Your Hive of Park District Info!

Welcoming Pint-Sized Music Makers

Community members are invited to create magical memories with their little one when they make music at upcoming St. Charles Park District programs. Music and related activities are key for cognitive development in young children, said Kara Guizzetti-Reif, early childhood and preschool supervisor for the park district. “The benefits of time spent singing and playing

Prescribed Burns for Land Management

Even with outdoor temps hovering in single digits, there’s no staying indoors for Ryan Solomon, ecological restoration supervisor for the St. Charles Park District. Year-round Solomon and his crew tend to the park district’s 400+ acres of natural areas, including savannahs, wetlands and woodlands. And before the spring thaw and first buds push through the

Healthy Eating is On the Menu

Cooking can, at times, feel like an arduous task. But upcoming St. Charles Park District programs led by cookbook author and holistic nutrition and cooking coach Donna Fatigato have the recipe for fun. Up first is Food Prep Made Simple. This program for those 16 and older takes participants through the process of selecting and

No Bored Excuses for Local Teens

Spring is a time of renewal when the earth awakens and bursts with new life. And now is the perfect time for tweens and teens to explore new interests at the St. Charles Park District. With classes ranging from theatre production and all sorts of fitness opportunities to casting a new interest in fishing or

1…2…3…Count the Birds You See

Spy a red cardinal in the bare branches of a tree and count the sparrows huddled for warmth when the St. Charles Park District participates in the Great Backyard Bird Count this February. The St. Charles Park District, in partnership with the Kane County Audubon will be participating in the annual multi-day Bird Count, explained

IPRA Young Professional of the Year Award Recipient

Employee Receives State Recognition

Assistant Superintendent of Recreation Taylor Krawczyk of the St. Charles Park District was recently honored with the Illinois Park & Recreation Association’s (IPRA) Young Professional of the Year Award for her commitment and excellent service to parks and recreation. Ms. Krawczyk was recognized during the annual Soaring to New Height Conference, held at the Hyatt

Row, Row, Row Your Way to Sportsplex

Cardiovascular exercise is key for a healthy lifestyle, but increasing your heart rate also often means an increase in stress on joints and ligaments. Those seeking a low-impact (and indoor) alternative to classic forms of cardio are in luck as the St. Charles Park District provides a number of opportunities to explore rowing this winter.

Strive to Thrive in ’25

Say yes to a healthier you and explore fitness fun this month at the Norris Recreation Center in St. Charles where the park district team has created a calendar of opportunities to change up or start a new fitness routine. “We know trying something new can be intimidating and we’re here to help you,” said

Park improvements create more fun for all

New and improved areas to play, learn and have fun are part of the continual updates and improvements for the St. Charles Park District. The past year has been a busy one for the park district in the cycle of improving amenities. Two of the biggest projects completed this year were the completion of the

Discover the joy in dancing

Geneva couple proves ballroom styles still rule the dance floor From ballroom to the bachata, salsa and swing, there’s room for everyone on the dance floor at the St. Charles Park District’s series of classes for adults. This fall and winter the St. Charles Park District will offer its traditional classes for individuals, including salsa

New addition expands programs for Primrose Farm

Tomatoes are ripe, sunflowers have grown tall and the new building to house staff offices and agricultural programming is ready to open at Primrose Farm in St. Charles. The St. Charles Park District is ready for the opening of its newest and fully accessible facility that will bring year-round programs and improved experiences for visitors

Build strength, friendships at fitness classes

Flexibility, friendships and of course fun are the three staples when it comes to fitness classes offered at the St. Charles Park District. Several fitness classes in addition to monthly programs featuring educational topics, social opportunities and day trips are planned each season for those age 50 and older. One of the most popular fitness

Monarch Butterfly Taking a Sip at Hickory Knolls Natural Area

Insects’ Remarkable Journey Spotlighted in Monarchs & Mimosas

Monarch butterflies are graceful, seemingly fragile creatures. But these orange and black beauties are capable of an astonishing trek, traveling from eastern North America all the way to the mountains of Mexico in an annual mass migration. Their epic journey will be spotlighted during the St. Charles Park District’s upcoming program, Monarchs & Mimosas. Taking

Four Seats Up for Election for Park District Commissioners

Four (four-year term) positions will be up for election to the office of Commissioner of the St. Charles Park District Board on April 1, 2025. Potential candidates may pick up election information packets beginning August 14, 2024 at Baker Community Center, located at 101 South Second Street, St. Charles, Illinois during normal business hours: Monday

Teen Center Offers Connections

Imagine a rec room where teens can laugh, play ping pong and meet up with friends. There’s always someone to chat with, a comfy chair and it’s hard to be bored with games and activities around. In St. Charles, this is the STC Underground. St. Charles Park District supports the goal of having a place

