In May, the Oswegoland Park District announced it had acquired the long-vacant Esporta Fitness center at 201 Ogden Falls Boulevard along Route 34 in Oswego.

From youth basketball to adult volleyball, the Fox Valley Family YMCA is rolling out a wide range of fall athletic programs for all ages.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced its schedule of programs for the week of Oct. 13. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at reconnectwithnature.org.

Visitors will discover the wildlife that called the area that would become Will County home and view these creatures from the past through their fossils.

You won’t want to miss the Waa Kee Sha History Hike set for Saturday, Oct. 11, starting at 10 a.m. at the park, 4700 Reservation Road, Oswego.

More than 2,000 people have participated this year in the forest preserve district's Be a Trailblazer program, completing over 60,000 nature-themed missions.

The award builds on Dixon’s earlier success in securing a $13 million federal grant for the project. Rising construction costs in recent years created a funding gap, but the new state grant ensures Project Rock can now move forward without delay, city officials said.

The preservation of natural areas has become a winning mission in Winnebago County, where there are more than 40 places to get away and enjoy the flora and fauna thrive – in forests, wetlands and along the county's winding rivers.

The conference held in Springfield earlier this month, marked the 50th anniversary of the Master Gardener program and honored recipients of the annual Master Gardener Awards in three categories.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has announced its schedule of programs coming up for October. Online registration is available on the Event Calendar at reconnectwithnature.org.

The hike is designed for all ages and will be divided into three groups, each led by a Nature Center expert and tailored to different “spooky levels”.

The new DuPage Park in Channahon was funded by an $185,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The Lumberyard is a recreation and shopping destination, and home to Refuge Coffee and The Rusty Rooster, an eclectic home decor store.

Dave Haring is set to retire from the Downers Grove Park District on Oct. 3, concluding a legacy of leadership, mentorship and community impact in the field of parks and recreation

Kendall County offers excellent paved and limestone-screened trails ideal for biking.

Candidates must have at least 15 years of leadership experience in a major park and recreation agency or serve as a respected educator in the field. They must also demonstrate exceptional service through writing, speaking, and leadership.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is throwing a free party for the pelicans that stop by McKinley Woods preserve as they migrate south this fall.

The Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Board of Commissioners heard an update Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, from Executive Director Jackee Ohlinger on plans to apply for an Open Space Lands Acquisition Development grant for a project at Tilton Park.

The free ribbon cutting and open house for the boxing and fitness studio will be held from noon to 6 p.m.. at 1701 N Larkin Ave. in Crest Hill.

Roackabilly music, a pin-up pageant, dirt drag races and shiny jalopies of all types brought the crowd to Jalopy Fest on Sept. 12 and 13 at the Kendall County Fairgrounds in Yorkville.

Oswego resident Paresh Patel of Chakra360 LLC has previously submitted plans to build the professional cricket stadium with a clubhouse and restaurant on 33.48 acres at the northwest corner of Orchard Road and Tuscany Trail in Oswego.

A Morrison couple loves living a life of Adventures, hauling their home away from home on highways and byways, and sharing their journeys with kindred wandering spirits.

The Goodfellas Cigar Lounge Facebook page describes the business as a tobacco store and hookah lounge featuring “the largest selection of cigars in the Joliet area.”

This month’s Friends of the Hennepin Canal hike will be Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, and will travel from Bridge 17A to Bridge 15.

The Plano Public Library invites residents to help turn plastic shopping bags into sleeping mats for individuals experiencing homelessness on Saturday morning, Sept. 13.

Clean out the garage and recycle your bicycle with the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

Learn basic drumming techniques and how to create authentic rhythms at the Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channhon on Thursday.

The program invites people of all ages to explore 10 scenic trails across the county, ranging from a half-mile stroll to a three-mile adventure.

The free event, which will take place rain or shine, allows children to get an up-close look at police cars, fire trucks and other vehicles while learning about the professionals who serve their community.

Racing returned for the second year to the Kankakee River for a weekend of Kankakee River Valley Regatta action over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Drum circles, kayaking, bird watching also on the Forest Preserve District of Will County's upcoming program schedule. Online registration is available at reconnectwithnature.org.

After the ride, The Bike Rack we will be serving free food and drinks at the shop in St. Charles.

The Paddle & Feast Canoe & Kayak Adventure launches Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, and will take up to 25 participants on a scenic, three-hour trip from Grand Detour to Lowell Park in Dixon.

For outdoors lovers looking to get away from home for a few months, or even take in the experience of a weekend adventure, an Amboy family has provided a place to make camping memories happen with nature and activities, and one to share their faith as well.

Four Rivers Educational Center in Channahon will host two upcoming programs for students who are homeschooled.

Family bingo, swimming lessons, bumper bowling, walking club, pickleball and Parents’ Day Out are among the fall programs offered by the Northern Will County Special Recreation Association

JCB Investments returned to the Sterling City Council on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, with updates on its proposal to transform the former National Manufacturing basin building at 201 Locust St. into what could become northwestern Illinois’ largest indoor entertainment complex.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County is holding the River Paddle Adventure on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 22, at Hammel Woods in Shorewood.

Learn how the city of Joliet earned the nickname City of Stone and Steel during a tour of the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site.

In Sterling, shovels are already in the ground for big park upgrades while in Morrison, the wait for state grant money continues.

When a Sterling family saw an outdoor family gem with an uncertain future, they stepped up and gave their campground a renewed use. Now in its 60th year, Ruffit Park is flourishing with new owners encouraging people to experience the outdoors.

A sleek space filled with the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses and the solid thwack of a perfect swing is quietly transforming a stretch of Sterling's Galt Road into a popular social destination.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County in August brings its Friday Food Truck back along with coffee and birdwatching at the meeting of the DuPage and Des Plaines rivers.

The commissioners approved a contract with LZ Design Build Group to renovate Mayor R.J. Bailey Park.

Registration is now open for fall outdoor children's programs at the Kendall County Forest Preserve District.

The Sterling Park District has released its fall 2025 Activity Guide, showcasing fitness programs, recreational sports, wellness services, and family-friendly events designed to engage residents of all ages.

The Back to School Splash Bash will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, while the special anniversary celebration is set for 5-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22.

The splash pad at Bird Park in Kankakee was supposed to be open by now. Instead, it appears to have wilted under the hot, humid conditions that have hit the area.

Local veteran's organization AllenForce opened its very own recreation and wellness center for veterans in Joliet on Friday.

Column: Take a break from your busy week and ease into the evening with the soothing sounds of live music at Acoustic Jams in the Park, writes Erika Young of the St. Charles Park District.