Gurnee, Illinois – July 22, 2024. Gurnee Park District is excited to announce and welcome its new Director of Recreation, Melissa Marsh, CPRP.
Melissa Marsh joins Gurnee Park District with a wealth of experience in the field of parks and recreation. Most recently, Marsh served as Division Director of Recreation and Museum Services at Glenview Park District, where she oversaw and supported the district’s comprehensive recreation and aquatics department, as well as the district’s museums: The Grove, Historic Wagner Farm, Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie, and Schram Memorial Chapel. Prior to working in Glenview, Marsh was the Director of Parks and Recreation with the Village of Lincolnwood, where she managed parks and facilities, recreation programs, special events, community partnerships, and capital improvement projects. Her background also includes serving National Gold Medal Award-winning and Distinguished Agency Accredited communities such as the Park District of Oak Park, Fox Valley Park District, and Homewood-Flossmoor Park District.
Marsh holds a master’s degree in public administration from Governors State University and a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism from the University of Illinois. She is a graduate of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Revenue Development and Management School and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Leadership Academy. She is also a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP).
Throughout her time working in the field, Marsh has admired the many ways in which the Gurnee Park District builds community and creates a fun environment where people of all ages can grow. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Gurnee Park District and am excited to work with the team to continue providing innovative programs and services in support of the district’s mission,” shared Marsh. “I am passionate about parks and recreation, both as a professional and in my personal life.” Outside of the office, Marsh enjoys being outdoors exploring parks and trails.
Gurnee Park District looks forward to having Marsh join the team. “We are pleased to welcome Melissa on board,” shared Executive Director, Susie Kuruvilla. “Her contributions will play an integral role in our continued growth and ability to provide exceptional services to our community.”
Happy Retirement
Cheers to 24 Years, Sue McDougle!
It is with bittersweet emotions that we announce the retirement of Sue McDougle, our Interim Director of Recreation. Over her 24 years of service, Sue has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on not only Gurnee Park District, but the Gurnee community as a whole. Many of you may have had the pleasure of meeting Sue over the years, perhaps when your children attended our Growing Tree Preschool classes, through our various youth and adult programs, out and about at community events, or simply by visiting our facilities. No matter how you met Sue, we’re certain her warmth, care, and unwavering commitment to our community left a lasting impression.
Over these past two-plus decades, Sue has been a part of many notable accomplishments within our District, including the NRPA Gold Medal achievement of 2010, the construction and opening of the Hunt Club Park Community Center, many successful Gurnee Days festivals, as well as the growth of our youth programs, including Before & After School CARE, Growing Tree Preschool, and summer camps. In addition to Gurnee Park District accomplishments, Sue also created an impact in the field of Parks and Recreation having served on multiple Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) committees, graduating from Park District Risk Management Agency’s (PDRMA) Risk Management Institute, serving as a Lake County Early Learning Coalition member (10 years), and as a member on the Early Education and Teaching Advisory Board (2 years).
Beyond these impressive accomplishments, what perhaps stands most memorable is Sue’s ability to foster genuine connections with families in the Gurnee community as well as the mentorship of many talented and successful educators and staff members.
As Sue turns this page, we reflect not just on her milestones and achievements, but the countless moments of joy, guidance, and support she has bestowed upon us all. In her 24 years, we thank Sue for truly embodying everything that is Gurnee Park District: a safe, warm, and welcoming space for all.
Cheers to you, Sue, for everything. We wish you all the best in your retirement!
July 12, 2024
2024 Gurnee Days Honoree – Kathy Blair
The Gurnee Days Committee is proud to announce longtime Gurnee resident, Kathy Blair, as the 2024 Gurnee Days Honoree.
Kathy Blair has been a resident of Gurnee since 1988 when she and her late husband, Troy, bought their first home. Early on, Kathy dedicated her time to raising her two children, Kevin and Cassidy, volunteering and attending Village Church of Gurnee, assisting in classrooms at Woodland School District, and completing her education degree.
