Waukegan, Illinois (July 9, 2024) – The Waukegan Park District is celebrating Unplug Illinois Day on Saturday, July 13, 2024 with free programs and events for families. Started by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association in 2014, Unplug Illinois Day encourages people to “unplug” from their electronic devices and “plug” into play, creativity, friendship, adventure, and family at local parks.
Through Unplug Illinois Day, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association intends to raise visibility and awareness of the environmental sustainability, wellness, and economic impact that parks and recreation agencies have on the communities they serve. The campaign is a statewide effort to educate the public on the value of parks and recreation.
The Waukegan Park District is hosting the following free programs and events on Saturday, July 13, 2024 to celebrate Unplug Illinois Day:
- Yoga at the Beach from 8am to 9am at the Stiner Pavilion, 201 E. Sea Horse Drive at the Waukegan Municipal Beach
- Movie in the Park: Wonka (PG) at Dusk (approximately 8:27pm) at Bowen Park, 1800 N. Sheridan Road
Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is looking forward to celebrating Unplug Illinois Day with Illinois Park and Recreation Association. With an early morning yoga class to a nighttime movie in the park, this is an opportunity for the community to step away from screens and enjoy the outdoors at their local parks.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “Parks are the ideal place to unplug from electronics and enjoy time outside. In addition to the programs and events offered during Unplug Illinois Day, local parks have various amenities for individuals and families to be active, explore nature, and make new memories.”
Preregistration is not required. More information about the Waukegan Park District’s celebration of Unplug Illinois Day is available at waukeganparks.org/unplugillinois.
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