Summer is officially here, bringing with it much excitement! From creating memories at summer camp, to splashing the days away at the Aquatic Center, as well as a host of inviting events and other summer plans, I am excited to share with you what you and your family can expect this season.

Every summer, we look forward to the energy and excitement that our summer camps bring. Whether it be meeting new friends, learning new skills, or participating in unique activities such as field trips, special events, and swim days at the Aquatic Center, our summer camps provide children the perfect space for creating lifelong memories and enjoying all that summer has to offer. While Session 1 is already underway, we still have spaces for session 2 & 3! Make sure to sign your camper up for summer fun today!

And speaking of summer experiences, don’t forget to purchase your Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center season pass! With exclusive benefits like discounted rates for you and your guests, special perks at the Cattail Café, appreciation days, extended hours, and more, your summer will be filled with endless fun and enjoyment!

But the summer fun doesn’t stop there. This year, we are thrilled to announce a series of exciting events in partnership with our community partners. Enjoy weekly Neighborhood Nights at the park joined by our friends from Warren Newport Public Library, or, as summer continues, dance to live music in the park during our Sounds of Summer concert series where members of the Exchange Club of Gurnee will proudly serve their delicious concessions. In July, grab your fishing poles and join us at Hunt Club Park for “Cops and Bobbers,” a free fishing event co-hosted by the Gurnee Police Department! To view all of our summer events, visit our event calendar!

Closing out the summer, we will once again celebrate the Gurnee community with our annual Gurnee Days festival. Gurnee Days will take place on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11 and will include some of your favorite time-honored traditions. We are fortunate to co-host this community festival with our neighboring partners, the Village of Gurnee, Village of Gurnee Chamber of Commerce, and the Exchange Club of Gurnee. To learn more about our events lineup, please visit our new Gurnee Days website!

In addition to a variety of events and programs, we also offer plenty of ways to stay active all summer long. Reconnect with nature by visiting one of our 28 parks, many of which feature miles of trails great for walking, biking, and running. Or, plan to meet new friends with our GO Gurnee Walking Club, which hosts weekly walks in Gurnee and throughout Lake County. If you would rather stay indoors, challenge yourself with a new workout plan at FitNation! Whatever your interests may be, make sure to take time to enjoy this beautiful time of year!

I look forward to getting outside and seeing you all at our Gurnee Park District events, facilities, and parks! Let’s make this summer one to remember together!

Susie Kuruvilla, CPA, CPRP
Executive Director