After teaching for many years at Woodland Middle School, Kathy found herself with a new business opportunity. Inspired by a business model and culture that aligned with her and her family’s goals and beliefs, Kathy and her husband Troy opened their own “Nothing Bundt Cakes” storefront, which has brought joy to the Gurnee community since 2018.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Kathy’s heart for service led her to partner with over 40 non-profit organizations, further enriching our community through involvement with the Gurnee Women’s Business Association, Gurnee Exchange Club, and other local groups.
Despite the sad loss of her husband Troy in March of 2024, Kathy’s resilience and gratitude for the support and stability he provided remains unshaken, fueling her passion for giving back to the community that has given her so much.
Kathy Blair’s commitment and impact to the Gurnee community will be celebrated at the Gurnee Days annual testimonial reception on Friday, August 9, 2024 at Warren Township Center. In addition, Blair will serve as the Grand Marshall of the Gurnee Days parade on Sunday August 11.
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Gurnee Park District Newsletter - July 2024
Summer is officially here, and we’re off to a great start! As we begin July, we’re excited for continued sunny days and all the fun that summer brings. Make sure to get outside and make the most of this fleeting, yet memorable season!
See below for our July happenings here at Gurnee Park District!
MAKE A SPLASH AT THE AQUATIC CENTER!
The Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center is NOW open! Enjoy fun all summer long!
*Don’t forget to check Rainout Line for all weather-related updates!
MONTHLY MIXER – 7/12
NEW summer location: Gurnee Community Church | 4555 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL. 60031
Wear your red, white & blue to our “America the Beautiful” celebration. The afternoon begins with a lunch of ham sandwiches on croissant rolls with Swiss cheese, lettuce & tomato, pasta salad, and chips and dessert. Then sit back as we listen to the melodies of America from NY to LA and every stop in between plus patriotic favorites sung by “Ludy & his Lady”.
Registration deadline: 7/8
Friday, July 12 – 11:30am-1:00pm *Doors open: 11:00am/lunch service begins at 11:30am
Grab your fishing poles – we’re teaming up with our favorite local heroes from the Gurnee Police Department for our FREE Cops & Bobbers Fishing Event!
Officers and Gurnee Park District staff will be onsite throughout the event to help reel in the biggest catch, create fun crafts, announce raffles, and MORE!
Please note: while we will provide a limited number of fishing poles and bait on a first-come, first-served basis, we encourage you to bring your favorite rod to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate in the fun.
This event is designed with young anglers in mind, welcoming children ages 5 -15 years old.
Wednesday, July 31 5:30 – 7:30pm *check-in from 5:00-5:30pm Hunt Club Park (at the pond)
*A waiver must be signed for all participants by a parent/guardian prior to fishing.
July 23: Sounds of Summer Children’s Series: “Miss Jamie and the Farm Hands” at Viking Park (10:30-11:15am) * We’re proud to partner with our friends at Forest Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry. Forest Orthodontics & Pediatrics’ SMILE Ice Cream Truck will be onsite! The team will be serving up FREE, sweet treats to guests (while supplies last)!
July 25: Sounds of Summer Evening Concert – “Chicago Tribute Band” at Viking Park (7:00-8:30pm) *thank you to our sponsor, Old National Bank, for making this event possible!
Special thank you to the Gurnee Exchange Club, who will be onsite for our evening concerts selling concessions!
FALL REGISTRATION – 7/16
It may only be July, but we are already gearing up for FALL FUN!
Mark your calendars – fall registration for fall events, programs, and more opens Tuesday, July 16 at 7:00am! View our Fall Program & Events Guide online beginning Monday, July 8th!
JULY 4th HOURS
Happy July 4th to all! We hope you enjoy this day of independence and joy with family and friends!
Please note that our facilities will be operating under the following holiday hours:
7/4 – Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center: OPEN 11:00am – 7:00pm
7/4 – Hunt Club Park Community Center: CLOSED
7/4 – FitNation on Nations Drive: OPEN 7:00am – 12:00pm
7/4 & 7/5 Viking Park Community Center: CLOSED
Looking to get outside? Our parks will be open from dawn to dusk!
Gurnee Days is right around the corner and sure to be the highlight of the summer! Gear up for a weekend of your favorite time-honored family traditions, including kid’s activities, local food and drinks, LIVE music, the Gurnee Days parade, one of the BEST fireworks shows in Lake County, and much more!
