Waukegan Park District Opens Registration for Summer Camps

Waukegan, Illinois (April 12, 2024) – Registration for the Waukegan Park District’s summer camps is now open. Full-day camps will be offered on weekdays from 9am to 4pm from Monday, June 3, 2024 to Friday, August 2, 2024. Open to children from six (6) to twelve (12) years of age, the camps will engage children in enriching experiences, including arts, crafts, outdoor explorations, sports, weekly field trips, and more.

Belvidere Explorers will be held at the Belvidere Recreation Center, located at 412 S. Lewis Avenue in Corrine J. Rose Park, and the Bowen Park Rangers will be held at the Jane Addams Center, located at 95 Jack Benny Drive in Bowen Park. Before care from 7am to 9am and after care from 4pm to 6pm will be available for participants of Belvidere Explorers for an additional fee.

Registration is available for the following sessions:

*Summer camps will not be in session on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in observance of Juneteenth, and Thursday, July 4, 2024, in observance of American Independence Day.

Summer camp registration can be completed at the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, located at 800 Baldwin Avenue in Hinkston Park. A registration packet must be submitted for each participant. Additionally, a $30 nonrefundable deposit per session is required to make a summer camp reservation, and the remaining balance is due two weeks prior to the session start date. The Waukegan Park District accepts third-party funding from other organizations and offers financial assistance. Additional information, including registration forms, session dates, and fees, is available at waukeganparks.org/camps.

Waukegan Park District to Host 26th Annual Eggstravaganza Trail

Waukegan, Illinois (March 20, 2024) – The Waukegan Park District is hosting the 26th Annual Eggstravaganza Trail on Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 9am to 11am at Corrine J. Rose Park, located at 412 S. Lewis Avenue. Children from two (2) to thirteen (13) years will have the opportunity to hop along the bunny trail and collect candy-filled eggs from the Easter Bunny and friends, while supplies last.

Free entertainment, including pony rides, a petting zoo, hands-on bubble stations, and balloon artists, will be available from 9am to 11am. The bunny trail will be open from 10am to 11am.

The Waukegan Park District hosted the first Eggstravaganza Trail in 1996 at the then Belvidere Park, which is now Corrine J. Rose Park. This year, approximately 16,500 eggs filled with candy will be distributed to children. The eggs were filled by volunteers from Assured Healthcare, Matthias Academy, and Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County – Waukegan. 

Great Lakes Credit Union is the sponsor of the 26th Annual Eggstravaganza Trail. Headquartered in Bannockburn, Illinois, Great Lakes Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union with 80,000 members in the Chicago area. 

The 26th Annual Eggstravaganza Trail is hosted as part of the GO WAUKEGAN community initiative. In collaboration with the Lake County Health Department, the Waukegan Park District launched the community initiative to improve the health and wellness of local residents by enhancing and increasing the shared experience of walking through activities, education, and collaboration.

Preregistration is not required and there is no cost to participate. More information is available at waukeganparks.org/eggstravaganza.

Waukegan Park District Academic Scholarship Application Available

Waukegan, Illinois (March 15, 2024) – The Waukegan Park District will support the academic endeavors of five local students with a $1,000 scholarship, known as the Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship. The scholarship is intended to invest in students with outstanding academic achievements and a commitment to community service.

Applicants will be selected based on their academic achievements and community service. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:

Applications must include:

Past recipients of the Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship attended or currently attend the following schools: Case Western Reserve University, Clark University, Coe College, College of Lake County, Connecticut College, Cornell College, DePaul University, Duke University, Hope College, Howard University, Knox College, Lake Forest College, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Smith College, Texas Southern University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Richmond, University of Rochester, and University of Wisconsin – Parkside.

The Waukegan Park District Memorial Endowment Fund Scholarship began in 2019 and is funded by private donations. Applications are due by Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 5pm. Scholarship recipients will be announced on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. More information, including the application, is available at waukeganparks.org/scholarship.

Waukegan Parks Foundation Contributes $9,000 to the Waukegan Park District

Waukegan, Illinois (March 12, 2024) – The Waukegan Parks Foundation contributed $9,000 to the Waukegan Park District to enhance recreation programs while ensuring they remain accessible and affordable for the community. The contribution will benefit summer camps, theatre programs, swim lessons for individuals with disabilities, and more. All funds were donated by community partners.

The Waukegan Parks Foundation is a not-for-profit that serves as a partner and fundraising organization for the Waukegan Park District. Their mission is to strengthen the minds and bodies of community members, build community image and pride, and ensure access to parks, programs, and facilities for all while being financially and environmentally sound.

