Waukegan Park District to Host 34th Annual Fishing Derby 

Waukegan, Illinois (May 30, 2025) – The Waukegan Park District is hosting the 34th Annual Fishing Derby on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 8am to 10am at Bevier Park, located at 2255 W. York House Road. Participants will have the chance to win prizes in a friendly competition for the smallest and largest fish caught overall. Competitions will be held for the following age groups: 4 years or younger, 5 to 8 years, 9 to 12 years, 13 to 16 years, and 17 years or older. Prizes will be awarded to the individuals who catch the three largest fish in each age group. 

The Waukegan Park District hosted the first Fishing Derby in 1990 at Roosevelt Park, located at 520 S. McAlister Avenue. The annual event has been held at Bevier Park since 1995. This year, the Bevier Pond will be stocked with over 700 pounds of fish for the 34th Annual Fishing Derby. 

On-site check-in will begin at 7am. Preregistration is required and only one pole or rod per participant is allowed. The cost to compete is $3 per participant twelve years or younger/$5 per participant thirteen years or older (residents) and $5 per participant twelve years or younger/$7 per participant thirteen years or older (nonresidents). Participants can register online or at the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, located at 800 Baldwin Avenue in Hinkston Park. Worms will be sold on-site. More information, including registration, is available at waukeganparks.org/fishingderby.

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Waukegan Park District Announces 2025 Arts Park Program Season

Waukegan, Illinois (May 28, 2025) – The Waukegan Park District’s Arts Park Program will be on the road bringing free arts and crafts to parks and events in Waukegan. Participants will have the opportunity to create art, including drawings, paintings, sculptures, and more. The Arts Park Program was established in 2011 to create a free arts experience throughout parks in the community. 

The Arts Park Program will be in parks on the following dates from 5:30pm to 6:30pm:

The Arts Park Program is supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. The mission of the Illinois Arts Council Agency is to build a strong, creative, and connected Illinois through the arts. In 2022, the Arts Park Program was honored by the Illinois Association of Park Districts with the Arts in the Park Award. The award recognizes park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation, and special recreation agencies that support the arts and partner with artists and arts organizations to enhance the quality of life in their communities. 

According to the National Recreation & Park Association, like traditional sports programs, the arts also foster positive growth for all ages. Arts help youth build self-confidence, improve self-expression, enhance problem solving, encourage innovation, and build community. 

In addition to parks, the Arts Park Program will also travel to events throughout Waukegan, including the 25th Annual Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine Arts & Music Festival, the Waukegan Band Foundation concerts, and the Movies in the Park. Preregistration is not required to participate. More information, including all the dates and locations, is available at waukeganparks.org/artspark. 

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Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners Elects Officers 

 Waukegan, Illinois (May 21, 2025) – The Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners elected and appointed officers at their meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The newly elected officers are: President George Bridges, Jr., Vice President Jacqueline Herrera Giron, and Treasurer Anton L. Mathews. Commissioners Jeremiah Johnson and Janet E. Kilkelly also serve on the Board of Commissioners. 

Commissioner appointments to serve as Chairpersons for the Advisory Committees and as a Liaison to the Waukegan Parks Foundation Board of Directors were also approved for a one-year term. Appointments are: Jeremiah Johnson, Golf Advisory Committee; George Bridges, Jr. and Jacqueline Herrera Giron, Recreation Advisory Committee; and Anton L. Mathews, Waukegan Parks Foundation Board of Directors. 

George Bridges, Jr., President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “I look forward to leading the District throughout the upcoming year. We have many great projects underway and exciting events and programs that our community will enjoy.” 

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “I look forward to working with President Bridges as we continue to provide exceptional and innovative parks, facilities, programs, and events for the community. I am also grateful for the leadership of Commissioner Anton L. Mathews, who led as we made significant achievements during his term as President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners.” 

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Waukegan Symphony Orchestra presents New York & Paris

Waukegan, Illinois (May 15, 2025) – The Waukegan Symphony Orchestra presents New York & Paris on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 4pm to 6pm at the Orlin Trapp Auditorium, located at 2325 Brookside Avenue on Waukegan High School’s Brookside Campus. The concert will feature Andrew Russo, a pianist from New York.