For a complete list of events and schedules, please visit www.gurneedays.com _____________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for a FUN and REWARDING job? We’re hiring! Available positions include:
Facility Maintenance I & II (FT & PT) Fitness Attendant (PT) Group Exercise Instructor (PT) Member Services Staff (PT) Personal Trainer (PT) Preschool Teacher (PT) And MORE!
Have a great month! We look forward to seeing you out and about at Gurnee Park District!
Executive Director's Blog
Summer FUN at Gurnee Park District
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
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Gurnee Park District Newsletter – June 2024
While summer doesn’t officially begin until June 20th, it’s safe to say it is officially feeling like summer! The trees are fully boasting their summer flair and the temperatures are slowly rising higher and higher! Make sure to soak up those rays and beautiful days by taking a visit to one of our amazing 28 parks (see this month’s Park Highlight below)!
We have a lot in store this month! Mark your calendars for our upcoming June events and MORE!
MAKE A SPLASH AT THE AQUATIC CENTER!
The Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center is NOW open! Enjoy fun all summer long!
*Don’t forget to check Rainout Line for all weather-related updates!
FAMILIES ON THE FAIRWAY – 6/7
This Friday (6/7), get ready for our annual Families on the Fairway event at Bittersweet Golf Course! This event is FREE and FUN for the whole family! Friday, June 7 7:00-9:00pm Bittersweet Golf Course | 875 Almond Road
Grab your friends as our popular monthly mixers have been extended through July!
NEW summer location: Gurnee Community Church | 4555 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL. 60031
As summer begins, let’s celebrate with an old-fashioned picnic, indoors of course! Lunch will include fried chicken, potato salad, vegetable and fruit trays, and dessert. Following lunch, we’ll play “Name That Tune” with singer and piano player, Robb Pedraza.
Friday, June 14 – 11:30am-1:00pm *Doors open: 11:00am/lunch service begins at 11:30am
Our Sounds of Summer concert series begins this month! See below for our upcoming June concerts:
June 13: Sounds of Summer Evening Concert – “90s Pop Nation” at Viking Park (7:00-8:30pm)
June 18: Sounds of Summer Children’s Series: “Mary Macaroni” at Viking Park (10:30-11:15am) * We’re proud to partner with our friends at Forest Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry. Forest Orthodontics & Pediatrics’ SMILE Ice Cream Truck will be onsite! The team will be serving up FREE, sweet treats to guests (while supplies last)!
June 27: Sounds of Summer Evening Concert – “Radio Gaga” at Viking Park (7:00-8:30pm) *thank you to our sponsor, Old National Bank, for making this event possible!
Special thank you to the Gurnee Exchange Club, who will be onsite for our evening concerts selling concessions!
DEI CORNER – PRIDE MONTH
As we welcome the month of June, we also welcome Pride Month, a time to celebrate, remember, and continue the progress toward equality and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Here at the Gurnee Park District, where the heart of our mission lies in fostering a welcoming environment for all members of our community, we embrace the significance of this month by reflecting on its origins and celebrating its importance.
Head on over to the east side of Gurnee, just past Route 41, down Belle Plaine Avenue, and you will find…Shaw Park!
Tis’ the season to get outside, and Shaw Park is a great place to do just that! Tucked away in the quiet neighborhood near Spaulding School, Shaw Park is another one of Gurnee Park District’s finest locations. The park boasts an inviting playground for all ages, plenty of shade from mature trees, as well as a wooded walking path. If you’re looking to get in some extra steps, hop on over to the “Boulevard View Trail,” which connects to the park for an extra ¾ mile walking adventure.
Did you know? In 2018, the park received a makeover to its playground structures, including new slides, climbing features, a merry-go-round, a swing set, and a tot lot. In addition to plenty of new and exciting play features, our Parks Teams also added a large shade sail or kite, making picnics at the park the perfect summer activity!
UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS
Mark your calendars for MORE fun throughout the summer!
Looking for a FUN and REWARDING job? We’re hiring! Available positions include:
Business Services Specialist (FT) Facility Maintenance I & II (FT & PT) FitNation Childcare (PT) Fitness Attendant (PT) Group Exercise Instructor (PT) Park Ambassador (PT) Personal Trainer (PT) Special Events Coordinator (PT)
Have a great month! We look forward to seeing you out and about at Gurnee Park District!
