more about us
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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.
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August Lifeguard Info & Beach Hours
August Lifeguard Info & Beach Hours
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Registration is Open for Fall Events, Programs, and Special Events
Registration is open for residents and non-residents!
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Lakefront Park Playground and Tennis Courts Now Open
Our brand-new Lakefront Park playground is now open!
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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.
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Normal Operations Resumed
All participants, teachers, and staff remain safe and well, and all normal operations have resumed.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Watts Renovation To Start This Spring
The renovation will activate inaccessible program space and update aging mechanical systems while addressing accessibility and space constraints.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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New 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.
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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.
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Great Mud Run Results
Over 400 runners completed today's Great Mud Run event!
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September 12, 2022 Community Input Meeting
Share your thoughts on the West Park renovation plans.
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Labor Day Marks End of Season
Glencoe Beach and Duke Park amenities close for the season on September 5
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Join the Park Board of Commissioners
The Park District is looking for Glencoe residents interested in serving as a Park Board of Commissioner.
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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.
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Free Skin Cancer Screenings
Visit Lakefront Park on August 13 or 14 for a free skin cancer screening at the Destination Skin Care truck.
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Green Bay Trail Update
Village to improve trail crossing at Hazel Avenue starting August 8.
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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.
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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!
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Programs/Facilities Open July 6
All Glencoe Park District programs and facilities will resume on Wednesday, July 6 at normally scheduled times.
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Parade Canceled; Beach Closed
Due to recent events, Village of Glencoe Parade is canceled.
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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.
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Watts Renovation Bid Update
Bids for the project were higher then expected, so the Board decided to put the project on hold.
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Glencoe's Independence Day Celebration
Now TWO days of fun! Fireworks, music and fun on July 3, plus Rotary Fun Run, Family Games, Village Parade and Beach Party on July 4.
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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.
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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.
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Updated COVID-19 Guidance
The Illinois Department of Public Health updated COVID-19 guidelines on March 24.
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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.
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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.
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Mask Recommended
Face Masks/Vaccine Cards will no longer be required for most activities (excluding Early Childhood programs)
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Watts Season Extended
Due to cold temperatures, the Watts rinks will stay open until March 6.
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Lakefront Park Community Meeting Recap
Watch the Lakefront Park Community meeting and share your feedback in the link.
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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.
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Watts Building to Re-Open
Inside open to public beginning Thursday, February 10
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Weather Closure Notifications
In the event of inclement weather, we will make a closure decision by 7 AM for morning programs.
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Quarantine & Isolation Guidelines
Our programs and facilities will continue to follow the CDC guidelines.
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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.
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Vaccine Mandate Update
December 31 Guidance from Cook County
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Vaccination & Mask Requirements
Effective January 3, 2022
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Property Discussion
The Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners is considering selling a parcel of inaccessible land near Green Bay Road.
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COVID-19 Update
Cook County has updated their guidelines.
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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.
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Prescribed Burn at Glencoe Parks
The controlled burn will be done on November 23.
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Be Part of the Lakefront Park Design
Seeking Community Feedback
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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!
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The Great Mud Run Results
We have the results!
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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.
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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.
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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).
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Masks Recommended
Masks are no longer required outdoors.
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Community Input for West Park Renovations
The Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners approved developing a plan for renovations to West Park.
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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.
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Celebrate Independence Day in Glencoe
We're celebrating Independence Day with a fun run, preschool and family games, a parade, and live music!
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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.
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Thank you, Josh and Dudley
Thank you to our retiring commissioners, Dudley Onderdonk (2015-2021) and Josh Lutton (2017-2021).
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Mask Update for Vaccinated
Yesterday the CDC announced that
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Staircase Repair
The staircase leading to the Perlman Boating Beach is scheduled for replacement starting in April.
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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).
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Summer Projects at the Beach
South Overlook, boat house stairs and beach improvements to be done over the summer.
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Every Day Outside
100 Day Challenge
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Fireworks Rescheduled
July 4th Fireworks rescheduled to Labor Day Weekend.
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Kalk Park Phase 2
New drainage being installed
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Glencoe Park District Receives $2,500,000 in State Funding to Renovate Watts
Watts one of 17 projects awarded Parc Grant
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Glencoe Honey Now For Sale
Organic honey, harvested behind the Takiff Center, is now available for purchase!
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Duke Park Now Open
Construction of the new playground, which is located near Lincoln and Crescent Drives, is now complete.
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2020 in Review
As 2020 comes to a close, here's a look back at the challenges and celebrations Glencoe Park District faced.
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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.
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Travel Guidance
14 day quarantine recommended before returning to programs.
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Glencoe Holiday Light Tour
Decorate your home for the holidays and help spread some cheer to Glencoe this year!
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Watts Ice Rink Open Friday
With the state's move to Tier 3, there are a number of new restrictions Watts users must follow.
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District 35 Remote Learning Shift
Kids Club Essential Enrichment Camp to offer full day care; Early Learning Center Preschool to offer remote learning.
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New Tier 3 Mitigations
Updated November 18, 2020
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New Watts Waitlist
Current state guidelines stipulate 50% capacity or 50 people or fewer at a facility.
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Watts Season Passes Sold Out
Watts season passes are now SOLD OUT and the waitlist is full.
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Watts Season Passes
We’re pleased to open the Watts ice rinks on Friday, November 27.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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Glencoe Park District Retains AAA Credit Rating from Moody's Investor Services
Park District financial outlooks is stable.
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Construction Started on Duke Park
New playground is now under construction.
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Cardboard Regetta: Rules and Registration
On Friday, August 7, turn paper and duct tape into a seaworthy vessel!
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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!
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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.
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FAQs: Booth Cottage on Park 7N
Get some of your frequently asked questions answered.
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Glencoe Historical Society Land Lease Approved
Park 7N Land Lease Approved for Relocation of Frank Lloyd Wright's Booth Cottage
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Governor Awards Oslad Grant to Connect Glencoe Project
$400,000 Grant to help fund trail project.
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Frank Lloyd Wright's Booth Cottage Update
Community Input Meeting Tuesday, January 21 at 7 pm
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Dog Park Task Force Decision
Last February, we began a community conversation about adding a dog park to Glencoe.
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Task Force Meeting Minutes
Over the course of several months, the Dog Park Task Force explored six potential sites in Glencoe.
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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.
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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).
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Lincoln & Crescent Playground now Duke Park
The playground at the corner of Lincoln and Crescent Drive is getting a new name.
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Board Approves Lincoln Playground Design
At the August 20 Board of Commissioners meeting, plans for Lincoln Playground were approved.
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Connect Glencoe Awarded $200,000 State Grant
Bike path grants will support development and land acquisition for bike trails in seven counties.
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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.
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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.
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Board Discussion on Community Dog Park
The Board of Commissioners will discuss a potential community dog park at their May 7 Committee meeting.
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Board Approves Connect Glencoe Architect
The architect has been chosen.
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Connect Glencoe Grant Applications Submitted
Board Refines Phase 1 of Connect Glencoe
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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.
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Connect Glencoe Site Master Plan Approved
The Board of Commissioners officially accepts the Master Plan for the Old Green Bay Road Linear Park System.
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Community Input Meeting
Glencoe Invited to Share Ideas
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.