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Message from the Director
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As daylight extends its warm embrace, the St. Charles Park District springs to life with the promise of exciting events in the air. The dedicated parks and recreation team is in high gear, preparing new activities alongside our cherished spring programs and events. Meanwhile, our marketing department has been hard at work, elevating your online experience with enhanced website features. Now, embark on virtual park tours and delve into the marvels of nature through the insightful lens of our Outreach Ambassador. Get ready to embrace the vibrant spirit of spring with us! | |
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Springtime Extravaganza
Get ready for a hoppin' good time filled with laughter and joy as the Easter Bunny hops into action at not one, but five fantastic events! Follow the bunny trail to Pottawatomie Park for an exciting Easter Egg Hunt. For our furry friends, join us at the wag-worthy Doggie Egg Hunt. Explore the wonders of our natural area during the Flashlight Egg Hunt, where you'll learn about various animals that lay eggs. Dive into the fun at the Underwater Egg Hunt alongside the Bunny. And for a delicious start to your day, join us for Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, where you will decorate your own bunny-face pancake, create special crafts, and capture memorable moments with the Easter Bunny.
Embark on a delectable journey at Maple Magic, where you'll unravel the secrets of maple syrup – from its origin to the intricate process of making it. Indulge in a mouthwatering pancake breakfast as part of this sweet adventure.
Revel in a leisurely spring afternoon by the picturesque Fox River at the new Dockside Party, enjoying live music, docked boat tours, and engaging yard games. Purchase a $12 refreshment ticket in advance for food, beverages and park amenity discounts. Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets for an enjoyable afternoon riverside.
Calling all friends to join the spirited competition at the "Grip It & Rip It" Wiffle Ball Tournament! Open to all skill levels and participants aged 10-18, this new event promises an afternoon of America's favorite backyard game!
Celebrate the global event dedicated to honoring our planet by joining us at the new Nature Play on Earth Day. Indoor activities, include crafts, animal meet-and-greets, and hands-on projects. Step outside to engage with nature through Harley the Hawk's adventure story walk or enjoy some playful moments in the Hickory Hideout.
Don't miss the Swing Into Summer Barn Dance – an enchanting evening filled with dancing and live music! Wander through the barnyard, welcome the adorable new farm animal babies, hop on a wagon ride around the property, or participate in the exciting pie baking and costume contests. It's a delightful way to embrace the spirit of summer and create lasting memories in a charming, festive atmosphere.
The Sculpture in the Park program is now a year-round exhibit in Mt. St. Mary Park beginning in June. Peruse sculptural masterpieces created by artists from all over the country while strolling through the serene riverside beauty of the park..
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Get Healthy
The St. Charles Park District offers a variety of physical activities to help you reach your wellness goals, no matter the weather. Grab a friend and come in from the cold! Indoor Walking at Sportsplex is available through March Mon--Fri 8:30-9:30 am and Tues/Thurs 12-1 pm.
Swing on by the Pottawatomie Golf Course and practice your game on the indoor golf simulator, available everyday from 9am-4pm. No need to bundle up to play virtual golf on 20 prestigious courses! The simulator provides data on ball & swing speed, carry, roll & distance, path, contact and more to improve your performance. Call today to reserve a time 630-584-8356.
Get the whole family moving together! Dribble & pass away the afternoon during Drop-In Basketball hours Sundays 2-3:30 pm. Middle & high school students are invited to play Sundays 12:30-2 pm. Drop in Basketball is FREE for residents!
Put your cap & goggles on for lap swim in the Norris Recreation Center pool. Not a member?
Norris Recreation Center offers a variety of amenities to meet the needs of people of all fitness levels! Membership includes access to the 6,300 square-foot fitness center, a mini-gym with basketball hoop, cycling studio, a group fitness studio, 4 tennis courts, a 50-meter indoor pool and a child care center. Memberships are available for the whole family and also include discounts for tennis, personal training, massage and swimming.
Recently, NRC lined some of the tennis courts to allow for 4 courts of pickleball play, the hottest sport in the country! St. Charles Park District now has indoor and outdoor courts across the District. Join a round robin league or come for drop-in play at Pottawatomie Community Center and Norris Recreation Center. Get your dink on outdoors at Belgium Town Park, James O. Breen Community Park and Pottawatomie Park.
The Adult Activity Center in Pottawatomie Community Center offers a variety of fitness classes for the over 50 crowd. Learn to utilize your own body weight and stay fit without having to leave your seat in Sit and Get Fit. Learn a new game while having a few good laughs in Bucketball, the goal being to throw as many ping pong balls in a cup!
Embrace the wellness benefits of gardening and rent a garden plot at James O. Breen Community Park or Primrose Farm Park. There are plots for those with accessibility needs and opportunities to share your crop with local food banks!
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Summer's Around the Corner
Dive into a summer of aquatic fun with the Crosstown Aquatics All Access Pass, granting you entry to Swanson Pool & Otter Cove Aquatic Park. Enroll in swim lessons at either facility, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of water sports and aquatic enjoyment.
Explore the world of aquatics further by joining the STC Otters, a recreational swim team catering to all skill levels, offering opportunities to enhance swim skills and participate in exciting weekly meets.
For children on the autism spectrum, our Sensory Cove program provides free swim lessons. Our specially trained swim instructors ensure a supportive and tailored experience to meet the unique needs of each swimmer.
Looking for a rewarding job opportunity? Don't miss the Aquatics Hiring Fair on Friday, March 1, from 1-3 pm at Baker Community Center. Join us to chat with supervisors, connect with current staff members, and apply for open positions at our aquatics facilities. We invite anyone aged 15 and over to apply and become part of our aquatics team, contributing to a summer filled with aquatic adventures!
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Sign up Now for Summer Camps
Get ready for a summer of adventure at St. Charles Park District camps! Our Summer Camps at Pottawatomie Park cater to kids entering grades K-5, offering a blend of group games, arts & crafts, science experiments, mini-golf, walking field trips, and refreshing swimming sessions. Little Scouts, designed for preschoolers, sparks imagination through hands-on activities in art, music, exploration and sensory play.
Venture into the great outdoors with our Nature Camps at Hickory Knolls Discover Center. Explore nature through hikes, critter meet & greets, and imaginative crafts that delve into ecology in diverse ways. Exciting additions this year include Nature Teen Camp, inviting those in grades 6-8 to embark on a week of nature exploration, pool visits, arts & crafts, science experiments, and classic summer camp activities.
For teens looking to develop leadership skills, our Outdoor Leadership Experience is the perfect fit. Engage in activities that enhance communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Teens will have the opportunity to lead younger campers, assist at the nature center, and still enjoy ample playtime, including nature exploration, games, arts & crafts, pool visits, and more!
Discover life on the farm at Primrose Farm with unique camps for animal lovers. Junior Farm campers will tackle simple chores, play games, and enjoy walks, while Farm campers learn the intricacies of farming and animal care. Plan now for a summer filled with learning, fun, and unforgettable experiences at St. Charles Park District camps!
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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.
Don't miss out on the springtime magic happening at the St. Charles Park District!
To keep updated on all District activities, check out the District's hive of information: The Buzz
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Conversations are always welcome! Contact Director Holly Cabel via email or call: 630-584-1055 | | | | |