May 8, 2024
Gurnee Park District Newsletter – May 2024
It’s safe to say that all those April showers gave way to some beautiful May flowers! Spring is SPRINGING here at Gurnee Park District! Take time to enjoy all of the vibrant signs of spring by planning a visit to one of our parks – pack a picnic lunch, invite some friends, and make a day of it! This time of year is fleeting, but the memories it brings can last a lifetime! We have a lot in store this month! Mark your calendars for our upcoming May events and MORE!
UPCOMING MAY EVENTS:
OPENING WEEKEND AT HUNT CLUB PARK AQUATIC CENTER – 5/25-5/27
Opening weekend at the pool is coming up fast! See our Aquatic Center hours below!
Saturday, May 25 – 12:00 – 7:00pm* *11:00am-12:00pm passholder entry only Sunday, May 26 – 12:00 – 7:00pm* *11:00am-12:00pm passholder entry only Monday, May 27 – 11:00am – 7:00pm
*Visit Rainout Line for all weather-related updates!
Make sure you and the family are ready for the summer season – purchase your Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center 2024 season pass today at reduced rates now – 5/31!
Summer is right around the corner! Get ready by taking a look at our NEW Summer Program and Events Guide, which includes summer programs, classes, events, and more!
Let’s play ball! Our T-Ball and Lil’ Sluggers leagues begin soon. These leagues are perfect for your future all star to learn basic fundamentals of the game of baseball, all while having fun and being part of a team!
Make sure to join your team soon – spaces are limited! Practices begin the week of June 10!
Looking to learn more about the GO Gurnee movement? Join us for our GO Gurnee Re-Boot event on Sunday, May 19! The GO Gurnee Re-boot event will include guided walking groups, FREE GO Gurnee swag, music, FREE hot dogs and chips (while supplies last), and MORE. Have a furry friend who likes to walk, too? Bring them along to meet other dog lovers and even enjoy some pet-friendly giveaways!
We will be open with limited hours on Memorial Day (Monday, May 29). Please see below for our facility hours:
Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center: OPEN 11:00am – 7:00pm Hunt Club Park Community Center: CLOSED FitNation on Nations Drive: OPEN 7:00am – 12:00pm Viking Park Community Center: CLOSED
PARK HIGHLIGHT – PRAIRIE OAKS
Tucked away in the rolling landscape of the Prairie Oaks neighborhood, you will find one of Gurnee Park District’s most hidden gems – Prairie Oaks Shagbark Park.
Entering the park, especially during this time of year, is nothing short of magical. In fact, with groves of mature oak trees, stunning landscaping, and even a hidden fairy garden, it’s almost as if you’ve entered a scene from the Secret Garden. And it’s right here, in Gurnee!
Behind every twist and turn that the park has to offer brings something new to behold. Make sure to visit one of the two permanent book-lending libraries, built by local park neighbors, or, drop a “bone” in the dog toy-sharing bin. Looking for more fun? Walk the short path, which connects Prairie Oaks Shagbark to the neighboring Prairie Oaks Silo Park!
Did you know? The playground equipment at Prairie Oaks Shagbark Park was recently updated in the fall of 2022. Among the many new features replacing those that had been installed 20+ year ago, include a nod to the park’s fairy tale theme, with playground equipment including a tree fort aesthetic.
DEI CORNER – MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Spring is in full bloom as we head into a new month, signaling a time to get outside! And what better way to do so than during the month of May, also recognized as “Mental Health Awareness Month.”
Looking for a FUN and REWARDING job? We’re hiring! Available positions include:
Aquatics (current and summer positions – PT) Business Services Specialist (PT) Customer Service Representatives (PT) Cultural Arts Supervisor (FT) Dance Instructor (PT) Director of Recreation (FT) Facility Maintenance (PT) Member Services (FT) Personal Trainer (PT) And MORE!
Nice place. Overall I think it's great but it's too expensive for me. The pool is nice but it's a little shorter than a regular pool. The sauna and steam room are both great and the locker room is in good condition and clean.
