Park District Profile

Chartered

Established by local referendum on December 26, 1916, as a special purpose unit of government as provided by the Illinois Park District Code.

Governance and Officers

An elected Board of Park Commissioners consisting of five members constitutes the governing board of the Park District. Commissioners are elected to serve 6-year terms.  Commissioners serve without receiving any compensation. Commissioners elect officers each year: President, Vice President and a Treasurer. These officers each serve a one-year term.

Appointed Officials

Commissioners appoint an Executive Director and an Attorney/Secretary. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer for the Park District and carries out the policies of the Board.

Boundaries

Park District is approximately coextensive with the City of Waukegan. The Park District also includes most of Waukegan Township and portions of Benton, Warren, Newport, and Libertyville Townships, and portions of Beach Park and Gurnee Villages. The Park District boundaries encompass approximately 26.7 square miles.

Population

Park District population is approximately 88,614 (2022).

Programs & Services

The District provides a full range of activities and services year round all populations. Recreation programs include athletics, music, visual arts, dance, drama, day camps, fitness, preschools, outdoor recreation, trips, and special events. The Waukegan Park District partners with many organizations in the community to broaden the scope of services.

Affiliations

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) and Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA).

Accreditations

The Distinguished Park and Recreation Accredited Agency from the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA); Agency Accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).