Glencoe Park District Honored as 2025 National Gold Medal Finalist for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management

Glencoe Park District announced as finalist for the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, recognizing its exceptional contribution to parks and recreation.

Milton Park Design Concept Approved

78% of those poll voted for the Woodland play structure concept.

Vote for your favorite Milton Park Design!

Exciting changes are coming to Milton Park Playground, and we want you to be part of the transformation!

Park Perspectives: Walk Run Club

Led by experienced runner Al Flores, our Walk Run Club offers a fantastic opportunity to lace up your sneakers and join us on the trail--absolutely free!

Spring/Summer Guide is here!

Registration for all spring and summer activities, including beach passes will start at 7 AM on Thursday, March 6 for Glencoe residents. Non-resident registration will start at 9 AM on Monday, March 10.

Moody's Affirms District's Aaa Rating

On January 31, 2025, Moody's Investors Service affirmed the rating for Glencoe Park District at Aaa, the highest available rating in Moody's rating scale. The rating was provided for the District's General Obligation Park Bonds, Series 2025, but applies to all of the District's outstanding General Obligation bonds and to the overall credit of the District.

Glencoe Fitness x GymGuyz New Partnership

Achieve Your Fitness Goals with Personal Training at Glencoe Park District!

Park Perspectives: Distinguished Accreditation

Glencoe Park District Achieves Distinguished Reaccreditation

Park Perspectives: Glencoe Fitness

Explore why Glencoe Fitness is the perfect gym for you! In this episode of Park Perspectives, we highlight the small, clean, and welcoming environment of Glencoe Fitness. Open seven days a week, it features popular Peloton bikes, a spacious stretching area, and private showers. And, unlike crowded gyms, Glencoe Fitness offers a variety of equipment in a compact space that's never crowded.

West Park Awarded OSLAD Grant

IDNR and Pritzker Administration awards $600,000 OSLAD matching grant for West Park renovation.

Winter & Camp Registration Starts December 5

Registration for all winter and camp activities and passes will start at 7 AM on Thursday, December 5 for Glencoe residents. Non-resident registration will start at 9 AM on Monday, December 9.

Park Perspectives: Registration Tips

With Winter and Camp registration almost here, our team shares tips to ensure an easier registration.

Outdoor Skating Starts November 29

We're excited to open the Weinberg Family Recreation Center ice rinks on November 29. Whether you're a skating novice or a seasoned pro, we've got something for everyone.

Thank you, Glencoe!

The Glencoe Park District extends heartfelt gratitude to all Glencoe residents for their overwhelming support and voting in favor of the Protecting Our Beach and Parks referendum.

Park Perspectives: Glencoe Park District's Referendum

Carol Spain, President of the Glencoe Park District, and Lisa Sheppard, Executive Director, shared insights into the District's upcoming referendum. Their discussion highlights the District's commitment to maintaining community assets and exploring new opportunities for improvement without increasing the current debt service tax rate.

Park Perspectives: Park Maintenance Facility

Carol Spain, President of the Glencoe Park District, and Kyle Kuhs, Director of Parks and Planning, discuss the challenges with the current maintenance facility buildings, which range from 30 to 90 years old. They highlight the need for a new facility to address logistical and safety concerns while offering opportunities for improved efficiency and sustainability, including potential electrification and solar energy initiatives.

Lisa Sheppard, Elected to the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration

Lisa Sheppard, Executive Director at the Glencoe Park District, has been elected as a Fellow into the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.

Park Perspectives: Greenhouse Revamp

The Glencoe Park District is setting its sights on revitalizing its greenhouse facilities. Recently, Carol Spain, President of the Glencoe Park District, and Kyle Kuhs, Director of Parks and Planning, shed light on the current state of these pivotal structures and the plans for their redevelopment.

Berlin Park Tennis Courts to Reopen

The tennis courts at Berlin Park are set to reopen Friday, October 4 following a full-court renovation. The courts at Watts Park are expected to reopen later next week.

Glide into Winter at Glencoe's Weinberg Family Recreation Center!

Winter is just around the corner, and that means it's time to lace up your skates and get ready for an exciting season of outdoor skating at the Weinberg Family Recreation Center in Glencoe!

Park Perspectives: Takiff Ball Fields

Carol Spain, President of the Glencoe Park District, and Kyle Kuhs, Director of Parks and Planning, discuss the aging infrastructure of the Takiff ball fields, which are the only lighted fields in the District.