Charlotte Callahan Wozniak, President of the Waukegan Parks Foundation Board of Directors, stated, “The Waukegan Parks Foundation believes that every individual in the community should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of recreation programs. This contribution is an investment to help the Waukegan Park District offer equitable access to recreation programs for individuals of all abilities.”

Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is thankful for the contribution from the Waukegan Parks Foundation. It is a reflection of their commitment to enrich recreation programs while providing access for all.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The collaboration between the Waukegan Park District and the Waukegan Parks Foundation to ensure that the cost of recreation programs is not a barrier to participation exemplifies the power of partnerships. By investing in recreation programs, we can reach even more individuals in the community.”

More information about the Waukegan Parks Foundation is available at waukeganparks.org/foundation.

Waukegan Park District Accepting Applications for the 2024 American Independence Parade

Waukegan, Illinois (March 8, 2024) – The Waukegan Park District is accepting online applications for the 2024 American Independence Parade, which will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2024 stepping off 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.

With thousands of spectators expected along Sheridan Road, businesses and organizations are invited to participate in this community tradition with a parade entry. To participate in the parade, a completed application must be submitted online by Monday, June 2, 2024. Businesses and non-political organizations can participate for free. Political organizations must pay a $100 fee to participate.

Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan Park District’s American Independence Parade is a long-standing tradition that fosters community pride. The creative entries will make the parade a memorable and enjoyable experience.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Waukegan Park District’s American Independence Parade is always a highlight of the summer. The parade is an opportunity for business and organizations to celebrate and connect with the community.”

Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available. More information, including the parade entry application, is available at waukeganparks.org/parade.

Waukegan Park District Accepting Outdoor Facility Rental Applications

Waukegan, Illinois (March 1, 2024) – The Waukegan Park District is now accepting applications for outdoor facility rentals, including designated green spaces, seven pavilions, one formal garden gazebo, and one bandshell. Applications can be submitted online, via mail, and in person.

A reservation is required for:

Applications can be submitted online at waukeganparks.org/permits or via mail and in person at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, located at 39 Jack Benny Drive in Bowen Park. Reservations are granted on an application-review basis.

Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “Parks are not just spaces; they are beautiful settings for memorable gatherings. With warmer weather approaching soon, this is the perfect time for the community to reserve an outdoor facility for their events.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “From family reunions to birthday parties, parks are an ideal and affordable venue for outdoor events. The picturesque views in the parks provide outstanding settings for your events. I encourage the community to reserve an outdoor facility as soon as possible, because they are popular and book quickly.” 

More information, including the park permit guide and agreement and a list of outdoor facilities, is available at waukeganparks.org/permits.

Waukegan Symphony Orchestra presents Andrew Russo Returns

Waukegan, Illinois (February 21, 2024) – The Waukegan Symphony Orchestra presents Andrew Russo Returns on Sunday, February 25, 2024 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. 

With twelve commercial recordings to his credit, the highlight of Andrew 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.

The program for the concert is below:

Established in 1974, the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra is 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. Throughout the season, 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 grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and the Waukegan Arts Council, and sponsorships from Kaiser, Shepherd & Nakon, P.C., Harry E. Came, Doug Stiles, and Scott and Roxanne Swanson.

Season tickets are available at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, located at 39 Jack Benny Drive in Bowen Park. More information, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, is available at waukeganparks.org/wsocc.

Waukegan Parks Foundation to Host Party for the Parks Fundraiser on Leap Day

Waukegan, Illinois (February 13, 2024) – The Waukegan Parks Foundation is hosting the Party for the Parks Fundraiser on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 5:30pm to 8pm at the Adaptive Recreation Center, located at 540 S. McAlister Avenue in Roosevelt Park. All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit initiatives that enhance parks and recreation opportunities in Waukegan.

The Party for the Parks Fundraiser will feature food, drinks, drawings, and live music by Waukegan Public Schools’ Mariachi Estrellas. A silent auction will give attendees the opportunity to bid on items donated by community partners. Tickets are $65 per person in advance or $75 per person at the door.

New this year, honey harvested in Waukegan will be available for a donation at the Party for the Parks Fundraiser. Pollinator Park, located 3552 Winhaven Driven, is home to the Waukegan Parks Foundation’s pollinator project, which includes honeybee hives that produced honey in 2023. The pollinator project provides a hands-on and educational experience for the community.

