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Volunteers are the backbone of the St. Charles Park District, and while COVID-19 has restricted many of the special events where volunteer opportunities abound, the need for residents to continue lending a hand has not gone away. To help motivate individuals to volunteer, Volunteer Coordinator Lara Piner said the park district has recently implemented an
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Kathy and Bill Swedberg have lived in St. Charles for more than 45 years, but until a few months ago, they had never realized how many parks were located within the city. The St. Charles Park District owns and manages 1,450 acres of open space within the community, and the Swedbergs are out to visit
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Discover what Blanding’s turtles eat for breakfast and how to prepare a meal for a bearded dragon at the St. Charles Park District’s Feed the Critters Program this winter. The program, new this year, invites visitors in small, private groups inside the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center to prepare and feed meals for the center’s animal
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While it’s the recreation that often gets the spotlight the St. Charles Park District recently earned accolades for its conservation and care for open lands. The St. Charles Park District was awarded the Best Green Practices Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts. The award recognizes the park district’s efforts to maintain 11 natural
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Naturalist Pam Otto launches ‘Good Natured Hour’ variety show Pam Otto believes every organism has a story to tell. And for the past 12+ years, the St. Charles Park District’s outreach ambassador and naturalist has been telling those stories to residents: from seniors to preschoolers; to members of civic and social organizations; and to readers
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Venture out to the Hickory Knolls Natural Area this fall to experience the trails like never before. St. Charles Park District staff recently installed an original walk-and-read children’s story to educate readers about the history of the land and the many different animals that live in and around the scenic open space. Consisting of 13
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Burn Season Depends on Various Conditions The fall season is also prescription burn season in the St. Charles Park District’s natural areas, but that doesn’t mean burning will actually take place as planned. Conducting a controlled burn in any of the park district’s 415-plus acres of natural areas is a complex process and dependent on
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Now more than ever, children and adults need an outlet to recharge their physical, social and emotional health. Finding a hobby, sport or regular activity can refuel the mind and body, and Sportsplex is here to help by continuing to offer soccer leagues and skills training this fall. From preschoolers to adults, the St. Charles
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Inclusive programs give individuals with special needs opportunity for success As a founding member of the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, the St. Charles Park District has offered inclusive opportunities for residents with special needs since 1976. This partnership with FVSRA allows individuals – from children to adults — with special needs to participate in
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If there’s someone you know who is dreaming about learning to ride a horse the St. Charles Park District can put you in the saddle and fulfill those wishes. For more than 20 years the St. Charles Park District has partnered with local horse farms to offer classes for beginners of all ages. The strong
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A recent shoreline stabilization project at the Pottawatomie Golf Course has preserved and saved the picturesque island green that draws so many to the historic 9-hole course. Work began in February 2020 to build a 218-foot timber wall to stabilize the east side of the island green that had been eroding into the river for
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This summer explore the outdoor art gallery that is Mt. St. Mary Park. Take a stroll along the winding path to witness the artistic diversity of the latest installment of sculptures in the annual Sculptures in the Park exhibit in St. Charles. Sculpture in the Park remains a success attracting artists near and far, enhancing
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Whether you added a new four-legged friend to your family in the last few months or you’ve had canine companions for years, there’s no better time to treat them and yourselves to some exercise and a chance to mingle with other pet owners. Join the St. Charles Park District’s new Morning with your Mutt on
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Looking for creative inspiration for your backyard garden? Ponder the possibilities as you stroll through the Native Plant Demonstration Garden on the west side of the Pottawatomie Community Center. Featuring native trees, shrubs, wild flowers, grasses, sedges, ferns and vines, the 35,000-square-foot garden situated along the Fox River will give you plenty of ideas to
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Riders traveling over the miles of trails that wind along the banks of the Fox River have come to see Pottawatomie Park as an oasis, a serene and scenic place they can stop for clean restrooms, tasty refreshments, and shelters from sudden storms. And at the park’s Bike Plaza, they also have a place where
