From prairie restoration and bird habitat to Indigenous cultural preservation and public trails, a Jo Daviess County organization is protecting landscapes and connecting people with nature on scenic terrain.

With the squeals and laughter of children playing as background music, Sterling city officials and Riverfront Commission members and donors cut the ribbon Saturday to officially open the new park.

A voter-backed bond sale is helping to pay for

Crystal Lake officially reopened Depot Park on Saturday with hopes the downtown park will give a sense of place for its residents

A ribbon cutting on Saturday will officially open Northwestern Steel and Wire Park on Sterling's riverfront but for Riverfront Commission co-chair Terry McGuire, the work put in by the commission over the last four years already has been rewarded.

The Sterling Park District's summer plans call for work on the multi-use path and major upgrades at Thomas Park.

Sixteen new art pieces, created by Oregon School District students and Village of Progress members, were unveiled Tuesday, June 9.

Sixteen new artworks created by Oregon School District students and Village of Progress members were unveiled at the Oregon Park District's "Art in the Park" on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Mix Park in Oregon. Games were just part of the free event that is held annually to celebrate the arts in Oregon.

The multi-use path, which will eventually run to Sauk Valley Community College, is set to enter its next construction phase.

A local educator has been appointed to serve on the city’s Fire and Police Commission by the Yorkville mayor. Multiple members were also reappointed to the city's Library Board and the Park Board.

As part of the fundraising efforts, On the Move will host a Bingo Bash fundraiser on Saturday, June 27, at the Morrison sports complex. Traditional Bingo will take place from 4 to 6 p.m., with Boogie Woogie Bingo beginning around 6:30 p.m.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is bringing back food trucks on Fridays and spalsh days.

The Riverview Historic District will turn into a scenic route for bicycle racers this Sunday as the Cobb Park Criterium returns.

To the possible surprise of some motorists passing by the busy location, a real cow has not jumped over any fencing at Perry Farm and made a break for it.

The Village of Bourbonnais is hosting a series of free summer events from June through September, including art classes, live music, yoga, and family activities at local parks and gathering spaces.

Nancy Kerwin was a beloved early childhood teacher whose commitment to children and their early education has been memorialized with a free Little Library, bench, and children’s seating area.

A dedication ceremony was held for the Nancy Kerwin Memorial at Oregon Park West on Thursday, May 28, 2026. The memorial honors the former teacher of the Oregon Park District's Children's Center with a free Little Library, commemorative bench, and children’s seating area.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy parks, trails, sports and outdoor activities throughout Sterling, but warmer temperatures and longer days also make sun safety and hydration more important than ever.

A ribbon cutting was held May 28 for Rochelle’s recently completed pocket park.

Rock Falls resident Ozell Taylor created the mural that honors local veterans while bringing pride and beauty to the space for all visitors to enjoy.

Gurnee Park District is ready for summer! Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center, 900 N. Hunt Club Road, opens for regular season hours beginning May 30.

The village of Romeoville shared the cost with the Forest Preserve District of Will County, and the village has now entrusted the forest preserve district with the property.

From the first time picking up a racket to leveling up one’s game, the St. Charles Park District has designed a tennis program that will serve up a win.

Beach season officially kicks off Saturday for Crystal Lake Main Beach, and officials hope newly installed technology will prevent closures the park district experienced last summer due to elevated bacteria levels.

Dive right into summer at these Joliet area community pools and splash pads.

An Expression Swing has been added to Dixon's EC Smith Park, which will see more upgrades in the fall. A recent grant will allow the Dixon Park District to dismantle the aging equipment and install a new playground with rubberized flooring.

Upgrades to Park East Inland Side recreation area were met with an enthusiastic “thumbs up” during an official grand opening celebration May 18.

The Oregon Park District’s recent upgrades to Park East Inland Side recreation area were met with an enthusiastic “thumbs up” on the evening of Monday, May 18, during an official grand opening celebration.

After a year of drama ensued following the swearing in of three new commissioners, the Crystal Lake Park District board may be heading in a different direction after voting to change the president’s leadership.

The first phase of brick replacement work is focusing on the area around Riverfront Park’s main shelter. Each phase is expected to take several weeks.

The Kids n Nature program has been offered during spring and fall semesters as well as a summer session by University of Illinois Extension volunteers.

Sterling’s long-awaited Northwestern Steel and Wire Park will officially open at 11 a.m. June 13. That is the date and time for the official ribbon cutting that will open the park to the public.

A new swing at EC Smith Park in Dixon is another step the district is taking in making the parks more inclusive.

Rock Falls Tourism is pleased to announce two calls for artists for the 2026 Art in the Park Sculpture Walk and Outdoor Art Gallery, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, in the RB&W District in Rock Falls.

The city of Yorkville is displaying 25 students' artworks on downtown light poles to increase foot-traffic and to celebrate the unique character of the town.

A long-awaited park on Manteno's east side recently opened, but it is a much different area.

As the school year winds down, families across the Sauk Valley begin the seasonal shift into summer routines. While the break offers a well-earned change of pace, it also presents a challenge: keeping kids active, engaged and connected.

Inwood Park in Joliet was designed to ensure “every element supports meaningful play, social connection and physical activity," Joliet Park District officials said.

From the Sterling City Council to the Riverfront Commission, people are looking for answers about the Northwestern Steel and Wire Park and when it will be open to the public.

A new landmark was recently discovered at Franklin Creek State Park, with a celebration set to mark its discovery.

A new landmark was recently discovered at Franklin Creek State Park. A celebration is set to mark the discovery.

Michael Gianatasio has been named the new executive director of the Downers Grove Park District

After a year of contention that saw a protest and metal detectors installed, a shakeup on the Crystal Lake park board could be on the horizon.

Celebrating the Baker Community Center’s 100th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate its legacy and those who have helped ensure its continued use, the St. Charles Park District writes.

The 8,700-square-foot, accessible and inclusive playground will provide all the traditional playground toys, including swings, climbing toys, a slide and a seesaw.

Construction has begun on Logan’s Oasis playground at Marilla Park in Streator. The playground has been in the works for almost two years. The project is spearheaded by Melissa Crank and family members in memory of her late son, Logan Crank.

The iconic spring-flowering bluebell is back at Starved Rock State Park. These beautiful blooms can be spotted along the trailhead to Illinois Canyon on the far east end of the park. Native to Illinois, bluebells are an important pollinator, attracting bees and other insects each spring. Peak bloom is expected over the next 2–3 weeks, making now the perfect time to get out and see them.

The village of Algonquin is looking to residents to help draft a renovation plan for High Hill Park and Nature Preserve.

The reconstruction of Crystal Lake’s downtown park continues but the city has set an opening date in early June.

To keep residents engaged with fresh, up-to-date info, the city of Yorkville is purchasing and installing two new digital LED boards at Town Square and City Hall.