origins and celebrating its importance.
Head on over to the east side of Gurnee, just past Route 41, down Belle Plaine Avenue, and you will find…Shaw Park!
Tis’ the season to get outside, and Shaw Park is a great place to do just that! Tucked away in the quiet neighborhood near Spaulding School, Shaw Park is another one of Gurnee Park District’s finest locations. The park boasts an inviting playground for all ages, plenty of shade from mature trees, as well as a wooded walking path. If you’re looking to get in some extra steps, hop on over to the “Boulevard View Trail,” which connects to the park for an extra ¾ mile walking adventure.
Did you know? In 2018, the park received a makeover to its playground structures, including new slides, climbing features, a merry-go-round, a swing set, and a tot lot. In addition to plenty of new and exciting play features, our Parks Teams also added a large shade sail or kite, making picnics at the park the perfect summer activity!
UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS
Mark your calendars for MORE fun throughout the summer!
Looking for a FUN and REWARDING job? We’re hiring! Available positions include:
Business Services Specialist (FT) Facility Maintenance I & II (FT & PT) FitNation Childcare (PT) Fitness Attendant (PT) Group Exercise Instructor (PT) Park Ambassador (PT) Personal Trainer (PT) Special Events Coordinator (PT)