Author: kgarrett

Sledding: It’s one of the joys of childhood, but please remind the young ones to sled down the middle of the hill and walk up the sides to avoid the dreaded “bowling alley” scenario and potential injury. Here are the go-to hills: Waubonsie Lake Park – Located just west of the playground, this semi-steep hill… Read More

Winter 2023 Dear Residents, In June I announced my intention to retire at the end of 2023. As I reflect on these past eight years, I’m humbled and privileged to have helped serve the communities of Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery that together make up the Fox Valley Park District.  “Together” is an important word.… Read More

The legend lives among the shadows and shrills in the woods of Red Oak Nature Center, where soon (with a lil’ imagination) the rumored sightings and foggy footage will be replaced by real encounters. “So run!” says Renee Oakley, facility manager at Red Oak. “You’re about to take a turn into the woods and enter… Read More

Summer’s swoon steps aside for September when it’s time to treat yourself to some fun escapes after busy weeks of school or work. From an afternoon tea with the grandkids to a 5K through nature’s canopy in the woods, here are five activities to consider this month, but be sure to check out the Events… Read More

The week’s been circled in the Stuart Sports Complex logbook for a solid year. Not because of the rubber-sole-melting heatwave, but for the 336-team soccer tournament set to play out this weekend at one of the Midwest’s most coveted outdoor athletic playgrounds. Naperville-based Evolution Soccer Club’s Chicago Development Showcase represents the largest soccer tournament ever… Read More

If you grew up on Aurora’s west side and pedaled a Schwinn, Sting-Ray or Huffy, chances are the Virgil L. Gilman Trail – or “nature trail” to ‘60s-through-80s kids – served as a trusty thoroughfare through childhood.  And on a certain section of that trail, then blanketed with crushed limestone, stood iconic flagstone walls, each… Read More

As the colors change, the air crisps and our world becomes pumpkin-spiced, fall into fun with a calendar of activities perfectly suited to complement busy back-to-school schedules. From rounding up invasive crayfish, to teaming with superheroes, to browsing crafts, here are 10 activities to consider this Fall season. (Pssst! And be sure to check out… Read More

Take the sizzle outta summer with cooldown evening activities – indoors and out – happening across the FVPD in July! From concerts to kickball, here are five activities to consider this month, but be sure to check out the Events Calendar for a full lineup of July fun!  Live & Uncorked  Enjoy live tunes performed… Read More

Popular summer concert series extended to eight weeks  Some jammin’ news for fans of summer tunes, sing-a-longs and sunsets … Live & Uncorked, the Fox Valley Park District’s popular outdoor concert series, is playing an extra week this year for a total of eight live performances at historic Blackberry Farm. FVPD officials extended the summer… Read More

The following is a public-service announcement intended solely for inbound college students. It’s brought to you by someone who’s – let’s say – well-schooled on the subject. “The ‘Freshman 15’ is real!” confirms Maddie Biancalana. Like so many others, Maddie learned calories can pile up as quickly as the classwork in our grab ‘n go… Read More