The Waukegan Park District provides an abundant array of recreational opportunities and its 742 acres of parklands protect drinking water an important habitat for many endangered plants and even some endangered animals. Over the last 100 years, the Waukegan Park District has acquired and preserved open spaces throughout the community. The benefits of preserving and protecting open spaces and natural areas in our watershed are well documented and extend to all residents living in Waukegan.
Year round the Waukegan Park District offers recycling opportunities to our residents to participate in.
- Clothing and Textiles: New, gently used or worn (all sizes, fabrics, types) items will be reused & allow us to recycle worn items received. Items will be recycled through SWALCO’s Clothing and Textile Program. A complete list is available at Clothing & Textile Collection Program | Lake County SWALCO, IL.
- Drop Off Location: Park Maintenance Facility, 2211 Ernie Krueger Circle. Bin located in parking lot.
- Shoes: All types of footwear will be accepted. Please tie pairs together w/laces; if no laces, rubber band or zip-tie. No moldy, wet, or sole-less shoes will be accepted. No rollerblades or ice skates will be accepted. Recycling through SWALCO’S RE-USE A SHOE Program.
- Drop Off Locations:
- Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, 800 Baldwin Avenue. Available during business hours.
- Park Maintenance Facility, 2211 Ernie Krueger Circle. Bin located in parking lot.
- Plastic Film Challenge: All plastic must be clean, dry and free of food residue. Recycling through NexTrex bench challenge.
- Drop Off Locations:
- Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, 800 Baldwin Avenue. Monday to Friday 5am-10pm, Saturday & Sunday 7am–7pm.
- Jack Benny Center for the Arts, 39 Jack Benny Drive. Monday to Thursday 3pm – 8pm, Saturday 9am – 12pm.
- Holiday Light Recycling: Recycle your new or used holiday lights with us. Program will begin closer to December.
For more information, contact Lali Salinas at lsalinas@waukeganparks.org or (847) 360-4725.
A Message from the Executive Director, Jay Lerner
Going Green…
As part of the Waukegan Park District’s Strategic Plan one of the major focus areas is Being Green. Some of the areas we are focusing on are:
- We have an extensive recycling program… everything from gym shoes to batteries to plastic bottles. We extract about 80% of waste from our general containers for recycling.
- We have the community involved in green initiatives. Our Community Recycling Days have sent tons of material for recycling, keeping it out of the landfill.
- Green programs are offered to the community and are becoming more and more popular for the entire family. These programs provide opportunities to spend time with family and friends outdoors.
- Nature’s Classroom at Bevier Center, The Urban Ag Lab at Bowen Park Greenhouse, and the Heritage Garden promote environmental awareness and education, with a focus on nature and gardening.
- Green designs have been incorporated into our projects. We have converted most of our lighting to LED, saving thousands of kilowatt hours and money.
- Our environmental policy, Carbon Management and Sustainability Plan and Strategy point us in the right direction for continued excellence in the future.
Sustainability is not only about going green to save the earth. Think about taking care of yourself and your family by participating in one of the programs, services, and activities we have that will benefit your well being! See you in the parks for some fresh air and fun! Please feel free to call the Parks Department at (847) 360-4725 if you have any questions.