The Waukegan Symphony Orchestra will perform the following pieces:

Making his fourth soloist appearance on piano with the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Russo will perform George Gershwin’s Concerto in F. Russo. With twelve commercial recordings to his credit, the highlight of Russo’s recording career was a 2007 Grammy nomination for his Black Box Records release of music by John Corigliano. Russo performs as a recitalist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician and has performed in many of the world’s cultural capitals, including Brussels, Buenos Aires, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, Moscow, New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Rome.

Russo’s appearance as a finalist in the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition drew attention when he became the first pianist to perform a significant work using alternative techniques requiring the inside and frame of the piano as well as the keys. Russo was featured in Peter Rosen’s Playing of the Edge, an internationally broadcast documentary, not long after the competition and profiled in James Barron’s Piano: The Making of a Steinway Concert Grand. 

Established in 1974, the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout the 2024-2025 season. Led by Music Director Alexander Platt, the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra provides a unique performance opportunity for more than 50 devoted musicians of varying ages and levels of musical experience. Concerts will feature guest soloists from around the country.

A ticket is required to attend the concert. The following ticket options are available: 

The concert is supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. More information, including tickets, is available at waukeganparks.org/wsocc.

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Waukegan Park District to Celebrate 15th Annual Kids to Parks Day

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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Waukegan Concert Chorus presents Solos Sung and Played

Waukegan, Illinois (May 9, 2025) – The Waukegan Concert Chorus presents Solos Sung and Played on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 4pm to 5pm at the Dr. Lynn Schornick Theatre in the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, located at 39 Jack Benny Drive in Bowen Park. Established in 1976, the Waukegan Concert Chorus is a sister organization to the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra. 

The Waukegan Concert Chorus will sing the following songs:

A ticket is required to attend the concert. The following ticket options are available:

The concert is supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. More information, including tickets, is available at waukeganparks.org/wsocc.

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Waukegan Park District Opening SplashZone for the Season

Waukegan, Illinois (May 6, 2025) – The Waukegan Park District will be opening the SplashZone for the season on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Located at 416 S. Lewis Avenue in Corrine J. Rose Park, the state-of-the-art water park will be open on weekdays from 12pm to 7pm and weekends from 11am to 7pm.

Daily passes are sold at the SplashZone at the following rates:

Season passes are available for children, adults, and families. Season passholders will be able to enjoy unlimited entry to the SplashZone. The early bird special is available until Monday, May 12, 2025. Season passes are sold at the following rates:

*Adults accompanying a child with a daily pass or a season pass will be granted free admission to the SplashZone. A child is an individual seventeen (17) years or younger and an adult is an individual eighteen (18) years or older.

To qualify for the resident fee, individuals must show proof of residency within the boundaries of the Waukegan Park District. Proof of residency can be confirmed with a government-issued identification card (i.e., state identification or driver’s license), foreign government identification card issued in the United States (i.e., consular identification cards), or a current bill (within the last ninety days), including utility, credit card, phone, and mortgage bills. Residency for children can be verified with an identification card from Waukegan Public Schools or a parent/guardian’s proof of residency.

Season passes must be purchased at the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, located at 800 Baldwin Avenue in Hinkston Park. More information, including hours of operation, passes, and rental options, is available at waukeganparks.org/splashzone.

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Waukegan Park District to Host 2025 Plant & Flower Days

Waukegan, Illinois (May 5, 2025) – The Waukegan Park District is hosting the 2025 Plant & Flower Days on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 4pm to 6:30pm and Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 11am to 2pm at the Urban Ag Lab at Bowen Greenhouse, located at 1800 N. Sheridan in Bowen Park. From cucumbers to marigolds, there will be a variety of plants, vegetables, flowers, and herbs available for individuals to purchase with a donation of $4 to $7 per item. All proceeds will support the operations and programs at the Urban Ag Lab at Bowen Greenhouse.

The plants, vegetables, flowers, and herbs are grown on-site by the Waukegan Park District Garden Club, an all-volunteer organization that assists with the care and maintenance of the Urban Ag Lab at Bowen Greenhouse.