The Waukegan Parks Foundation is a not-for-profit that serves as a partner and fundraising organization for the Waukegan Park District. Their mission is to strengthen the minds and bodies of community members, build community image and pride, and ensure access to parks, programs, and facilities for all while being financially and environmentally sound.

Charlotte Callahan Wozniak, President of the Waukegan Parks Foundation, stated, “The Waukegan Parks Foundation is grateful for the support from the community. As an all-volunteer organization, the funds raised through the Party for the Parks Fundraiser support the organization’s growth and impact local children and their families through park projects and recreation programs.”

Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is thankful for the ongoing efforts led by the Waukegan Parks Foundation. From a water safety initiative serving thousands of local students to financial support for park projects, they are making a remarkable difference in the community. It is our turn to support them.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “Since its founding in 2014, the Waukegan Parks Foundation has been committed to raising funds that have contributed to the success of recreation programs and capital projects in the parks. The Waukegan Park District is proud to have a positive and strong partnership with this philanthropic organization that is devoted to the community.”

The Party for the Parks Fundraiser is sponsored by American Place Casino, E4TheFuture, Louis Glunz Wines, Commissioner Anton L. Mathews, North Shore Printers Inc., Waukegan Computer, and Toluca’s Restaurant. More information, including tickets, is available at waukeganparks.org/party.

Javier Martinez Named to 30 Under 30 in the Field of Parks and Recreation

Waukegan, Illinois (February 2, 2024) – Javier Martinez, Manager of Fitness & Aquatics at the Waukegan Park District, was selected as one of the 2024 30 Under 30 honorees by the National Recreation and Park Association’s Young Professional Network and Parks & Recreation magazine. The recognition program honors thirty top young professionals in the field of parks and recreation. 

The 30 Under 30 honorees were selected based on their impact on the agency’s community and service population, contributions to the professional development of the field of parks and recreation, and innovative ideas, programs, or research in the field of parks and recreation.

Since joining the Waukegan Park District in 2018, Javier Martinez has overseen innovative recreation programs related to nature, culture, fitness, and aquatics. His leadership has been instrumental in the success of the community initiative between the Waukegan Parks Foundation and the Waukegan Park District to provide every second-grade class in Waukegan with a free water safety swim lesson at the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center. Javier is a lifelong Waukegan resident with a commitment to the community that is evident through his enthusiasm and aspiration to make a difference in the lives of individuals through parks and recreation.

Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “Javier Martinez has made significant contributions to the field of parks and recreation. His inclusion in 30 Under 30 is a reflection of his commitment to excellence and dedication in serving the community. The national recognition is well deserved and a testament to his remarkable achievements.” 

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “With his innovative ideas, Javier Martinez has played a pivotal role in enhancing the programs and events at the Waukegan Park District. He has displayed leadership that is truly making a difference at his workplace and in the community. The recognition validates the impact his work does to elevate the field of parks and recreation.”

Javier Martinez, Manager of Fitness & Aquatics at the Waukegan Park District, stated, “I am honored to receive this recognition from the National Recreation and Park Association. Working at the Waukegan Park District has been an incredibly rewarding opportunity for me to contribute to the community I grew up in. I am proud to be able to support enrichment in the field of parks and recreation and make an impact on so many lives.”

Waukegan Park District Celebrates Black History Month

 Waukegan, Illinois (February 1, 2024) – The Waukegan Park District is celebrating Black History Month in February with special programming throughout the month. The programs and events will honor African Americans and their contributions to art, culture, and local history. 

The following programs and events will be offered: 

Sylvia England, Founder and Executive Director of the African American Museum at the England Manor, will demonstrate the cooking of a traditional soul food dish. 

Children will participate in open play, watch a movie, and engage in activities and crafts to learn more about African American achievements. 

From musical and dance performances to dramatic readings, the celebration will feature live performances from African American artists. 

The exhibit will feature stories of Waukegan’s African American past, including the Underground Railroad, early pioneers and leaders, the segregated community of Frog Island, and the desegregation of Whittier School. 

Throughout Black History Month, the halls of the Jack Benny Center for the Arts will feature a special art show presented by Dandelion Art Gallery. Some art will be available for purchase. 

In addition, the Waukegan History Museum will be offering free outreach programs for local classes and community organizations: “Waukegan and the Underground Railroad” and “Influential African Americans in Waukegan”. 

According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Black History Month began as “Negro History Week” in the second week of February of 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and Frederick Douglass on February 15. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976. 

