Waukegan, Illinois (May 12, 2025) – The Waukegan Park District is celebrating the 15th Annual Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 9am to 11am at Bevier Park, located at 2255 Yorkhouse Road. Organized by the National Park Trust, the mission of Kids to Parks Day is to foster future outdoor enthusiasts and help with developing the next generation of park stewards by engaging kids in memorable outdoor experiences.
2025 marks the fifteenth anniversary of Kids to Parks Day. This year’s event will feature sports, kite flying, and educational content about the park’s history. Free custard donated by Culver’s, popcorn, and kites will be provided for kids, while supplies last.
Traditionally hosted on the third Saturday of May, Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play that encourages kids and families to get outside and create their own adventure at thousands of local park events and programs. National Park Trust works with cities and towns, teachers, families, park and public land officials, as well as numerous sponsors and partners to make these events possible.
Construction at the property where Bevier Park is located began in 1969 with the development of a pond, continued in 1971 with improvements, with completion in 1973. Today, Bevier Park consists of 30.4 acres with a Nature’s Classroom, Henry Pfau Callahan Disc Golf Course, Bevier Pond, and other amenities. Bevier Park is named after Bevier Butts, who served as the Director of the City of Waukegan’s Recreation Department.
In 2023, Bevier Park was renovated with a nature-themed playground, discovery dock, and kayak launch. The baseball field was enhanced with new backstops, bleachers, and dugouts; the basketball courts were resurfaced; and the disc golf course was improved.
Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated “Kids to Parks Day is the perfect day for families to explore their local parks. The Waukegan Park District is committed to providing parks where kids can grow, learn, and play.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated “The Waukegan Park District is proud to join the National Park Trust in celebration of the 15th Annual Kids to Parks Day. Parks, such as Bevier Park, are the ideal place for kids to explore and discover the outdoors.”
Preregistration is not required to participate in the free event. More information is available at waukeganparks.org/kidstoparksday.
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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