Park Perspectives: Boat Storage

Carol Spain, President of the Glencoe Park District, and Kyle Kuhs, Director of Parks and Planning, discussed essential improvements at Glencoe Beach, particularly focusing on boat storage. Their conversation highlighted the need for upgrades, including addressing the aging boater lockers and storage racks, which have become a significant concern for both functionality and aesthetics.

Goats Return to Milton Park for Invasive Species Control

A herd of goats will be back at Milton Park, September 23-27. This initiative, led by the District's Green Team, aims to naturally manage invasive species in the park.

Glencoe’s Wright-designed cottage renamed

Historical Society Removes Reference to Racist Original Owner

Park Perspectives: Sun Shelters, Trellis, and Boardwalk Upgrades at Glencoe Beach

Board President Carol Spain and Director of Parks and Planning Kyle Kuhs discussed the improvements needed at Glencoe Beach, focusing on the sun shelters, trellis, and boardwalk.

Park Perspectives: Updates Needed for Glencoe Beach Playground

In this episode of Park Perspectives, Carol Spain, President of the Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners, and Kyle Kuhs, Director of Parks and Planning, highlight the necessity for improvements to the Glencoe Beach playground.

Celebrating Our Achievements: Glencoe Park District's Community Impact Report

The Glencoe Park District is proud to present our Community Impact Report, showcasing the incredible achievements of the past year. Through our staff's dedication, community support, and strategic investments, we have made significant strides in enhancing our facilities, programs, and sustainability efforts.

Park Perspectives: Future Plans for the Safran Beach House

As the beach season comes to an end, Board President Carol Spain and Director of Parks and Planning Kyle Kuhs discuss how to ensure the Safran Beach House remains functional and serves our community's needs.

Board Accepts Comprehensive Master Plan

On August 20, the Board of Commissioners accepted the Let's Play Glencoe 2024-2033 Comprehensive Plan. It serves as a roadmap, outlining strategies and priorities to ensure the optimal utilization and preservation of these valuable assets.

West Park Community Input Meeting

Residents are encouraged to attend a Community Input Meeting on Thursday, August 15 at 6 PM to discuss plans for West Park.

Court Renovations This Summer

The tennis courts at Berlin Park and Watts Park will be replaced this summer.

Fall Guide

The Fall Guide is now available online and will be in your mailbox soon. Registration for all activities will start at 7 AM on Thursday, July 25 for Glencoe residents. Non-resident registration starts at 9 AM on Monday, July 29.

ADA Progress Report

Staff will present an update to the District's 2018 Transistion Plan at the June 4, 2024 Board Meeting, which will take place at 7 PM at the Takiff Center. The public is invited to attend and provide feedback.

Glencoe's Independence Day Celebration

Fireworks, music and fun on July 3, Rotary Fun Run, Family Games, and Village Parade on July 4.

Local Government Efficiency Report

The Committee of Local Government Efficiency completed its study of efficiencies and reported recommendations at its April 16 meeting.

Goats at Work

The Glencoe Park District will be utilizing goats as a natural means to clear invasive species from Milton Park May 6 through May 10 (weather permitting).

Bluff Restoration in Progress

Restoration efforts are currently underway on the bluff at Lakefront Park.

Park District Awarded Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Glencoe Park Recreation District for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2023.

Presidents Day Weekend Events

Join us for a busy Presidents Day weekend filled with four special events, including Glow Skate, Teddy Bear Making, a free Tots-n-Tunes concert, and our winter carnival Subzero Shenanigans!

Community Survey

Fill out our Community Survey and learn the results at our interactive Community Open House on March 6.

ELC & Kids Club Registration

Registration starts February 5 for both programs.

January 12 Weather Cancellations

UPDATE Due to the weather forecast, Glencoe Park District is canceling most programs scheduled to take place on Friday, January 12. Facilities will close at 4 PM. Children's Circle Full Day Preschool and Kids Club Before/After-School Care are open for essential care. The ice rinks are closed.

Glencoe Park District Announces Renaming of Watts Center to Weinberg Family Recreation Center

The Glencoe Park District is delighted to announce the renaming of the beloved Watts Center in recognition of the exceptional contributions made by Sheila A. and Jack A. Weinberg. Following their generous donation and over twenty-five years of devoted service to the Glencoe Park District, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved renaming the building the

Registration Begins Thursday, October 19 for Skating & Hockey Classes, House League basketball, and Game On! Sports 4 Girls

Non-residents can register on October 23 at 9 AM!

