News

The DuPage Monarch Project recognized the Fox Valley and Naperville Park Districts at a virtual awards ceremony on January 19th for their outstanding commitments to the recovery of monarchs and pollinations. While many things came to a standstill during the coronavirus pandemic, the Fox Valley and Naperville Park Districts continued on with their mission of… Read More

Exactly one year ago – as winter began shedding its blanket, uncovering a sign of hope that only spring can provide – we collectively anticipated another calendar full of events and activities, the usual bustle to which we’d grown so accustomed. But then an unknown virus quickly transformed into a global pandemic and normalcy as… Read More

Debbie Smith began her career as a preschool teacher, putting her double-major in education to efficient use. So, here’s a pop quiz in math: Question: What’s the difference between December 31, 2020 and August 21, 1987? Answer: 12,187 days. And despite weekends, holidays and vacations sprinkled throughout, not one passed without Debbie Smith thinking about… Read More

Sledding: It’s one of the joys of childhood, but please remind the young ones to sled down the middle of the hill and walk up the sides to avoid the dreaded “bowling alley” scenario and potential injury. Here are the go-to hills: Lincoln Park – Located at Russell Avenue and Lakewood Place in Aurora, this… Read More

Just to the west of Red Oak Nature Center flows a great big river that provides a constant classroom in ecology. Now staff at Red Oak plan to bring some of the mighty Fox’s ecosystem indoors to the nature center, itself. Thanks to the recent Illinois Department of Natural Resources Museum grant in the amount… Read More

Press Release – December 14, 2020 District earns third-straight accreditation after comprehensive review process  AURORA – The Fox Valley Park District has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA). The two statewide associations administer the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation… Read More

A self-described “gym rat all my life,” Harry Koth had never dabbled in the sport of boxing. Hadn’t worked the speed bag, hadn’t tweaked his footwork, hadn’t thrown an uppercut. It wasn’t until a difficult diagnosis, then a revelation in a newsletter, along with the advocacy of actor Michael J. Fox, that Koth realized just… Read More

Local dignitaries descended upon Hope D. Wall School on Wednesday afternoon for the ribbon cutting on its state-of-the-art, ADA-accessible, inclusive playground, for which the Fox Valley Park District contributed $250,000. The new amenity replaces the school’s former wooden playground, which was built by parents, community volunteers and staff members in 1993. The wood aged over… Read More

Ever participated in an event strictly to support the cause, only to realize, Hey, that was really worth my time … ? That’s exactly what Fox Valley Park District officials are hoping to achieve with our Monster Mask Virtual 5K, an event in which portions of the proceeds will benefit Hesed House, the state’s second-largest… Read More

When the trees start to burst like autumn-tinged fireworks, the air becomes crisp ‘n fresh, and apple cider doughnuts headline the assortment of homemade goodies at local farm stands, well … yes, Fox Valley, we’re about to enter sweater weather. Welcome to fall. And with its return comes a new, outdoor activity presented by the… Read More