News

AURORA – The annual Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race is set for Saturday, June 1, but a recently discovered obstacle in the Fox River has caused race officials at the Fox Valley Park District to relocate one of its launch points. Due to construction on the Island Park pedestrian and railroad bridge that spans the… Read More

It’s a mid-spring morning and Officer Sammi Rodriguez – Badge No. 7458, Fox Valley Park District Police Department – steers her black Ford SUV around a bend on Route 25 in North Aurora. She’s northbound when the Red Oak Nature Center parking lot zooms into view on the left, as do the spinning red strobes… Read More

Swifties, cicadas, and sunset tunes are just a few elements bound to make ’24 a summer to savor! Check out our “Summer 7” for ideas to consider, and be sure to keep an eye on the Events Calendar for all the warm-weather activities happening across the District! Summer Camp Spots Remain! ​Space remains in several… Read More

The email arrived in September from resident Karalyn Falatovich, who was already thinkin’ spring and hoping to proactively connect with Fox Valley Park District staff and collab on an early ’24 planting project. Or, more specifically in terms of staff, “someone who could nerd out with me about trees.” A first-time homeowner in the Lakewood… Read More

Hey, it's April in the FVPD, and we're celebrating the solar eclipse and goin' all pink at an event with Barbie. Check out more fun opportunities to enjoy this month below, and be sure to peep the Events Calendar for a full lineup of upcoming adventures. Family Bingo Night Can’t beat the time-honored tradition of… Read More

Doesn’t matter the occasion, Red Oak always seems to dress the part. Takes her no time at all to get ready, either. “We’ve had people do their own versions of movies down by the cave, and we’ve had a lot of professional photo shoots for special occasions like Quinceańeras,” says Renee Oakley, facility manager at… Read More

It’s been a decades-long rite of spring for tree-tappers and taste-testers alike, but the traditional window of turning maple sap into maple syrup is closing. Especially – and unfortunately – in these parts. “What we’ve learned in this world of maple-tapping is that the climate is shifting, so we have to shift what we’re doing… Read More

AURORA – The digital ads, social posts and website banners might say Job Fair, but the Fox Valley Park District’s flagship recruiting event looks and feels more like a party in the park. FVPD staff across all departments and facilities will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 16 at… Read More

NORTH AURORA – Organizers of Frosty Fest – the Fox Valley Park District’s annual outdoor celebration of everything winter – offer simple guidance for guests to get max value during their visit among Red Oak’s snow-capped trees and crunchy trails. Just chill. “Frosty Fest is a laid-back event for people to come out to the… Read More

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