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Forty-eight hours before the Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race launches Saturday morning, the Fox River’s flow rate measured 744 cubic feet per second. The non-scientific explanation? Low and slow. But that doesn’t mean paddlers will be left high and dry, says Jake Wolfe, a local river expert and owner of a boat rental, guide and… Read More

Asked to summarize the Live & Uncorked experience for someone who’s never been, Abby Oldenburg’s six-word response seems destined for a T-shirt. “Good vibes all the way around.” The Fox Valley Park District’s popular summer concert series, Live & Uncorked returns Thursday to Blackberry Farm for its 12th season of on-stage performances that start with… Read More

Last summer’s Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race might’ve been trailed by dark clouds that frequently rinsed paddlers throughout, but first-year coordinator Lynn Piotrowski quickly found the silver lining. “Not ideal conditions but I heard from several first-timers and, despite the weather, they still had a great time and want to come back and do it… Read More

Two and a half years ago Larry Lapp could’ve assembled his entire full-time police force in one cruiser – and not had to use the backseat. After coming on board in fall of 2022, the Fox Valley Park District police chief’s first assignment was to take a comprehensive look at the department “and my assessment… Read More

With a picky palate like lots of his human friends, Goji the Bearded Dragon rejected his last treat of nasturtium, an annual plant with bright, edible flowers. “Probably too peppery,” says Renee Oakley, facility manager at the Fox Valley Park District’s Red Oak property in North Aurora. “They’ll let you know quickly and decisively if… Read More

Greg Dickson remembers a day in the late 90s when a swollen Fox River flooded a portion of Gregory Island Park, one of the Fox Valley Park District properties he oversaw as the agency’s new facility supervisor. Dickson’s boss at the time, the FVPD’s landscape architect and planner, asked the young supervisor to post signs… Read More

The Fox Valley Park District’s A-Factor Dance Company – the competitive arm of Fox Valley Dance Academy – recently collected top honors at a high-profile regional competition. Held March 29 at the Midwest Conference Center in Northlake, the Turn It Up Dance Challenge featured 11 studios with FVPD’s 28-member A-Factor team being named the competition’s… Read More

Despite an assortment of snarled tug ropes, mud-caked tennis balls, and shredded remains of squeaky toys, dog owners face decent odds of making another backyard discovery shortly after the spring thaw: bunny nests. (Or perhaps Duke or Bella previously sniffed one out and chaos followed?) Whatever the case, you’ve got temporary residents “just for a… Read More

Park Service Officers play a key role in maintaining safe, secure facilities, parks and events while assisting Fox Valley Park District sworn officers with law enforcement tasks such as preparing reports, supervising large crowds, and even writing tickets. “It’s an on-the-job introductory snapshot of policework, which helps young PSOs decide if this career is something… Read More

When everything appears destined to remain brown and bleak – even if the groundhog says to bundle (and buckle) up for another six weeks – check in with the trees. They hold important info. “Tapping maples for their sweet treat is one of the harbingers of spring,” says Renee Oakley, facility manager at the Fox… Read More