Author: twagner

Come spring when those involved with youth sports get reminded of the moody Midwest weather, one of the region’s premier destinations for tournament baseball will have an added amenity to bat away Mother’s Nature’s curveballs. That’s because the infields of three ball diamonds at Stuart Sports Complex are now outfitted with artificial turf, making for… Read More

Take a beat from scrolling and grab a sugar cookie and some cocoa for a holiday tale with a twist, a story where Santa lands on someone else’s lap: ours and yours. It begins in early spring at Blackberry Farm where the tulips are just starting to yawn and stretch … *** Officially retired for… Read More

Each year when Becky Harling considers adding special touches to sweeten the Holiday Express experience, the facility manager at Blackberry Farm turns to her own family for inspiration. Because with three little girls – a 4-year-old (to whom Santa carries Bluey status) and 1-year-old twins (believers-in-training) – Harling is raising cheat codes. “My focus is… Read More

Add a dash of adventure to your season’s festivities by checking out holiday events and activities across the Fox Valley Park District! Peep a few stocking stuffers below to get you started and be sure to visit the Events Calendar for a full lineup of holiday-themed fun! Fall Craft Fair  Shop local this holiday season… Read More

It’s late spring of 1993 at the intersection of Galena Boulevard and Orchard Road on Aurora’s far west side. At the northwest corner stands a golf hole like no other in the area, its two-tiered green surrounded by a large pond with waterfalls cascading down granite ledges. The cobblestone seawall in front – a player’s… Read More

From pumpkins (oh, are there pumpkins!) to the paranormal (eeek!), October features themed activities to celebrate the spirit – and spirits! – of the season. All events geared toward the younger crowd are costume-friendly, so the kiddos are welcome to stage a dress rehearsal for Halloween! Pumpkin Weekends An annual celebration of all things fall… Read More

A weekday caregiver to five grandkids – a 7-year-old, twin 6s, and a pair of 3-year-old cousins – Aurora resident Becky Burkhalter finds a trusty oasis in Blackberry Farm. “It’s a place that provides sheer joy for the kids,” says Becky, a Blackberry season passholder who’s a safe bet to ‘go live’ on Facebook a… Read More

He may’ve eluded capture yet again, but the sightings? Oh, they were there – we’ve got the proof. And when the Bigfoot Trail Run 5K returns to the woods and wilderness of Red Oak in North Aurora at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, race enthusiasts of all levels will get another crack at cornering… Read More

Celebrate all things pumpkins, catch a Chicago vs. New York ballgame on the lakefront, hit the trails in a unique 5K – and so much more – this Fall in the FVPD! Here’s a quick lineup of fun to consider, and be sure to check out the full Events Calendar for more Fall activities and… Read More

Olivia Morton had just stepped off Turtle Trail, where she’d wound up a mega-strand of purple yarn that was used in an “imagination hike” after 2- and 3-year-old campers at Red Oak’s Imagination Station camp listened to the tale of Harold and the Purple Crayon. “I think about belonging a lot,” said Olivia, 15. “If… Read More