Swing into Pottawatomie Golf Course for Senior Golf Days

A rolling course dotted with trees and complete with open fairways awaits players at Pottawatomie Golf Course. Dating back to 1939, the St. Charles Park District facility sits along the banks of the mighty Fox River and provides golfers with nine challenging holes. Those 60 and older who want to play through are invited to

Step Aboard for New Riverboat Events

It’s a joy to cruise the Fox River on a sunny summer day, taking in the sights on the water and along its banks, but soaking up the passing scenery from aboard an old-fashioned riverboat brings the experience to a whole new level. This season, the St. Charles Park District is unveiling several brand-new events

Summer Fun Hits the Right Notes

With live music, movies in the park and playground playdates there is always something fun and free to enjoy with the St. Charles Park District. Keep those extra pop-up chairs and picnic blankets in the car and mark the calendars for 7 p.m. Thursday nights at Lincoln Park for the St. Charles Park District’s Concerts

Seeking Before the Bell Staff

For a chance to work with a great team and start each day with a smile, join the before and after school care teams at the St. Charles Park District. St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 has implemented changes and the school day for elementary students will begin at 9:05 a.m. St. Charles Park

Aiming For Fun

Archery classes draw interest from all ages Draw back the bow, keep an eye on the target and discover the fun and challenges of archery. The sport featuring a bow and arrows has seen an uptick in interest as youth and adults. The St. Charles Park District offers beginning and intermediate archery classes taught by

Swing on in to Riverview Minigolf for Fun Events

River View Miniature Golf Course is a great place to create lasting family memories and enjoy the leisurely days and long evenings that only summer can bring. “What people enjoy most is the golf course’s stunning setting along the river, which offers a picturesque backdrop for a round,” said Cayla Greenfield, manager of the St.

Lincoln Park Comes Alive with Sounds of Music

The St. Charles Park District’s summer concert series in partnership with presenting sponsor Hawk Auto: Ford & Nissan return this summer every Thursday at 7pm in Lincoln Park downtown St. Charles! These free concerts epitomize the best of small-town living as the community comes together to enjoy an evening of musical talent to rival anything

Get Stuck on Parks

Drinking water is important any day of the year, but when the temperatures climb, it’s essential to reach for that water bottle often. And this summer, that hero of hydration can get a whole new look courtesy of a brand-new program from the St. Charles Park District. Inspired by a similar program from the National

More than lessons: swim safe

Swim safety at the core of swim instruction at STC pools As the summer sun pours out of the sky there is nothing more refreshing than the splash of cool water. But the allure of a backyard or community pool can quickly turn to danger for individuals who lack basic swim skills and an understanding

Active Summers Start with Sports Camps

School is out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean the learning stops. The St. Charles Park District offers a number of sports camps that focus not only on learning new athletic skills, but the importance of persistence, teamwork and sportsmanship. “With our sports camps, kids get to interact with new people as well as

Special Events Make for Summer Fun

It’s heating up outside, so that can only mean one thing—it’s time to head to the pool. Plenty of special events and theme days are on deck at both Otter Cove Aquatic Park and Swanson Pool to kick off the season. Both facilities open Memorial Day weekend. “Otter Cove’s Water Fun for Everyone tagline is

Paddle and pedal along the Fox River in St. Charles

Nestled along the Fox River, Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles has several great ways for visitors to enjoy the river without breaking the budget for fun. Get a new perspective of downtown St. Charles while paddling down the river. Plus, kayaking is a great cardio workout. The St. Charles Park District offers four, single-person kayaks

Batter Up

Softball league brings friends together on the field It started as a fun way to get together with friends once a week, and it’s become a summertime tradition. If it’s Wednesday in the summer then St. Charles residents Bethany and Ben Fowler are at the Pottawatomie Park softball fields. Since 2017 they have rounded up

Stay in the Know

These days it’s never been easier to learn about community programs or park amenities and communicate with St. Charles Park District staff. Community members seeking current details on specific activities or seasonal facilities that match their interests and lifestyle can customize their online experience with the new Follow Your Interest feature at followyourinterest.com/stcparks. The feature

Celebrating Norris Woods induction into national Old-Growth Forest Network

St. Charles Park District’s Norris Woods Nature Preserve, heralded as one of the most outstanding oak woodlands remaining in northeastern Illinois, will soon receive another accolade: membership in the national Old Growth Forest Network (OGFN), a national organization that celebrates our oldest protected and publicly accessible forests. The public is invited to attend a special

1 2 3 4

Your Hive of Park District Info!

FIND US EVERYWHERE YOU GO