The Fox Valley Park District maintains 152 parks, each with its own distinct personality. The District also owns and maintains 22 miles of river shoreline, 24 lakes, 40 miles of multi-use trails, 37 park shelters and more than 2,300 acres of open space. Park amenities include 83 playgrounds, 70 basketball courts, 36 outdoor tennis courts, 50 baseball fields and 45 soccer fields.
The park district has partnered with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on a plan to ensure long-term quality fishing on the district's dozens of lakes -- not just tomorrow, but for tomorrow's generation and beyond.
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.
Check out the Park District's new user-friendly interactive parks map. The map provides locations, descriptions and directions for each of the District's 154 parks and 40 miles of regional trails. The clickable park locator provides information regarding amenities, features and activities available at each park.
With the Fox River Trail, Virgil Gilman Trail and Illinois Prairie Path, our communities enjoy one of the best inter-connected trail networks around. The Park District is continually upgrading its 40 miles of regional trails, with recent repaving of major sections the latest improvement installment. Details.
On the heels of our highly successful "Plant 1,000 Trees" initiative in 2008, the Park District upped the ante in 2009 and planted 1,500 trees throughout the District, providing natural beauty, cleaner air and water - and lots more shade - at our 152 parks. Read the full story.
Golden Foxes Walking Club
The Fox Valley Park District, in conjunction with the National Recreation and Park Association and AARP, will be offering a new 10-week walking program this spring. Participants will be part of a walking audit to help evaluate the accessibility of trails, paths and park areas for those of all ages and abilities. At the completion of the 10-week program, this will be a regular walking club. In inclement weather, walks will take place at the Prisco Community Center Gym. A schedule will be determined after an interest group is formed. Interested in participating? Please contact Jennifer Huber at 630-859-8606.
Notice: Ash borer infestation found at Goodwin Park; trees to be removed
In mid-February, Park District staff discovered several large green ash trees at Goodwin Park to be infested with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an exotic but destructive wood-boring beetle that attacks ash trees exclusively.
While the beetles and infested trees pose no health risk to residents, the Park District will take pro-active active action and remove the infested trees by mid-March, working through the recommendations of the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Morton Arboretum.
The affected trees will be shredded and converted into wood chips to limit the infestation, after which "we will be replacing those trees removed in order to maintain our urban forests," said Bill Donnell, director of natural resources, forestry and special projects.
What is an Emerald Ash Borer?
The emerald ash borer is a small metallic green beetle measuring one-half inch long. Native to Asia, it was first discovered in Michigan in 2002 and has since spread throughout the Midwest and eastern United States.
The adult emerald ash borer emerges in May to July and the female lays numerous eggs in bark crevices and between layers of bark. When the eggs hatch in 7-10 days, the larvae bore into the tree, where they chew the inner bark and phloem, creating winding galleries as they feed. This cuts off the flow of water and nutrients to the tree, causing it to slowly deterioriate and die.
How do I know if a tree is affected?
The most visible sign of infestation is crown dieback; branches at the top of the tree die, and lower branches begin to die in subsequent years.
What if I suspect an ash tree in my neighborhood is infested?
As much as 20 percent of trees in the Chicago area are ash trees, so chances are, they're in and around your parks and neighborhood. If you see what you think is an infested tree, contact Bill Donnell at the Fox Valley Park District at 630-897-0516.
Park Hours
Trails are open from sunrise to sunset. Neighborhood parks are open from sunrise to one hour past sunset. Community Parks are open from sunrise to sunset or one-half hour past the conclusion of the scheduled activity. For additional park information, call 630-897-0516.
Park Rules
Animals: All dogs must be restrained by a leash not longer than six feet.
Fishing: All persons fishing shall abide by all game laws of the state of Illinois and possess a valid Illinois Fishing License as required by law with proper game stamps.
Hunting: No hunting, mistreatment of animals or trapping is allowed anywhere within the Park System.
Alcohol: With the exception of Cool Acres facility (with proper application), no alcoholic beverages are allowed in the Park System.
No Motorized Vehicles: Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Nature Trails, off a paved roadway or parked on the grass.
Boats: No motorized boats, sailboards or jet skis allowed on any water under Park District control. No motorized model boats or airplanes.
Rollerskating/Rollerblading: No rollerskating or Rollerblading on tennis court. Skating is allowed at Hupp Skate Park, located at the corner of Illinois Avenue and Orchard Road on Aurora's west side.
Fires: Fires are allowed only in proper receptacles.
New interactive map available online
Made in the shade: 2,500 trees planted