Cash, cards, and checks will be accepted. More information, including the list of plants, vegetables, flowers, and herbs, is available at waukeganparks.org/greenhouse.

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Waukegan Park District Named a Finalist for the 2025 National Gold Medal Award

Waukegan, Illinois (April 29, 2025) – The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association, named the Waukegan Park District a finalist for the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the nation’s highest honor for park and recreation agencies. The Waukegan Park District is a finalist in Class III, the category for park and recreation agencies serving a population of 75,001 to 150,000. The Waukegan Park District received the award in 2013 and was named a finalist in 2012, 2013, 2019, and 2021 through 2025.

Founded in 1965, the National Gold Medal Award program honors park and recreation agencies in the United States and military installations worldwide that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and community engagement. Applicants are placed into six classes, with five classes based on population and one class for armed forces installations.

A panel of five park and recreation professionals, representing differing governmental agencies, size, and geographic area, reviewed and judged all application materials. Judges are chosen based on their considerable experience in managing park and recreation agencies and their knowledge of parks and recreation at the local, state, and national levels.

Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is proud to be named one of the nation’s best park and recreation agencies. This distinction highlights the dedication and hard work of the staff at the Waukegan Park District. Their efforts truly enhance the quality of life in the community through state-of-the-art parks and facilities, and innovative recreation programming.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “It is an honor for the Waukegan Park District to be recognized by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association as one of the premier park and recreation agencies in the country again this year. This honor reflects the ongoing commitment to being an innovative park district that creatively adapts to the needs of the community, providing exceptional parks, facilities, programs, and events. From the Board of Commissioners to the staff, everyone at the Waukegan Park District is dedicated to serve the community.”

The recipients of the National Gold Medal Award will be announced at the 2025 National Recreation and Park Association Conference in September in Orlando, Florida.

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 Waukegan Park District and Waukegan Historical Society to Host Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie Ribbon Cutting & Opening Ceremony

 Waukegan, Illinois (April 21, 2025) – The Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Historical Society announce the official ribbon cutting and opening ceremony for the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 12pm. Located at 1 N. Sheridan Road in the heart of Downtown Waukegan overlooking Lake Michigan, the long-vacant, historic Carnegie Library has been beautifully restored and transformed into a vibrant museum showcasing Waukegan’s dynamic and diverse history. 

The new museum features an expansive permanent exhibit, “The Waukegan Chronicles,” which highlights Waukegan’s history from the ice age through the 21st century. The exhibit was created in collaboration with Luci Creative, an award-winning exhibit design firm, and features text in English and Spanish. Also on permanent display is the personal book collection of world-renowned author and Waukegan-native Ray Bradbury in the restored room where he spent many hours as a child nurturing his love for stories and books. The new museum houses the Waukegan Historical Society’s extensive research archives, hosts rotating temporary exhibits, and offers a variety of educational programs throughout the year for visitors of all ages. 

As part of the grand opening celebration, the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie will host open houses, including following the ribbon cutting and opening ceremony on Thursday, May 1, 2025 until 6pm, Friday, May 2, 2025 from 12pm to 6pm, Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 9am to 3pm, and Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 12pm to 3pm. The open houses will be an opportunity to visit and explore the new museum with free admission. 

Designated as a Waukegan Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Waukegan Carnegie Library opened in 1903 and was funded by Andrew Carnegie, a steel magnate and philanthropist who commissioned the construction of 2,509 libraries worldwide. The Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Historical Society engaged Harboe Architects, a top preservation architectural firm, to lead the design process and oversee the building’s meticulous restoration and adaptive reuse to become the new Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie. 

Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie will be a source of pride and inspiration for generations. With the opening of the new museum, Waukegan’s vibrant past will now be better preserved and shared in meaningful and interactive ways with the community. 

Lori Nerheim, President of the Waukegan Historical Society’s Board of Directors, stated, “We are thrilled to have been able to save this iconic building and make this dream come true for so many people. The new museum will connect and tell the stories of local human and natural history, and attract visitors from across the region.” 

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is proud to have partnered with the Waukegan Historical Society on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the historic Carnegie Library. This project is an example of what can happen with collaboration and a shared vision. The Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie will truly showcase Waukegan’s story for years to come.” 

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