Waukegan, Illinois (June 23, 2023) – The Waukegan Park District presents the 2023 American Independence Parade on Sunday, July 2, 2023 beginning at 1pm, and traveling north on Sheridan Road from Franklin Street to Jack Benny Drive. The parade theme is “Star Spangled Celebration” and the Grand Marshal will be Senator Adriane Johnson.
In the Illinois State Senate, Senator Johnson represents the 30th District, which includes Waukegan. As a former President of the Buffalo Grove Park District Board of Commissioners, and former Chair of the Illinois Association of Park Districts Board of Trustees, Senator Johnson has been a devoted advocate for parks and recreation.
Vista Health System, a parade sponsor, will provide free drinking water for parade participants to refresh themselves halfway through the parade route at the corner of Sheridan Road and Glen Flora Avenue. Waukegan Public Schools will distribute hot dogs and water in front of the Lincoln Center for Educational Services, located at 1201 N. Sheridan Road.
Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “I am excited that our community has the opportunity to experience the American Independence Parade. With months of planning, this year’s parade will be an outstanding celebration of patriotism.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Waukegan Park District’s American Independence Parade is a community tradition featuring many creative entries from local businesses, organizations, and performance groups. We hope the community enjoys the “Star Spangled Celebration” on Sheridan Road.”
More information about the Waukegan Park District’s American Independence Parade is available at waukeganparks.org/parade.
About the Waukegan Park District
Established on December 26, 1916, the Waukegan Park District (WPD) has 53 properties and more than 742 acres of land, including the 18-hole Bonnie Brook and 9-hole Greenshire Golf Courses. Properties are managed to the highest environmental and conservation standards. Facilities operated by the WPD include the Field House Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Center, Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark, Waukegan Skate Park, BMX Track, SplashZone, Percussion Playground, recreational centers, disc golf course, dog exercise area and agility course, outdoor sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, splash pads, and sports courts including basketball, tennis and pickleball. A full range of programs and services are offered year-round for all ages, from infants to seniors, as well as special need populations. Healthy lifestyles, wellness initiatives, and a connection with the outdoors and nature are integrated throughout programs, services, and special events. Arts and cultural activities are provided by the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, and the Waukegan History Museum. We offer something for everyone!
A member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), and the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), the WPD employs 73 full-time and 219 part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees and is recognized by the IPRA as an Exceptional Workplace.
Nationally accredited by the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and State accredited through the IAPD Distinguished Agency Accreditation, the WPD has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The WPD was awarded the NRPA National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2013, and was named a Gold Medal Finalist in 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Media Contact
Josue Pasillas, MPA
Communications Supervisor
Waukegan Park District
(847) 360-4789
jpasillas@waukeganparks.org
waukeganparks.org