
Fall into FUN!
There is an indescribable feeling that comes with the arrival of fall. After a busy summer, we find ourselves welcoming the cool, brisk winds that wrap us in their embrace, the sunlight as it pierces through the changing, colorful landscape, and the comfort in the nostalgic smells of all the fallen leaves. As we embark on this amazing time of year, I am excited to share with you all the FUN we have planned to make this a memorable fall for all!
There are many ways to stay active with Gurnee Park District. Take this season to get outside in nature and see all the fall changes around you. With 28 parks, 14 walking trails, many outdoor sport courts, our FREE GO Gurnee Walking Club, and more, you can always find plenty of outdoor fun!
Or, maybe you are looking to get back in the gym. With over 50 group exercise classes weekly, countless amenities, as well as two convenient locations, FitNation makes coming back easy. Fall is a time for reflection; take this time to reflect on your own personal journey and let us help you tackle your fitness goals.
It would not be fall without the start of school. We have been so excited to once again welcome back the return of our Growing Tree Preschool and Before/After School CARE participants. Throughout the year, students are provided meaningful lessons, activities, and all the fun that makes our programs the first step towards a love for learning. Along with the start of our school programs, we are also pleased to continue to offer our indoor swim lessons, youth dance, adult painting classes, and many other flexible and cost-effective options.
We have also been preparing for some of our favorite fall traditions, as well as some NEW activities for families to enjoy. Join us on October 14th for “Fall Fest,” which will incorporate our beloved “Trick-or-Treat Path” with some new added fun – hay rides for the whole family, live music, crafts, games, food trucks, kids entertainment shows, and more! As fall continues, don’t forget to sign up for events such as our new “Bonfire and Brews: A Taste of Gurnee” 21+ event as well as “Family Art Night”, “Breakfast with Santa”, and our “Arctic Express” train ride!
Finally, as a leader in the field of parks and recreation, it is no surprise that we pride ourselves in providing a variety of programs, events, outdoor activities, and more for all ages within our community. During this season of reflection, on behalf of the entire Gurnee Park District team, we wanted to extend our most heartfelt thanks to you for continuing to choose us for all of your park and recreation needs. We are truly honored to serve you.
I look forward to sharing another memorable fall with all of you.
Susie Kuruvilla, CPA, CPRP
Gurnee Park District Executive Director
We Take Customer Service Seriously
Our values, affectionately known as "SOFIE" Star" are Service, Ownership, Fun, Inclusion, and Excellence. Our staff and volunteers strive for standards that uphold these values both in the workplace and out in our community.
We stand by our pledge to provide the best recreation and programming.

Americans with Disabilities Act
Gurnee Park District intends to comply with the intent and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. If you need any special accommodations, please call Gurnee Park District, so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Gurnee Park District works with Warren Special Recreation Association (WSRA) to provide assistance in our programs.
ADA Officer:
Kraig Owens, CPRP, CPSI, CPO
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
847-599-3763
It is the purpose of the District to effectively and economically provide recreational programs, facilities, and open space for the residents of the District which are designed to provide wholesome, constructive, and enjoyable leisure time experiences that benefit the individual, the family, and the community.
The Gurnee Park District Board of Commissioners acts as the legislative and policy making body of the District in the operation, control, improvement, and planning of its parks, recreation programs, facilities, personnel and fiscal operations. The Board recognizes the need for a manual that contains Board approved policies that facilitate the operation of the District on a day-to-day basis, and as such, has reviewed and approved this manual. Additionally, the Board will periodically review and revise the policies contained in this manual as it deems appropriate.
Click here to download the Gurnee Park District Policy Manual
In order to provide safe, accessible, and entertaining parks for all the Gurnee Park District has established an ordinace code. To view the entire ordinance code click here.