Welcome to the Fox Valley Park District

Enrollment fees have been waived! Get fit now - and get a great deal in the process

OK, you've made the fitness resolution. Now is the time to start working out. In January, the Park District is offering fitness memberships that require no enrollment fees! That's right - sign up at Eola, Prisco or the Vaughan Athletic Center today and you're good to go. You'll look great, feel great and enjoy getting fit at bargain rates. Learn more.

Doorstep delivery complete! Let us know if your house was missed...

Doorstep delivery of our Spring Activity Guide was completed on Tuesday. If your home in Aurora, North Aurora, Montgomery or Sugar Grove was missed, please send your street address, town and ZIP code to delivery@fvpd.net

A-Factor Dance Company to stage two shows on Saturday at Prisco Center

The A-Factor Dance Company will stage a pair of winter performances at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Prisco Community Center. This entertaining, family-oriented show will feature 25 different pieces from a repertory ranging in works of ballet, modern, jazz, tap and hip hop. Tickets are just $6! Details.

Picnic shelter reservations accepted
for 2012 beginning on Feb. 1

If you're planning a family outing or special gathering, the Park District has just the venue, with 17 picnic shelters available at parks throughout the District. Reservations are accepted starting on Wednesday, Feb. 1. For more information, visit the shelter reservations page or call 630-897-0516. List of sites.

Daddy-Daughter Dance on Feb. 3 - treat your young lady to a night she'll always remember!

Dads, these are the memories your daughter will never forget. The Daddy-Daughter Dance will feature a DJ spinning today's favorite hits, buffet-style dinner and professional photos available. Treat your young lady to a magnificent night! Registration ends Feb. 2.

Parks and trails, hills and ponds:
Outdoor recreation abounds in winter

Cold temperatures and snow have arrived ... perfect conditions for winter recreation. With 159 parks, 24 lakes and 44 miles of interconnected trails, the Park District is a 2,400-acre playground. Check our Winter Recreation Guide for the best places in the District for ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Enjoy a blast of fun this winter!

Registration for winter programs is under way

The park district is offering hundreds of programs and activities for youth and adults this winter - and three ways to register. Details here. Don't delay - many classes and programs fill quickly! Browse Winter Guide.

OSPRI update details latest park renovations and new projects around District

The Open Space, Park and Recreation Investment (OSPRI) plan - funded by the 2008 referendum - has spearheaded dozens of park improvement projects, creating greater public amenities for Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery. Read more about the investments in your community.

Join the fun of Blackberry Farm's 5K Spring Gallop
The annual CARA-certified 5K Spring Gallop run/walk on March 31 is a great way to kick off the running season! New this year is chip timing for easy access to accurate times. The course combines the paved Gilman Trail and loops around Lake Gregory. Sign up online by noon on March 23 for early bird pricing and a T-shirt. CARA members also receive an additional discount.

Waubonsie Lake Park undergoing improvements

Waubonsie Lake Park is undergoing a series of improvements that will further expand this park’s appeal – basically, taking what’s already good and making it greater! To learn more about what is to come at Waubonsie Lake Park, click here. Please pardon our dust while the parking lot is under construction and is not open to the public.

New bridge to Hurds Island brings Fox River Trail Gap thisclose to completion

The new bike/pedestrian bridge currently being installed will shorten the gap through downtown Aurora and is part of a 75-mile trail that runs from Oswego to the Wisconsin border. It spans the west channel of the Fox River, connecting with Hurds Island, where a paved trail will run along the west edge of the island to North Avenue. Only a few city blocks remain from North Avenue to where the trail resumes at Downer Place behind Waubonsee Community College. Details.

Gregory Island Dog Park now open, with separate areas for large and small dogs

Featuring a spacious fenced area for small dogs (under 35 pounds) and room to roam for large dogs, Gregory Island Dog Park is located on Indian Trail, just west of Route 25. The park is bordered by the Fox River on both sides. All dogs must have a Park District dog tag and rabies tag to enter the park. NEW: Order a dog tag online! Or download a Dog Park Permit Application. Dog tags are also good for Lincoln Park Dog Park.

Gilman Trail bridge complete!

The stylish looking bridge now spans the crossing at busy Galena Boulevard, providing safety and convenience for all trail users. Be among the first to check out this exciting upgrade - it's definitely worth celebrating! Gilman Trail bridge details

Dog Park tags are now available online

It's now more convenient than ever for dog owners to obtain the required dog tags for Lincoln Park and Gregory Island Dog Parks. The Park District is now accepting applications online. Click here to begin the process! Or apply by mail - simply download a Dog Park Permit Application, fill it out and send it in the mail. Your dog tag will arrive in a matter of days. Visit the dog park web page for more information.

Registration for Creative Play Preschool open for winter

There are still available spots for the Winter Creative Play Preschool Program. This program offers children a stimulating environment in which to grow socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. More information.

Leave a lasting legacy for your community

The Park District has several opportunities through which to leave a lasting legacy. Park benches engraved with a loved one's name, tree planting memorials and endowments of Park District programs are a few ways to leave a legacy while making an impact on your community. Click here for more information about leaving a lasting legacy.

Keeping Our Youth Fit report shows
extent of healthy programming

Enriching children's lives is at the forefront of the Fox Valley Park District's mission. A recent report prepared by Park District staff shows the array of such programs designed to build confidence and character in our children. The district believes children who are involved in interactive activities and recreational pursuits enjoy a higher quality of life that carries into adulthood. Engaging children in these activities also reaps important physical and social benefits. Download the full report here.