Welcome to the Fox Valley Park District

Start running season at Blackberry Farm's 5K Spring Gallop

The annual CARA-certified 5K Spring Gallop run/walk on March 31 is a great way to kick off the running season! New this year is chip timing for easy access to accurate times. The course combines the paved Gilman Trail and loops around Lake Gregory. Sign up by noon on March 23 for early bird pricing and a T-shirt. CARA members also receive an additional discount. To sign up, register online or download the printable 5K Spring Gallop application form.

More money-saving tips as coupon expert Jill Cataldo returns to Prisco on March 7

Coupon guru Jill Cataldo is returning to the Prisco Community Center at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, with advanced tips on how you can save big money. Learn how to dramatically reduce your grocery bills and find bargains on clothing and household items. Pre-registration is required; no tickets at the door. Call 630-859-8606 for info.

Deal extended - enrollment fees waived through February! Get fit and get a great deal

OK, you've made the fitness resolution. Now is the time to start working out. Through February, the Park District is offering fitness memberships that require no enrollment fees! That's right - sign up at Eola, Prisco or the Vaughan Athletic Center today and you're good to go. You'll look great, feel great and enjoy getting fit at bargain rates. Learn more.

Spring registration for residents under way

Residents of the Fox Valley Park District may register for spring programs and events. Non-resident registration will begin the following week on Monday, Feb. 20. The park district is offering hundreds of programs and activities for youth and adults this spring. Registration info. Browse Spring Guide.

MapleFest offers up-close look at syrup-producing process
Stop by the Red Oak Nature Center on March 17 to witness how maple sap is turned into delicious maple syrup at the free family-friendly MapleFest event. Programs begin on the hour: 9 a.m., 10 a.m.., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. No registration is required.

Picnic shelter reservations now available at 17 different park sites

If you're planning a family outing or special gathering, the Park District has just the venue, with 17 picnic shelters available at parks throughout the District. Reservations are being accepted as of Feb. 1. For more information, visit the shelter reservations page or call 630-897-0516. List of sites.

Aurora Branch of Illinois Prairie Path closed through April; detour begins March 1

The Aurora Branch of the Illinois Prairie Path - which runs from the Fox River Trail East to the Batavia Spur just north of I-88 - will be closed from March 1 through April 30 while Com Ed completes work on nearby electrical lines. Detour map.

Make plans now for Bunny Brunch on March 31
Parents and their children will enjoy a brunch buffet, music, an egg hunt and a visit with the Easter Bunny. The fun starts at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, at the Prisco Community Center. Don't forget the camera! Registration deadline is March 29.

Calling all volunteers for our annual Spring Spruce-up!

Join in the annual Spring Spruce-up event the morning of April 21, a great opportunity to celebrate Earth Week! Scout groups, church groups, friends and families are invited to help spruce up our local parks by picking up litter and more. This year's parks: Gilman Trail/Blackberry Farm; Montgomery Park; North Aurora Island Park; O'Donnell Park/Prairie Path; South Broadway Park and Waubonsie Creek Park. Call 630-966-4555 to sign up today!

OSPRI update details latest park renovations and new projects around District

The Open Space, Park and Recreation Investment (OSPRI) plan - funded by the 2008 referendum - has spearheaded dozens of park improvement projects, creating greater public amenities for Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery. Read more about the investments in your community.

Waubonsie Lake Park undergoing improvements

Waubonsie Lake Park is undergoing a series of improvements that will further expand this park’s appeal – basically, taking what’s already good and making it greater! To learn more about what is to come at Waubonsie Lake Park, click here. Please pardon our dust while the parking lot is under construction and is not open to the public.

New bridge to Hurds Island brings Fox River Trail Gap thisclose to completion

The new bike/pedestrian bridge currently being installed will shorten the gap through downtown Aurora and is part of a 75-mile trail that runs from Oswego to the Wisconsin border. It spans the west channel of the Fox River, connecting with Hurds Island, where a paved trail will run along the west edge of the island to North Avenue. Only a few city blocks remain from North Avenue to where the trail resumes at Downer Place behind Waubonsee Community College. Details.

Gregory Island Dog Park now open, with separate areas for large and small dogs

Featuring a spacious fenced area for small dogs (under 35 pounds) and room to roam for large dogs, Gregory Island Dog Park is located on Indian Trail, just west of Route 25. The park is bordered by the Fox River on both sides. All dogs must have a Park District dog tag and rabies tag to enter the park. NEW: Order a dog tag online! Or download a Dog Park Permit Application. Dog tags are also good for Lincoln Park Dog Park.

Gilman Trail bridge complete!

The stylish looking bridge now spans the crossing at busy Galena Boulevard, providing safety and convenience for all trail users. Be among the first to check out this exciting upgrade - it's definitely worth celebrating! Gilman Trail bridge details

Dog Park tags are now available online

It's now more convenient than ever for dog owners to obtain the required dog tags for Lincoln Park and Gregory Island Dog Parks. The Park District is now accepting applications online. Click here to begin the process! Or apply by mail - simply download a Dog Park Permit Application, fill it out and send it in the mail. Your dog tag will arrive in a matter of days. Visit the dog park web page for more information.

Registration for Creative Play Preschool open for spring

There are still available spots for the Spring Creative Play Preschool Program. This program offers children a stimulating environment in which to grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. More information.

Leave a lasting legacy for your community

The Park District has several opportunities through which to leave a lasting legacy. Park benches engraved with a loved one's name, tree planting memorials and endowments of Park District programs are a few ways to leave a legacy while making an impact on your community. Click here for more information about leaving a lasting legacy.

Keeping Our Youth Fit report shows
extent of healthy programming

Enriching children's lives is at the forefront of the Fox Valley Park District's mission. A recent report prepared by Park District staff shows the array of such programs designed to build confidence and character in our children. The district believes children who are involved in interactive activities and recreational pursuits enjoy a higher quality of life that carries into adulthood. Engaging children in these activities also reaps important physical and social benefits. Download the full report here.