Waukegan Park District Parks and Facilities Named to the 30 Wonders of the 30th District

Nov 21
Tuesday, November 21st 2023

Waukegan, Illinois (November 21, 2023) – From Bowen Park to the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie, several parks and facilities within the Waukegan Park District were named to the 30 Wonders of the 30th District by Senator Adriane Johnson. Senator Johnson represents the 30th District, which includes Waukegan, in the Illinois State Senate.

The 30 Wonders of the 30th District is a list of public amenities, parks, monuments, and other beloved spots around Illinois’ 30th Senate District. The Office of Senator Johnson publicized a brief questionnaire asking constituents to relay their favorite locations. The following parks and facilities within the Waukegan Park District were named to the 30 Wonders of the 30th District:

  • Bowen Park, 1800 N. Sheridan Road
  • Corrine J. Rose Park, 412 S. Lewis Avenue
  • Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, 800 Baldwin Avenue
  • Haines House Museum in Bowen Park, 1917 N. Sheridan Road
  • Jack Benny Center for the Arts, 39 Jack Benny Drive
  • Veterans Memorial Plaza, 15 S. Park Avenue
  • Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie, 1 N. Sheridan Road

Senator Adriane Johnson, stated, “From community centers to local museums, Illinois’ 30th Senate District has so much to offer and each wonder truly adds value to our community. Residents of the Waukegan Park District can be proud to live in a community with so many wonders full of interesting history, artistic vibrancy, social energy, and stunning nature.”

Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is honored to have so many parks and facilities named to the 30 Wonders of the 30th District. With the ongoing support from Senator Adriane Johnson, each park and facility enhances the quality of life of the residents of Illinois’ 30th Senate District.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “From the picturesque landscapes of Bowen Park to the childhood enrichment programming at the Belvidere Recreation Center, the parks and facilities named to the 30 Wonders of the 30th District are unique spaces that shape the community and foster health, wellness, and enjoyment. The Waukegan Park District is grateful for Senator Adriane Johnson’s recognition of the importance of parks and recreation across Illinois.”


About the Waukegan Park District

Established on December 26, 1916, the Waukegan Park District (WPD) has 53 properties and more than 742 acres of land, including the 18-hole Bonnie Brook and 9-hole Greenshire Golf Courses. Properties are managed to the highest environmental and conservation standards. Facilities operated by the WPD include the Field House Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Center, Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark, Waukegan Skate Park, BMX Track, SplashZone, Percussion Playground, recreational centers, disc golf course, dog exercise area and agility course, outdoor sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, splash pads, and sports courts including basketball, tennis and pickleball. A full range of programs and services are offered year-round for all ages, from infants to seniors, as well as special need populations. Healthy lifestyles, wellness initiatives, and a connection with the outdoors and nature are integrated throughout programs, services, and special events. Arts and cultural activities are provided by the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, and the Waukegan History Museum. We offer something for everyone!

A member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), and the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), the WPD employs 73 full-time and 219 part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees and is recognized by the IPRA as an Exceptional Workplace.

Nationally accredited by the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and State accredited through the IAPD Distinguished Agency Accreditation, the WPD has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The WPD was awarded the NRPA National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2013, and was named a Gold Medal Finalist in 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Media Contact
Josue Pasillas, MPA
Communications Supervisor
Waukegan Park District
(847) 360-4789
jpasillas@waukeganparks.org
waukeganparks.org