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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.
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Park Perspectives: Registration Tips
With Winter and Camp registration almost here, our team shares tips to ensure an easier registration.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Court Renovations This Summer
The tennis courts at Berlin Park and Watts Park will be replaced this summer.
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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.
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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.
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Glencoe's Independence Day Celebration
Fireworks, music and fun on July 3, Rotary Fun Run, Family Games, and Village Parade on July 4.
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Local Government Efficiency Report
The Committee of Local Government Efficiency completed its study of efficiencies and reported recommendations at its April 16 meeting.
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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).
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Bluff Restoration in Progress
Restoration efforts are currently underway on the bluff at Lakefront Park.
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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.
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Spring/Summer Guide is here!
Registration for all spring and summer activities, including beach passes will start at 7 AM on Thursday, March 7 for Glencoe residents. Non-resident registration will start at 9 AM on Monday, March 11.
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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!
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Community Survey
Fill out our Community Survey and learn the results at our interactive Community Open House on March 6.
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ELC & Kids Club Registration
Registration starts February 5 for both programs.
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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.
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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
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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!
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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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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.
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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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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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Watts Building to Re-Open
Inside open to public beginning Thursday, February 10
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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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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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Community Input Meeting
Glencoe Invited to Share Ideas
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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.
2024-2033 Comprehensive Master Plan
accepted August 20, 2024
The Glencoe Park District Comprehensive Master Plan is a crucial blueprint that guides the development, management and enhancement of public parks and recreational spaces within the Glencoe community. Under the consultation of 110% Parks and Recreation Consulting and with input from the community, staff, and board, the 2024-2033 Comprehensive Master Plan was developed. The plan's focus is on the responsible use of resources, community impacts and the legacy of the Glencoe Park District as it positions itself for the next chapter of its story.
The Glencoe Park District 2018-2023 Strategic Plan outlines a five-year strategic direction for the District, with active involvement from the Board of Commissioners, administrative staff, and employees, facilitated by Heller and Heller Consulting. Its purpose is to create a roadmap for the District's future direction, confirm its vision, mission, and values, and identify its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Whereas the Comprehensive Master Plan focused on the District's physical assets, the Strategic Plan focuses on the leadership system. The plan will enable Commissioners and staff to maintain a strategic focus, unify the organization around a common vision, drive action and progress measurement, and align with the Comprehensive Master Plan for continued advancement.
Under the direction of Heller and Heller Consulting Inc., a consulting team from Hitchcock Design Group, Williams Architects, and Leisure Vision, worked together to build the Glencoe Park District's 2015-2024 Master Plan. The goal of the Master Plan was to gain a consensus on preferred strategies and an implementation road map that is clear and attainable. The end result outlines steps to create places and systems that are not only more attractive and user-friendly, but are genuinely sustainable - not just environmentally, but functionally, culturally, and economically as well.
The Glencoe Park District's 5-Year Strategic Plan is an essential planning tool that was developed in 2011 by the consulting firm Public Research Group, LLC (PRG). The Strategic Plan is a collection of surveys, focus groups, town hall meetings, and individual interviews from Glencoe stakeholders. The input generated was analyzed and organized into a series of strategic goals and tactics presented in a 5-year plan, which was formally approved by the Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners at the September 20, 2011, board meeting. The documents identify specific initiatives to help the Glencoe Park District better serve the needs of the community.