Phase 2 of the Lakefront Park Bluff Stabilization and Ramp Improvements to Begin

Construction for the second phase of the bluff stabilization and access road improvements will begin on Monday, September 11.

August Lifeguard Info & Beach Hours

August Lifeguard Info & Beach Hours

Registration is Open for Fall Events, Programs, and Special Events

Registration is open for residents and non-residents!

Lakefront Park Playground and Tennis Courts Now Open

Our brand-new Lakefront Park playground is now open!

SIX New Pickleball Courts at Watts

Outside of the ice season, the main rink at Watts Center will now feature six sports courts that are specifically designed for the game of pickleball.

Normal Operations Resumed

All participants, teachers, and staff remain safe and well, and all normal operations have resumed.

Construction Projects Start April 3

Monday marks the kick-off of several major projects, including the Retaining Wall and Ramp Repairs at Glencoe Beach, Lakefront Park Tennis and Playground renovation, and Watts Center renovation.

Bluff Stabilization and Ramp Repairs

With help from the State of Illinois Boat Access Area Development (BAAD) and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grants, the Village of Glencoe and the Glencoe Park District will embark on a comprehensive improvement project to repair the ramp and improve bluff stabilization measures.

Glencoe Park District awarded Urban Forestry Funding

Glencoe Park District was awarded a $7,250 grant to complete tree inventories and develop a management plan for its urban forest.

Spring/Summer Registration

Registration for all spring/summer activities and passes will start at 7 AM on Thursday, March 9 for Glencoe residents. Non-resident registration will start at 9 AM on Monday, March 13.

Watts Renovation To Start This Spring

The renovation will activate inaccessible program space and update aging mechanical systems while addressing accessibility and space constraints.

Friday, December 23 Weather Closures

Glencoe Park District will be open with modified business and programming hours today, Friday, December 23, for the following programs School Day Off at Watts and Glencoe Fitness. Children's Circle, Preschool Day Off, and skating at the Watts ice rinks will be closed today.

December 22 Weather Closure

Due to the snowfall, high winds, and low temperatures predicted this afternoon/evening, the Glencoe Park District is closing all facilities and canceling all programs starting at 1 PM today, December 22.

Sign up for GPD Text Alerts!

The Glencoe Park District now offers SMS message alerts when registered programs, activities, and special events are canceled or changed.

Camp ePact Software

ePACT is a secure digital solution that allows you to quickly share the health and emergency information we need, and also provides us with powerful communication tools to ensure we have a way to message you in the event of an illness, injury, or larger-scale emergency.

Winter & Camp Guide is here!

Winter in Glencoe has something for everyone! Registration for all activities will start at 7 AM on Thursday, December 1 for Glencoe residents. Non-resident registration will start at 9 AM on Monday, December 5.

Great Mud Run Results

Over 400 runners completed today's Great Mud Run event!

September 12, 2022 Community Input Meeting

Share your thoughts on the West Park renovation plans.

Labor Day Marks End of Season

Glencoe Beach and Duke Park amenities close for the season on September 5

Join the Park Board of Commissioners

The Park District is looking for Glencoe residents interested in serving as a Park Board of Commissioner.

Be Part of Watts History

With plans to renovate the facility in 2023 escalating, a number of additional amenities outside the project budget may be added if donors are acquired.

Free Skin Cancer Screenings

Visit Lakefront Park on August 13 or 14 for a free skin cancer screening at the Destination Skin Care truck.

Green Bay Trail Update

Village to improve trail crossing at Hazel Avenue starting August 8.

Designs for Lakefront Park Renovation Approved

At the July 19, 2022 Park Board meeting, Commissioners approved design options for the Lakefront Park Racquet Courts and Playground renovation.

Rotary Fun Run Results

Here are the results from the July 4 Rotary Fun Run. Thank you to all that participated and joined the race!

Programs/Facilities Open July 6

All Glencoe Park District programs and facilities will resume on Wednesday, July 6 at normally scheduled times.

Parade Canceled; Beach Closed

Due to recent events, Village of Glencoe Parade is canceled.

Time To Process

To allow our community and staff time to process this tragic event, all Glencoe Park District facilities will be closed, and all programs cancelled for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 5.

Watts Renovation Bid Update

Bids for the project were higher then expected, so the Board decided to put the project on hold.

Court Closures for Cleaning

The tennis courts at Central, Shelton, Watts, West and Lakefront Park, along with the basketball courts at Kalk, will be closed for cleaning.

New Pier Coming Soon

The Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners has approved repairs to the pier at Glencoe Beach. The pier will be closed until Memorial Day weekend while work takes place.