I have not yet used the facility, but the tour was thorough, and the staff was friendly. I would like there to be weight machines, but lots of classes are offered that I'm looking forward to trying.
Always clean, not too noisy, sauna, steam sauna, spacious hot tub, plenty of machines, broken machines get fixed in timely manner, lots of water bottle fillers, plenty of sanitization wipes, friendly staff, friendly people working out... overall worth the price! (Just wish they were open later on weekends)
I finally found a club that is clean, open and expansive with working machines and lots of good reviews. It has everything you should expect in a quality health club, including a pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, clean locker rooms and even drink vending machines. They even have a senior citizen discount, which several of the store front places do not. The front desk area is almost as big as some of these storefront places. They do provide towels and have clean showers 🚿. Please tap on the thumbs up 👍 and follow me with my many reviews.
I've been coming to fitnation since September 2022. I really like all of the staff, amenities and group fitness classes. I wish there were more group fitness classes offered in the evenings and on later on the weekends.
I highly recommend Fit Nation they have so much to offer! Working out here is great we also love the pool and all the additional amenities such as: women's workout room, classes, basketball 🌻
I rejoined FitNation just about a month ago after a 2 year hiatus. That hiatus put 30 pounds on my frame and now, since March 27 and a month at FitNation I am down 20 of those pounds. FitNation is clean, the staff accommodating and the equipment - awesome!
The FitNation facility is impeccable. In spending over an hour 6 days a week watching the care taken by the staff from maintaining the equipment, lighting, towel service and cleaning everywhere, I am thankful to have became a member. I know it's difficult for many to make it a habit to of working on our physical being, the recognition and greetings by the front desk staff makes one feel like this is the place you belong. When you get the call to join a facility, to address your physical needs, the cost value comparison of FitNation is money well spent. Thanks for better health, physically and mentally.
Were not clear about the kids memberships , was kinda of a waste of time. My kid has gone alone paying the daily pass , but when I tried to get him a membership he needed and adult to go with him. Not sure how that works but 🤷♀️
Bonnie, the Hydrofit instructor for aquartics on Mondays and Tuesdays ROCKS! Her class is a WORKOUT from 9-10 with little downtime in between exercises. That down time is filled with jogging in place. I appreciate her enmcouragement and options for folks with limited mobility. Thank you, Bonnie!
I've only been to the Nation's Drive facility and it's wonderful! The front desk is super helpful and very pleasant. They always wish you a great workout when you arrive, and they send off with a "Have a nice day", when you leave. Always!
The facility is very clean, and I see the staff constantly vacuuming, cleaning, and going the extra distance to keep up with covid requirements so that the place is safe for all guests.
All the machines are in good condition and I particularly love the two private work out rooms within the women's locker room.
5 stars, Fitnation!
It was my first time back since the pandemic started and I really appreciate the practices in place for maintaining a clean workout area and social distancing. Everyone followed the rules and it felt very safe. Plan to try and make more time again to workout safely.
900 N Hunt Club Rd
Melissa Marsh joins Gurnee Park District with a wealth of experience in the field of parks and recreation. Most recently, Marsh served as Division Director of Recreation and Museum Services at Glenview Park District, where she oversaw and supported the district’s comprehensive recreation and aquatics department, as well as the district’s museums: The Grove, Historic Wagner Farm, Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie, and Schram Memorial Chapel. Prior to working in Glenview, Marsh was the Director of Parks and Recreation with the Village of Lincolnwood, where she managed parks and facilities, recreation programs, special events, community partnerships, and capital improvement projects. Her background also includes serving National Gold Medal Award-winning and Distinguished Agency Accredited communities such as the Park District of Oak Park, Fox Valley Park District, and Homewood-Flossmoor Park District. 
It is with bittersweet emotions that we announce the retirement of Sue McDougle, our Interim Director of Recreation. Over her 24 years of service, Sue has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on not only Gurnee Park District, but the Gurnee community as a whole. Many of you may have had the pleasure of meeting Sue over the years, perhaps when your children attended our Growing Tree Preschool classes, through our various youth and adult programs, out and about at community events, or simply by visiting our facilities. No matter how you met Sue, we’re certain her warmth, care, and unwavering commitment to our community left a lasting impression. 