More information is available at waukeganparks.org/blackhistorymonth. 

Waukegan Park District Board President and Executive Director Honored with Statewide Awards

Waukegan, Illinois (January 29, 2024) – Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, and Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, were recognized with statewide awards at the 2024 IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference, the annual Illinois state conference for parks and recreation, forest preserves, and conservation agencies.

Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson was recognized with the Rising Star Award by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. The award recognizes up-and-coming board members in their first six years of service who have demonstrated exemplary performance in their duties and responsibilities as a board member. Commissioner Johnson is committed to ensuring that the youth of Waukegan have access to recreation opportunities, especially baseball and golf. As a local business owner, Commissioner Johnson actively supports programs and events and volunteers his time to make an impact.

Executive Director Jay Lerner was recognized with the Professional of the Year Award by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. The award is presented to a current park and recreation professional in Illinois who has made a significant impact or achievement in the field of parks and recreation and/or the community in which they serve. Since joining the Waukegan Park District in 1998, Jay has led several major capital projects, including the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark, and the Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie, opening later this year. Jay’s vision is the catalyst for creation of innovative programs and events at the Waukegan Park District.

Board President Jeremiah Johnson stated, “I am proud to receive the Rising Star Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts. The award is not solely a personal achievement, but a reflection of the dedicated staff at the Waukegan Park District who make the dreams of the Board of Commissioners a reality for the community through state-of-the-art parks and facilities and innovative programs and events. Serving as a commissioner is a labor of love for me. I never expected to receive an award for my efforts.  I take great pride in being able to provide a positive impact in Waukegan.”

Executive Director Jay Lerner stated, “I am truly humbled and honored to receive the Professional of the Year Award from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. It is a privilege to lead our passionate and committed staff who strive every day to make the community a better place through parks and recreation. I express my deepest gratitude to the Board of Commissioners, whose unwavering support and leadership has put the Waukegan Park District on a path to serve the community. I would also like to thank the Waukegan community for the support they give the Waukegan Park District. It takes an entire team to be successful and we have that here in Waukegan.”

Waukegan Park District and City of Waukegan Partner to Host 25th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge

Waukegan, Illinois (December 20, 2023) – The Waukegan Park District and City of Waukegan are partnering to host the 25th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge on Monday, January 1, 2024 from 10am to 11am at the Waukegan Municipal Beach, located at 201 E. Sea Horse Drive. All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County – Waukegan, helping individuals with disabilities participate in camps, athletics, health and fitness programs, and more.

Individuals can preregister for $20 per plunger online or at the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, located at 800 Baldwin Avenue in Hinkston Park. Preregistration will be open until Friday, December 29, 2023 at 4pm. On-site registration for $25 per plunger will be available from 9am to 10:45am on the day of the event. The first 300 plungers will receive a commemorative event shirt.

BCU is the 25th Anniversary Sponsor of the annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge. Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Illinois, BCU is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union with more than 325,000 members in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated,

“The Waukegan Park District is excited to partner with the City of Waukegan again to host the 25th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge. Together we are celebrating a quarter-century of this community tradition that benefits Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County – Waukegan, making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities.”

Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “With so many brave individuals plunging into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan, the 25th Annual Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge will be an impactful and unique way to welcome the new year. The Waukegan Park District expresses its gratitude to all plungers, sponsors, and volunteers who play a pivotal role in making this annual event a success.”

Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor stated, “The Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge is one of my favorite Waukegan events. It is a great way to ring in the new year in support of the students and athletes of Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County – Waukegan. We are delighted that we can again partner with the Waukegan Park District to host this event in celebration of its 25th anniversary.”

More information and preregistration are available at waukeganparks.org/plunge.

Waukegan Park District Offering Holiday Adventures during Upcoming Winter Break

Waukegan, Illinois (December 11, 2023) – The Waukegan Park District will be offering Holiday Adventures during the upcoming winter break at the Belvidere Recreation Center, located at 412 S. Lewis Avenue in Corrine J. Rose Park. Open to students from six to twelve years, the full-day enrichment programs will feature activities, crafts, field trips, games, and more.

Holiday Adventures will be offered on the following winter break days from 7am to 6pm:

Preregistration is required and space is limited. The cost to participate is $35 per resident and $44 per nonresident. Participants can be registered online or at the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, located at 800 Baldwin Avenue in Hinkston Park. The Waukegan Park District accepts third-party funding from other organizations and offers financial assistance. More information, including planned activities and registration, is available at waukeganparks.org/adventures.