Updated COVID-19 Guidance

The Illinois Department of Public Health updated COVID-19 guidelines on March 24.

Early Childhood Programs now Mask Recommended Environment

Last night, our Board of Park Commissioners decided that our Early Childhood wing will continue to follow the DCFS, CDC, and IDPH guidance. This means that as of today, March 2, 2022, our wing is a mask-recommended environment.

Spring/Summer Digital Guide Now Available

We're offering a fresh slate of activities and fun this spring! Registration for spring/summer programs and beach passes starts at 7 AM on Thursday, March 10 for Glencoe residents. Non-resident registration starts Monday, March 14 at 9 AM.

Mask Recommended

Face Masks/Vaccine Cards will no longer be required for most activities (excluding Early Childhood programs)

Watts Season Extended

Due to cold temperatures, the Watts rinks will stay open until March 6.

Lakefront Park Community Meeting Recap

Watch the Lakefront Park Community meeting and share your feedback in the link.

Watts Building to Re-Open

Inside open to public beginning Thursday, February 10

Community Meeting for Lakefront Park

The Board would like to invite the community to share ideas about the park at the Tuesday, February 22, 2022 Community Meeting on the Lakefront Park Courts and Playground held at the Takiff Center at 7 p.m.

Weather Closure Notifications

In the event of inclement weather, we will make a closure decision by 7 AM for morning programs.

Quarantine & Isolation Guidelines

Our programs and facilities will continue to follow the CDC guidelines.

Face Coverings Required

Face coverings are required all all indoor Glencoe Park District facilities. Proof of vaccination must be shown by participants over age 18.

Vaccine Mandate Update

December 31 Guidance from Cook County

Vaccination & Mask Requirements

Effective January 3, 2022

Property Discussion

The Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners is considering selling a parcel of inaccessible land near Green Bay Road.

COVID-19 Update

Cook County has updated their guidelines.

Updated Plans for Watts

Architects from Wight shared updated designs for the upcoming Watts Recreational Center remodel at the Board of Commissioner's December 7 meeting.

Prescribed Burn at Glencoe Parks

The controlled burn will be done on November 23.

Be Part of the Lakefront Park Design

Seeking Community Feedback

Be Part of the Lakefront Park Design Process

The Glencoe Park District is making plans to renovate the tennis courts at Lakefront Park and would like your feedback!

The Great Mud Run Results

We have the results!

Carol Spain Sworn in as Park Commissioner

At the September 20 Board of Commissioners meeting, Carol Spain was appointed as the District's newest Commissioner.

Youth Program Changes

Together with District 35, we’ve made the difficult decision to delay the start of certain after-school programming by one week.

West Park Design Concept

On August 3, 2021, the Glencoe Park District hosted a Community Input Meeting to share initial design concepts for West Park (adjacent to West School at Forestway and Dundee roads).

Masks Recommended

Masks are no longer required outdoors.

Community Input for West Park Renovations

The Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners approved developing a plan for renovations to West Park.

Board of Commissioners Now Seeking Applicants

The Park Board is looking for interested candidates to fill the vacancy on the Park Board left by Brandon Hinkle, who resigned due to a move out of state.

Celebrate Independence Day in Glencoe

We're celebrating Independence Day with a fun run, preschool and family games, a parade, and live music!

Masks Required in Public Areas

After reviewing updated CDC and State of Illinois face mask recommendations, the Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners has approved new guidelines.

Thank you, Josh and Dudley

Thank you to our retiring commissioners, Dudley Onderdonk (2015-2021) and Josh Lutton (2017-2021).

Mask Update for Vaccinated

Yesterday the CDC announced that

Staircase Repair

The staircase leading to the Perlman Boating Beach is scheduled for replacement starting in April.

South Overlook Update

We’re pleased to announce that the Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners has begun repairs to the South Overlook (the Hazel Avenue overlook at Lakefront Park).

Summer Projects at the Beach

South Overlook, boat house stairs and beach improvements to be done over the summer.

Every Day Outside

100 Day Challenge

Fireworks Rescheduled

July 4th Fireworks rescheduled to Labor Day Weekend.

Kalk Park Phase 2

New drainage being installed

Glencoe Park District Receives $2,500,000 in State Funding to Renovate Watts

Watts one of 17 projects awarded Parc Grant

Glencoe Honey Now For Sale

Organic honey, harvested behind the Takiff Center, is now available for purchase!

Duke Park Now Open

Construction of the new playground, which is located near Lincoln and Crescent Drives, is now complete.

