Spring has finally arrived, and what a wonderful time of year it is here at Gurnee Park District. Soon, colorful flowers, such as the tulips our Parks Team planted last fall, will emerge, brightening our parks and facilities for all who visit. These welcoming signs of spring, along with the return of sunshine and warmer days, bring a sense of energy and excitement all around. With that said, I am excited to share with you ways you can “spring” forward into an all-new season of FUN!

Alongside the natural beauty within our parks, this spring you can count on a lineup of familiar and new events for all ages. Get ready to meet everyone’s favorite spring Bunny at Viking Park during our annual “Bunny Bash” on Saturday, March 23rd. Enjoy breakfast, crafts, egg hunts, and countless photo opportunities during this egg-citing morning. In April, our “Family Nerf Wars” event returns, offering competitive and playful families the chance to take aim and engage in various fun games and Nerf battles. With the arrival of May, we welcome a NEW event for adults – “Bonfire and Brews: Food Truck Frenzy”. Join us for a memorable night out full of live music, games, delicious local flavors, and refreshing beverages under the stars.

As the days begin to lengthen and the temperatures rise, you may find yourself eager to embrace a more active routine. Take this time to try something new! Join our motivating group exercise instructors as they lead a variety of fitness classes at our fitness facility, FitNation. Or, perhaps you are looking for some friendly competition. Try a game of pickleball! We offer indoor play at our FitNation and Hunt Club locations or grab a friend and head down to our outdoor courts at O’Plaine, Betty Russell, and Hunt Club Parks. If you prefer to get outside to explore the sights and sounds of spring, our GO Gurnee Walking Club hosts weekly walks in and around the Gurnee area. If you haven’t experienced the benefits of the GO Gurnee movement, save the date for our GO Gurnee Kickoff Event at Viking Park on Sunday, May 19!

With warmer weather on the horizon, and the end of the school year close within reach, it is the perfect time to start planning your summer adventures! What would summer be without the excitement of summer camp and relaxing pool days? We offer a variety of summer camps that meet every family’s needs and interests. Summer camp is a great way to stay active, meet new friends, as well as make lasting memories. And when the summer heat sets in, our affordable pool prices make sure you can cool off and savor those sunny days by the pool!

This spring season promises to be packed full of excitement, and I can’t wait to see you all enjoying everything Gurnee Park District has to offer. Whether you are immersing yourself in the beauty of the season, making cherished memories at one of our community events, discovering new ways to stay active, or gearing up for a summer of fun in the sun, I encourage you to spring forward and enjoy all that our park district has in store for you!

Susie Kuruvilla, CPA, CPRP

Gurnee Park District Executive Director