Message from the Director

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Despite Jack Frost nipping at our noses, we see signs of spring all over the St. Charles Park District. Parks and recreation staff are busy preparing for our favorite springtime programs and events as well as new ones to inspire you to enjoy the warmer temperatures and longer days coming soon.

Special Springtime Events



Come dressed in your Irish best to Shamrockin' Along the Fox River, an 8K run. Learn where maple syrup comes from, how it is made and enjoy a pancake breakfast at Maple Magic. Fun adventures await at the Fox River Frenzy, with activities for the whole family: Dash Bash, DJ entertainment, face painting, dog agility show, fishing lessons and a picnic in the park. Come on down to the farm in May to twist, twirl and spin your way into summer with an evening of dancing and live music at the Barn Dance.

Easter Extravaganza

There's lots of fun to be had with the Easter Bunny who will be at FIVE events this spring! Hop on down the bunny trail to Pottawatomie Park for the Easter Egg Hunt. Wag on over for a diggity dog good time at Doggie Egg Hunt. Learn about different animals that lay eggs at the Flashlight Egg Hunt. Join the Bunny for a swim at the Underwater Egg Hunt. Decorate your own bunny-face pancake, create a special craft and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny at the Breakfast with the Easter Bunny.

Facility Showcase

Sports of all sorts are offered at Sportsplex. T-ball league, coach pitch baseball league and multi-sports camp teach your child the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship while learning new skills. Rent turf for sport teams to practice and hold tournaments or rent a multi-purpose room for birthday parties or other gatherings.

The STC Underground Teen Center, located in the lower level of Baker Community Center, is open to middle and high-school students to study and socialize Tuesday-Saturday. The Underground features a computer lab & lounge, gaming systems with large TVs, billiards, air hockey, ping pong & foosball! Weekly drop-in themes include Mario Kart Night, Board Games, Movie Nights and Ping Pong. Drop-In Study Nights on Tuesdays include pizza and drinks. New this spring are Dungeons & Dragons campaign nights on Thursdays!

It's not too early to get your Crosstown Aquatics All Access Pass to Swanson Pool & Otter Cove Aquatic Park. Sign up for swim lessons or join the swim team this summer! And free lessons are available for children on the autism spectrum through our Sensory Cove program that specially trains swim instructors to meet the swimmers' needs.

Activities for Adults

Do you relish the sport of pickleball? Join an indoor league that plays round robin style, play during drop-in times at Haines Gymnasium or Pottawatomie Community Center. Get your dink on outdoors at Belgium Town Park, James O. Breen Community Park or Pottawatomie Park.

Or is softball your game? Relieve stress after a long day at work and play on a co-ed or men-only league that run May thru August at Pottawatomie Park or East Side Sports Complex.

Take a walk for better health in Mt. St. Mary Park while admiring the talents of artists from across the country. Sculpture in the Park, an annual exhibit of sculptural masterpieces in various mediums, opens in May and runs through September.

Experience a nature-infused yoga session on the open water in Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga. Or

garden your way to serenity and rent a community garden plot at James O. Breen Community Park or Primrose Farm Park. Cultivate flowers, plants and produce to enjoy yourself or donate some of your harvest to local charities for folks in need.

Early Childhood & Youth Programs

Create a different keepsake each month using your baby's footprints in Baby's First Holidays. Preschoolers celebrate the magic of St. Patrick's Day at Saturday Morning Social-Pot O' Gold or enjoy lunch with friends and other themed activities during (Easter) Baskets of Fun and An A-MAY-zing Afternoon.

Get Hooked on Fishing this spring and learn how to rig a fishing pole for different species of fish and apply these new skills in the Youth Bass Fishing League that meets on Sundays April thru October. Members compete for the coveted "Angler of the Year" award!

No School Days at Haines Gymnasium are a fun way for kids grades K-5 to spend their day off with their friends being active and creative in a safe and friendly environment. No School Nature Day is another option for kids to spend their day off hiking trails, meeting the critters and conducting science experiments at Hickory Knolls Discovery Center.

Every Sunday afternoon from 12:30-2 pm, Drop-in Basketball is available for middle & high school students at Pottawatomie Community Center.

Summer Camps

Plan now to play this summer at one of the variety of camps at the St. Charles Park District. Summer Camps at Pottawatomie Park for kids entering grades K-5 offer group games, arts & crafts, science experiments, minigolf, walking field trips and swimming. Little Scouts engages your preschooler's imagination through hands-on activities in art, music, exploration and sensory play.

The great outdoors awaits at the nature camps at Hickory Knolls Discover Center & Delnor Woods, including Wee Wonders Camp (for toddlers & parents), Nature Discoverers Camp for children who have attended preschool and Pathfinder & Trailblazer Camps for kids entering grades 1-5.

Learn about life on the farm at Primrose Farm at one of our unique camps for animal lovers. Junior Farm campers will do simple chores, play games and take walks. Farm campers will learn the ins and outs of farming and animal care.

Teen Campers (grades 6-8) will spend their summer on-the-go in a safe, fun, supervised teen camp that includes local and regional day trips, arts & crafts, sports & games, minigolf, pool visits, movies, farm days and more!

The St. Charles Park District is hiring NOW for summer positions for aquatics, camps and seasonal park employees. Application for employment can be found here. Join us at the Employment Expo on Friday, March 3, 2023 from 1-3pm at Pottawatomie Community Center to meet the fun and helpful supervisors and get more information about the many exciting job opportunities available at the St. Charles Park District.

Stay warm and we hope to see you soon!

To keep updated on all District activities, check out the District's hive of information: The Buzz

Conversations are always welcome! Contact Director Holly Cabel via email or call: 630-584-1055

Enriching Your Life!