Discover Our Story

The Glencoe Park District was established in 1912 and is located in Glencoe, Illinois. The Glencoe Park District enriches lives and creates memorable experiences by providing exceptional services, parks, programs, and facilities.


Glencoe Park Board of Commissioners

The Glencoe Park District is a separate unit of municipal government, established in 1912. It is governed by a Board of five elected commissioners, who serve four-year terms without pay. It is the purpose of the District to effectively and economically provide recreation programs, facilities, and open space for the residents of the District, which are designed to provide wholesome, constructive and enjoyable leisure time experiences that the benefit the individual, the family and the community. The Board acts as the legislative and policy-making body of the District in the operation, improvement, and planning of its parks, facilities, and recreation programs.

When Board members are present at a legally constituted meeting, they have the authority to establish or change Park District policy, approve the budget, negotiate agreements, and sign contracts. Once the meeting is adjourned, all Board Members return to their role as citizens and taxpayers. The Park Commissioners also serve on Board Committees, which includes the Finance Committee of the Whole, Committee of the Whole, and Plan Commission. After a Board Committee has reviewed and reached a consensus on an item, the item is brought to the Board for final review and/or approval.

Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes


Our Facilities

Facilities include the Takiff Center, Watts Center, and Glencoe Beach. The Takiff Center, located at 999 Green Bay Road, is the Park District's main office and features a gymnasium, meeting and activity rooms, a community hall, early childhood enrichment classrooms and preschool facility. The Watts Center, located at 305 Randolph, houses two artificial outdoor lighted ice rinks, activity rooms and rental space. Adjacent to the facility is Watts Park, which features two tennis courts, a ball field, one nine-hole disc golf course, a sled hill and soccer fields. Glencoe Beach is located at 55 Hazel Avenue and is both a boating and swimming beach facility.


Our Staff

The Park District employs 29 full-time staff, augmented by approximately 225 part-time and seasonal staff.

Glencoe Park District Organizational Chart

The Park District has a strong commitment to maintaining the safety of our parks, facilities, and programs. The Safety Committee, consisting of key full-time staff members, is responsible for the review of safety procedures and meets monthly to discuss any safety concerns. For more information, contact the District's Safety Coordinator.


Special Recreation Services

We participate in a special recreation cooperative, the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA). NSSRA is an intergovernmental partnership of ten park districts, two cities and one village in the northern suburban area of Chicago. The organization provides year-round recreation programs and services for children and adults with disabilities who live in the partner communities.

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association's website