2020 in Review

As 2020 comes to a close, here's a look back at the challenges and celebrations Glencoe Park District faced.

Winter Registration January 5

We are excited to offer a wide variety of online and in-person programs this winter, beginning the week of January 18.

Travel Guidance

14 day quarantine recommended before returning to programs.

Glencoe Holiday Light Tour

Decorate your home for the holidays and help spread some cheer to Glencoe this year!

Watts Ice Rink Open Friday

With the state's move to Tier 3, there are a number of new restrictions Watts users must follow.

District 35 Remote Learning Shift

Kids Club Essential Enrichment Camp to offer full day care; Early Learning Center Preschool to offer remote learning.

New Tier 3 Mitigations

Updated November 18, 2020

New Watts Waitlist

Current state guidelines stipulate 50% capacity or 50 people or fewer at a facility.

Watts Season Passes Sold Out

Watts season passes are now SOLD OUT and the waitlist is full.

Watts Season Passes

We’re pleased to open the Watts ice rinks on Friday, November 27.

November / Decembr Classes Available Online

The Glencoe Park District’s digital November/December Fall Program Guide of available classes will be available to view on Wednesday, October 14 after 2 PM.

Board Approves General Obligation Limited Tax Bonds for Park Improvements

Bonds will help fund over $6 Million in park improvements over the next 3 years.

Schuman Overlook Repairs

The Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners approved the commencement of repairs to the Schuman Overlook (the Park Avenue overlook at Lakefront Park).

Glencoe Park District Retains AAA Credit Rating from Moody's Investor Services

Park District financial outlooks is stable.

Construction Started on Duke Park

New playground is now under construction.

Cardboard Regetta: Rules and Registration

On Friday, August 7, turn paper and duct tape into a seaworthy vessel!

Public Beach Protection Pilot Program Update

The Army Corps of Engineers has approved the Pilot Project for Section 1122 for communities in Glencoe, Lake Bluff, North Chicago, and Evanston!

Park 7N Progress

The Glencoe Park District continues to discuss Park 7n with residents both in favor and concerned about the move of the Booth Cottage.

FAQs: Booth Cottage on Park 7N

Get some of your frequently asked questions answered.

Glencoe Historical Society Land Lease Approved

Park 7N Land Lease Approved for Relocation of Frank Lloyd Wright's Booth Cottage

Governor Awards Oslad Grant to Connect Glencoe Project

$400,000 Grant to help fund trail project.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Booth Cottage Update

Community Input Meeting Tuesday, January 21 at 7 pm

Dog Park Task Force Decision

Last February, we began a community conversation about adding a dog park to Glencoe.

Task Force Meeting Minutes

Over the course of several months, the Dog Park Task Force explored six potential sites in Glencoe.

Dog Park Task Force Update

After many months of work, the Dog Park Task Force is prepared to present its findings and recommendation to the Park Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 pm.

Connect Glencoe Awarded $667,150 TAP-L Grant

On October 10, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) Board of Directors and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Policy Committee approved the FFY 2020-2022 locally programmed Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP-L).

Lincoln & Crescent Playground now Duke Park

The playground at the corner of Lincoln and Crescent Drive is getting a new name.

Board Approves Lincoln Playground Design

At the August 20 Board of Commissioners meeting, plans for Lincoln Playground were approved.

Connect Glencoe Awarded $200,000 State Grant

Bike path grants will support development and land acquisition for bike trails in seven counties.

Glencoe Park District Dog Park Task Force Application

The Glencoe Park District Board is seeking volunteers to serve on a three month task force to explore the feasibility of dog park sites throughout Glencoe.

Potential Dog Park Sites Discussed

The Glencoe Park District Committee of the Whole met on May 7, 2019 to discuss the feasibility of a Dog Park in Glencoe.

Board Discussion on Community Dog Park

The Board of Commissioners will discuss a potential community dog park at their May 7 Committee meeting.

Board Approves Connect Glencoe Architect

The architect has been chosen.

Connect Glencoe Grant Applications Submitted

Board Refines Phase 1 of Connect Glencoe

Community Dog Park Meeting Recap

Here's the presentation and results from the February 12 community meeting, which was shared with the Board of Commissioners at their March 2019 Special Projects and Facilities meeting.

Community Input Meeting

Glencoe Invited to Share Ideas

Connect Glencoe Site Master Plan Approved

The Board of Commissioners officially accepts the Master Plan for the Old Green Bay Road Linear Park System.