News

For more than half of a three-decades career in public service, Jim Pilmer channeled his energy toward recreation. And he's still learning its definition. “You might be able to find it in the dictionary under ‘R,’ but it should be under ‘you,’” says Pilmer. “That's because recreation is defined by each and every individual. I… Read More

District's current finance chief takes helm from retiring Jim Pilmer on Jan. 1 AURORA – The Fox Valley Park District today announces the appointment of Jennifer Paprocki as Executive Director, following a thorough, four-month process that began with a national search. A 12-year veteran of FVPD’s administrative team, including the last three years as director… 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

Press Release – November 27, 2023 AURORA – The sights, sounds and spirit of the season return to festively garnished Blackberry Farm, where Holiday Express revs to welcome all aboard another magical experience highlighted by a train ride to the virtual North Pole. Trimmed with accents of the treasured 2004 movie The Polar Express, the… Read More

Welcome to the Holiday Edition of What’s Happening Around the Fox Valley Park District! If you’re looking to unwind during the hustle ‘n bustle of the season, consider these family-focused events – each trimmed with a generous dash of holiday spirit – and be sure to peep the Events Calendar for a sleigh-full of holiday-themed… Read More

Put the finishing touches on fall with a colorful lineup of October activities around the Fox Valley Park District. From costume contests to craft shows here are a few activities to consider this month, but be sure to check out the Events Calendar for a full lineup of October adventures! Fall Craft Fair Calling all… Read More

The end result unknown, as always is the case with first-of-a-kind events, two likeminded organizations used a shared passion of supporting local youth to drive the energy when developing, promoting and organizing a charity pickleball tournament. Advantage: Kids. The summer collab between the Fox Valley Park Foundation and Kiwanis Club of Aurora delivered the 2023… Read More

The Fox Valley Park District’s annual celebration of everything October, Pumpkin Weekends officially begins Sunday, October 1, at charming Blackberry Farm – the district's 54-year-old living history museum at 100 S. Barnes Rd. in Aurora. The popular monthlong event runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays throughout October, along with Indigenous Peoples’/Columbus… Read More

Throw up a hand if you’ve ever attempted the dink fake or backhand punch. How ‘bout the centerline ace or overhead smash? Oh, yeah, we see all you picklers out there. The fastest-growing sport in the U.S. three years running, pickleball fever rages here in the Fox Valley, where it’s common to see weekend wait… 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