Visit facilities, learn about recreation during St. Charles Park District's Welcome Tour

Get to know the St. Charles Park District better during a free Welcome Tour from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25. Whether you’re new in town or have never attended a park district program or event, you’ll learn about the many different recreational opportunities in your community.

Boasting more than 10 facilities, 60-plus parks and 20 miles of trails, this Welcome Tour will take the legwork and time out of navigating the park district on your own, as you visit four facilities in one night.

“Attendees will experience first-hand what our facilities offer and see our programs in action,” said Sabrina Killeen, Pottawatomie Community Center Supervisor. “We hope they leave with a better understanding of the recreational opportunities that best fit their family’s needs and begin to take advantage of the many park district programs and events.”

Killeen said she plans to offer the Welcome Tour throughout the year with different themes and tours each time, but for the March tour, you’ll visit Pottawatomie Community Center, Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, Sportsplex and Norris Recreation Center. At each location, you’ll be introduced to managing staff who will not only discuss, but show you the many ways each facility is unique.

The tour will begin at Pottawatomie where you’ll meet park district staff, who will give an overview of the park district and upcoming events. Then you’ll tour the center, which offers programs for all ages from the preschool to the Adult Activity Center. You may even be tempted to join a card game or play a round of pool.

After the Pottawatomie tour, you’ll board the park district bus and travel to Hickory Knolls Discovery Center to learn about the various environmental educational programs and observe the many different species of reptiles, mammals, amphibians and insects that call the facility their home.

The next stop will be Sportsplex, the park district’s newest facility, purchased in 2018. You’ll tour the 62,500-square-foot space complete with two turf fields with spectator seating, concession area, athletic training spaces and a sports performance center.

The last stop will be Norris Recreation Center with its 6,300-square-foot fitness center, cycling studio, indoor tennis courts, 50-meter indoor pool, childcare center and more.

Then, the bus will take attendees back to Pottawatomie.

Future Welcome Tour events will include popular community parks, hidden neighborhood parks, bike paths, Primrose Farm and more.

The tour is for ages 11 and older. For more information, contact Sabrina Killeen at 630-513-4329.