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The St. Charles Park District celebrated the opening of Haines Gymnasium with Community Unit School District 303 representatives and Fusion Volleyball on Tuesday, March 10. Park Board President Brian Charles stated, “While tonight is a celebration of this newly-renovated facility, it is also a commemoration of the Park District’s partnership with Community Unit School District
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Memorial Program Plants Seeds for Many Generations Jackie Kilcran and her six siblings wanted something unique and meaningful to give to their parents for Christmas last year. And they found what they were searching for, but they didn’t find it in a store. Nor were they able to wrap it with a bow. In fact,
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Early childhood sports programs develop skills to last a lifetime With so many options for early childhood sports available at the St. Charles Park District, parents shouldn’t stress about which sport to choose for their child. Because, it’s really not about the sport. Sure, they’ll kick soccer balls, throw footballs, bounce basketballs or do all
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When you think about the words – fitness, wellness and exercise, what do you imagine? To many people, the vision of using cardio equipment and lifting weights comes to mind as fitness is the condition of being physically fit and healthy. Fitness centers, like Norris Recreation Center, provide this type of equipment (and more) as
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If you’re looking to improve your overall athletic ability, sports game or general health, Kale Training is the place to be. Whether you’re hoping to improve speed, agility, flexibility, strength, power or all of the above, Kale Training owner Kale Hoyt can help you meet your sports performance goals. Hoyt, a certified strength and conditioning
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Nature play area provides endless unstructured fun On one side of the Hickory Knolls Hideout, 2-year-old Michael Elia is venturing across a long tree trunk laying on the ground, carefully putting one foot in front of the other until he makes it to the end. He jumps down and exclaims, “I did it!” to his
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ComEd and Openlands awarded the St. Charles Park District a $6,450 environmental grant through the annual ComEd Green Region Program to fund a restoration project at Otter Creek Bend Wetland Park. Located along Crane Road, between Bolcum Road and Silver Glen Road, this 71.9-acre park features a model, restored wetland with interpretive signage, gravel walking
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On any given day the St. Charles Park District Adult Activity Center is bustling with members engaged in various pastimes. You’ll find seniors ages 50 and up playing Pinochle in one room, practicing shots around the pool table or building a high-score in Scrabble. No matter what activity, there is truly something for everyone. For
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Hickory Knolls Camp Counselor Leads from Experience Tyson Jenkins’ time at Hickory Knolls has come full circle. As a child he was a curious camper, realizing at an early age that his love for nature extended beyond camp hours. As he got older he moved into a counselor-in-training role, then camp counselor aide and this
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The St. Charles Park District recently unveiled a new wooden sculpture at Pottawatomie Golf Course, honoring the history and natural integrity of the 80-year-old course along the banks of the Fox River. Made from a 150-year-old dying white oak tree near the practice green, professional chainsaw artist Michael Bihlmaier created the piece over the past
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Outdoor exhibit celebrates new and returning artists This summer explore the outdoor art gallery that is Mt. St. Mary Park. Take a stroll along the winding path to witness the artistic diversity of the latest installment of sculptures in the annual Sculptures in the Park exhibit in St. Charles. In its 14th year, Sculptures in
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Many residents may equate spring sports with baseball, soccer and tennis, but for a growing population, springtime is the dawn of another disc golf season. Fortunately for local players, James O. Breen Community Park is home to a 9-hole disc golf course, tucked into 6.4 acres of wooded landscape and naturally rolling terrain on the
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Nestled between Route 31 and the Fox River on the northern side of St. Charles is Ferson Creek Fen — about 50 acres of nature preserve supporting an uncommon yet vital ecosystem in the St. Charles community. While many residents may have visited Ferson Creek Fen, they may not understand the importance of preserving and
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Newly installed park maps help residents walk for wellness As winter melts into spring, lace up those walking shoes and hit the trails for some fresh air and exercise. Whether or not you’re working toward a weight-loss goal, you’ll reap the physical and psychological benefits of exercising in nature. Walking is the most universal of
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