The recreation amenities offered through the St. Charles Park District’s parks and facilities are endless. With access to more than 20 miles of trails and nearly 1,500 acres of public open space including 400-plus acres of natural areas, there is no shortage of outdoor recreation in the community.
And those parks and trails are what residents like best about the Park District. According to a recent Park District Community Survey, the majority of respondents believe the parks and trails are the district’s biggest strength ranking above state and local benchmarks. In fact, 97% are pleased with their overall experience as related to cleanliness, maintenance, safety and accessibility.
“This survey confirms the Park District’s commitment to improving and maintaining our parks, trails and natural areas,” said Holly Cabel, Director of Parks and Recreation.
The majority of respondents reported most recently visiting Pottawatomie Park for all its amenities as well as Mt. St. Mary Park for the sculpture display and walking paths in the past year. Both parks are a favorite because of the spectacular scenic views along the Fox River.
“Pottawatomie and Mt. St. Mary are popular destinations and each offer unique experiences,” said Cabel. “We are proud to support and maintain all our community parks in all corners of St. Charles.”
The most popular facilities throughout the District include Pottawatomie Community Center, Hickory Knolls Discovery Center and Primrose Farm. Survey respondents indicated they were less familiar with the STC Underground Teen Center for middle and high school students and Adult Activity Center for ages 50+.
Cabel encourages residents to explore a new park or facility this year. “Get to know your community park district. Visit a location you’ve never been to before. Experience a new program. It just may become a new favorite.”
New Experiences
This winter, Primrose Farm will be lit up for the holidays and offers a winter stargazing event for ages 21+ on Dec. 3. Advance registration is required.
Norris Recreation Center will host an open house on Saturday, Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon with facility tours, fitness demonstrations, chair massages and prize drawings. Indoor walking will be available at various days and times at Haines Gymnasium and Sportsplex.
And, Pottawatomie Golf Course is open for play, weather and conditions permitting until Dec. 23 but the Pro Shop remains open with golf simulator play reservations.
Or head over to River Bend Community Park, on the north side off Seminary Road by way of Route 25. This 43-acre park has more than two miles of trails that link up to the Fox River Trail and Illinois Prairie Path, a great opportunity for cross country skiers.
Parents who want dynamic programming for their teens, should check out the STC Underground Teen Center. For 20 years, the teen center has catered to the needs of teens offering a place to call their own for socializing and engaging in fun, age-appropriate activities. Survey respondents indicated an interest of day trips, eSports and group improve events so staff plans to incorporate them soon into the offerings.
Another niche area of programming is offered in the Adult Activity Center. This dedicated space in the Pottawatomie Community Center for ages 50 and older provides a variety of drop-in activities ranging from card games to billiards, as well as day trips off site. The survey summarized that future activities focus on social opportunities such as running and walking clubs.
The survey also shed light on residents’ priorities for upcoming projects. Reported as extremely important to respondents are the following: maintaining existing parks and facilities; acquiring/converting the abandoned east-west railroad line into a walking/biking trail; and acquiring land for additional open space and recreation.
For more information about the Community Survey visit www.stcparks.org. For an interactive map of the Park District parks and facilities, visit https://www.stcparks.org/interactive-map/.