NOVEMBER 2023 GURNEE PARK DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
What a beautiful fall we’ve been having here in Gurnee! Between the changing colors on the trees and the mostly mild weather, this fall has us feeling all the feels!
As we head into November, we are excited to share what we have in store here at Gurnee Park District. From programming, to upcoming special events, to gearing up for the holidays, we have plenty for the whole family to take part in! Take a look below!
NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS
FAMILY ART NIGHT – 11/10
Explore the world of art at Gurnee Park District’s Family Art Night! Whether it’s painting, drawing, or learning something new, the entire family will have an opportunity to participate together and express their creativity!
A dinner of pizza, salad, and cookies will be provided during the event, along with all art supplies and materials.
Friday, November 10th
Hunt Club Community Center
5:00-7:00pm
*Registration deadline is 11/06/23.
Reserve your spot here!
BLACK FRIDAY FITNATION DEALS (11/24 – 11/27)
Looking to join FitNation Gurnee? Save BIG with our Black Friday Sale (11/24-11/27): Buy 2 months/get 1 FREE for only $109 (that’s $55 in savings)!
Already a current FitNation Member? – get ready for our Black Friday Personal Training sale! Purchase 10 Personal Training sessions for just $250!
Mark those calendars – these offers will only be valid from Friday, November 24 – Monday, November 27!
For more information, please see a Member Services Staff Member!
Learn more about FitNation’s Personal Training Options!
YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUES (3rd-8th GRADES) BEGIN 11/27!
Looking for ways to keep the kiddos active this winter? Register for our Youth Basketball Leagues! Our leagues focus on the fundamentals of the game, sportsmanship, and, of course, having fun!
Join your TEAM today!
THANKSGIVING HOURS (11/23)
As a reminder, we will be operating with limited hours for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 23rd:
- Hunt Club Park Community Center – CLOSED
- Viking Park Community Center – CLOSED
- FitNation on Nations Drive – 7:00am – 12:00pm
We hope everyone has an amazing holiday with family and friends!
PARK HIGHLIGHT – HUNT CLUB PARK
This month’s Park Highlight is all about Hunt Club Park (pictured above)!
Hunt Club Park, located off of Hunt Club Road, offers plenty of ways to stay busy all year long! Take a stroll down the paved trail system, which covers more than a mile of twists and turns around the park’s most stunning views. Or, play the day away at the mud-free playground! During the warmer months, you can also pass time reeling in a large bass or bluegill at the fishing pond.
No matter the season, Hunt Club Park is a great place to be!
Click here to view all of our park locations and information!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mark your calendars for added FUN next month!
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA (12/2)
SANTA! We know him! Enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by a meet and greet with Santa! Make sure to bring your cameras to capture these unforgettable memories for years to come!
3 seating times are available:
8:00-9:15am
9:30- 10:45am
11:00am-12:15pm
Limited seating still available!
Save your seat today!
HOLIDAY LIGHTS (12/7)
Mark your calendars for the 3rd annual “Holiday Lights” event at Welton Plaza (Old Grand Avenue)! We’ll have firepits and s’mores to keep you warm, food trucks to keep you full, craft stations to keep you busy, and much more!
Special guests include Gurnee Park District Above the Barre Dance Team, Gurnee Mayor, Tom Hood, WSRA Choirs, and the BIG Guy himself, Santa Claus!
Want to help those in need this holiday season? Staff will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Warren Township Food Pantry during the event. Please bring your donations to help make a difference in our community!
Thursday, December 7
5:30 – 7:30pm
Welton Plaza on Old Grand Avenue (next to Gurnee Community Church)
ARCTIC EXPRESS – SOLD OUT
All aboard as we travel to the “North Pole” to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus! The ride will be filled with music, stories, and surprises! *Note: this event is currently SOLD OUT
Special thank you to our amazing sponsors, D. Wells Automotive and Great Lakes Credit Union, for making this event possible!
HUNT CLUB PARK AQUATIC CENTER SEASON PASS SALE!
Give the gift of summer FUN this upcoming holiday season! Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center season passes will be on sale this December at our lowest prices of the season! Stay tuned for more information!
Learn more about our Aquatic Center!
Looking for a FUN and REWARDING job? We’re hiring!
Available positions include:
Aquatics (seasonal and year-round positions – PT)
Dance Instructor (PT)
Facility Maintenance I (PT)
KidNation Childcare Coordinator (PT)
KidNation Childcare Staff Member (PT)
Personal Trainer (PT)
Preschool Teacher / Substitute Teacher (PT)
Youth Program Coordinator (PT)
Click here for more information!
STAY CONNECTED
Looking for MORE fun? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with daily park happenings, news, and more!
Gurnee Park District Facebook Page
Gurnee Park District Instagram Page
Gurnee Park District LinkedIn Page
Have a great month! We look forward to seeing you out and about at Gurnee Park District!
On Saturday, October 14th, Gurnee Park District in partnership with the Village of Gurnee will host a Halloween favorite, with a NEW twist. Due to inclement weather in the forecast, Halloween Fall Fest will be held indoors at Hunt Club Park Community Center (920 Hunt Club Rd., Gurnee, IL).
Halloween Fall Fest will still include visits with favorite characters, and of course … CANDY! The cost is per child ($10 Gurnee residents / $13 nonresidents), adults are free. Guests of Halloween Fall Fest can register online or pay at the door.
Other reminders/tips for the event:
- LOCATION HAS BEEN CHANGED TO HUNT CLUB PARK COMMUNITY CENTER
- Dress to impress. Costumes are encouraged.
- Bring your camera to take pictures! There will be plenty of photo ops.
- Bring a bag/bucket for candy and other goodies.
Halloween Fall Fest will be held on Saturday, October 14th at Hunt Club Park Community Center (920 Hunt Club Rd., Gurnee, IL) beginning at 1:00 pm. For any questions, please contact Mary Lester at 847-599-3745, or visit gurneeparkdistrict.com/events.
More information:
Families are invited to visit January 18 and January 19
Gurnee, Illinois – January 18 – 19: Visit tonight and tomorrow to see how we learn and grow at Growing Tree Preschool! Whether your child currently attends or you are considering enrolling in the upcoming school year, our Open Houses provide parents the opportunity to learn about our program philosophy and curriculum.
Parents can also enroll their children in the upcoming school year with a discounted registration fee.
Both locations will host open houses from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
Visit the classrooms where your child(ren) will engage in a variety of fun activities! Parents will meet the staff and learn more about Growing Tree Preschool.
The first days of preschool are exciting! Sue McDougle, Gurnee Park District’s Preschool Manager shares a few things for parents to keep in mind when sending their children back to school. Parents can be worried or anxious too, it’s common. By controlling emotions, and creating a routine, families can easily transition and get their child(ren) ready to start school.
Preschool is a new experience for parents too. Here are a few ways to help with the transition.
- Know that a child’s ability to be independent in a classroom setting enhances the parent/child bond.
- Ask children about what their learning and new experiences.
- Avoid showing emotion in front of your child. Some children become upset when they see this.
- Preschool is an opportunity for parents to meet other parents and form lasting friendships.
Leading up to school starting as well as when school starts, establishing a routine and new habits can help!
- Having children stay with a trusted adult before school begins can reduce separation anxiety.
- Healthy bedtime routines prepare children to be well rested each school day.
- Just like bedtime, the morning should have a routine and include breakfast.
- Make school an important family priority!
- Empty your child’s backpack and home/school folder together.
- Ask about their art projects.
- Compliment efforts and practice writing at home.
- Sing with them. They’re always learning new songs at school!
- Be proud and be sure to tell your preschooler.
900 N Hunt Club Rd
