Waukegan, Illinois (May 1, 2024) – The Waukegan Park District is celebrating Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 9am to 11am at Corrine J. Rose Park, located at 412 S. Lewis Avenue. Organized by the National Park Trust, the mission of Kids to Parks Day is to foster future outdoor enthusiasts and help with developing the next generation of park stewards by engaging kids in memorable outdoor experiences.
2024 marks the fourteenth anniversary of Kids to Parks Day. This year’s event will feature sports, kite flying, and a guided walk with educational presentations about the park’s history. Free popcorn and kites will be provided for kids, while supplies last.
Traditionally hosted on the third Saturday of May, Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play that encourages kids and families to get outside and create their own adventure at thousands of local park events and programs. National Park Trust works with cities and towns, teachers, families, park and public land officials, as well as numerous sponsors and partners to make these events possible.
Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “Kids to Parks Day is an opportunity for kids and their families to explore their local parks, experience the outdoors, and reconnect with nature. From Arbor Park to Yeoman Park, the Waukegan Park District is proud to provide award-winning parks with various amenities for the community to enjoy.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is joining the National Park Trust to celebrate Kids to Parks Day and encourage children to discover their local parks. Outdoor play has the power to foster imagination, creativity, and physical activity amongst children. With so many benefits, parks truly build community.”
In 2021, the Waukegan Park District renovated Corrine J. Rose Park with a new three-story playground, percussion playground, fitness equipment, and SplashZone, a state-of-the art water park with a multi-generational water playground.
Preregistration is not required to participate in the free event. More information is available at waukeganparks.org/kidstoparksday.
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