Message from the Director

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Although we never want the summer fun to end at the St. Charles Park District, we are delighted to offer you new programs, special events and a brand new facility--Primrose Farm Education Center--this fall!

Primrose Farm Education Center

Construction of the Primrose Farm Education Center is nearing completion! The fully accessible, year-round building will include a large multipurpose programming area and demonstration kitchen, public flushable restrooms, staff offices and an entry plaza. Staff plan to broaden the program offerings for all ages about agriculture and the history of local farming, as well as provide interactive opportunities such as food preservation techniques, farm-to-table demonstrations and STEM curriculum.

The community is invited to the celebratory open house on Saturday, September 28, 10am-12pm to officially dedicate this unique facility. There will be activities for all ages, refreshments and giveaways. Find more information about the event here.

More fun at the farm this fall includes the fabulous Autumn Hayrides on Fridays & Saturdays, Sep 27-Oct 19. Cruise around the fields at the height of the fall harvest on a 30-minute tractor-drawn wagon ride and gather around an open fire to roast yummy s'mores.

Bring the family to the new Fa-BOO-lous Pumpkin Carving Party Saturday, Oct 26 to carve up some fun. Snacks & cider provided and professional farm themed photo opportunities, too. Don't forget to share your pumpkin guts with the the farm animals before you leave!

Sample delicious local libations as you stroll down the Cattle Lane Trail at Primrose Farm Saturday, Sep 21. You'll enjoy a variety of games - a "sheep shearing" challenge, axe throwing skills showcase, horse ring toss & old fashioned bowling - during the Cattle Lane Crawl. Spend time around a blazing campfire, purchasing dinner and drinks from local vendors. For adults 21 and older!

Animal Adventures are great ways for young children to get hands-on experience feeding goats and chickens, milking cows, gathering eggs and grooming the horses, donkeys or goats!

Do you need community service hours for school, scouts or church? Are you looking for an opportunity to get your hands dirty and give back o the community? Primrose Farm is always in search of volunteers!

Fall Special Events

New events this fall are sure to complement the seasonal favorites we all look forward to as the leaves change color and the days grow shorter. Spend a magical evening watching illuminated kites shimmer, shake and dance in the night sky at Light Up the Sky, a free professional lighted kite show at James O. Breen Community Park, Saturday, Oct 5, 5:30-8:30pm. Enjoy DJ entertainment and sweet treats (for purchase) while watching the show.

Don't let Halloween come and go without touring the spookiest houses in town! Pack the kids into the car for an eerie evening out at the community favorite Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour, viewable daily October 17-31.

Stop by the new Autumn Market full of treasures and deals in the Pottawatomie Community Center Parking Lot Saturday, Oct 19, 10am-2pm. Explore gently used home goods and seasonal decor while supporting the STCU Teen Center. Have items you would like to sell? Sign up to participate here.

Win bragging rights to become the St. Charles Puzzler Champion at Puzzle Palooza. There will be an evening for adults only and another for families to race the ticking clock - three hours - and your opponents to put together a jigsaw puzzle with a team of up to four people. The adult group will put together a 1000 piece puzzle, and the families will put together a 500 piece puzzle. Awards to 1st & 2nd place finishers!

Enjoy a night Under the Stars aboard a magically-lit riverboat. Bring your own wine or beer and gaze upon the twinkling stars of the night sky, Friday, Sep 21.

It wouldn't be fall in St. Charles without our classic events! The free Big Truck Show is Sep 7 at James O. Breen Community Park for all ages to get a chance to see the inner workings of the biggest vehicles on the block! Stroll over to the Pistons for the Parks Car Show, hosted by the St. Charles Park Foundation, that same day.

Kids ages 3-7 can channel their Olympic spirit in the Tiny Tots Track Meet Sep 21. Future Olympians will participate in four running events and one field event, divided into appropriate age groups, in this semi-competitive track meet. Go for the gold!

Back to School

Before the Bell and Baker Station programs offer quality before and after school care to elementary school children in CUSD303 schools. Before the Bell care begins at 7am at Bell Graham (includes Wasco), Davis (includes Richmond & Wild Rose), Ferson Creek (includes Anderson) and Munhall (includes Fox Ridge). Baker Station begins after school and is held at Bell Graham, Davis (includes Richmond), Ferson Creek (includes Anderson), Fox Ridge, Munhall, Wasco and Wild Rose. CUSD303 will provide transportation for participants not attending Before the Bell or Baker Station at their home school.

We are excited to announce the opening of our newest preschool program Acorns to Oaks--nature-based learning that provides young children with the opportunity to learn grow and explore the natural world. Children will spend 25-100% of every day outside developing their creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The program is held in the newly renovated Oak Room in Hickory Knolls Discovery Center.

St. Charles Preschool offers a traditional, structured environment with classroom activities focusing on academic concepts and play taught by experienced and caring teachers. With two locations--Pottawatomie Community Center and Hickory Knolls Discovery Center--there are many options for your 2.5-5-year-old preschooler to socialize with peers, learn cooperation and problem-solving skills and build self-esteem.

Fitness Fun For Everyone

Sportsplex offers a variety of fitness opportunities for all ages. Grab a friend and Walk for Wellness around the edge of the turf field Mon-Fri 8:30-9:30am to reach your daily step goals. Walking on turf helps prevent injury and is easier on your joints! Itsy Bitsy Playtime is a great opportunity for parents and little ones to play and exercise before lunch and naptime. Men's soccer leagues run Oct-Dec for 30+ and 40+ age groups.

Norris Recreation Center is a fitness center with more than 6,300 square feet of cardio equipment, adjustable weight stations and free weights. Other amenities include a mini-gym with basketball hoop, a cycling studio with TRX equipment, a group fitness studio, tennis, pickleball a 6 lane-50-meter indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and a child care center. Memberships are available for individuals and families, and discounts are available to fire fighters, police officers, EMS and active or veteran military personnel with valid credentials. Stop by NRC today for a tour and start your fitness journey with us!

Just because summer is almost over doesn't mean pool time is! NRC offers instruction to swimmers of all skill levels and interests through lessons, non-competitive swim training, swim team, springboard diving and water polo lessons.

Have you heard about pickleball and wondered what the big dill is? Take part in group lessons to review game rules, fine tune your skills, participate in drills and enjoy match play!

There's still time to enjoy the summer seasonal facilities, as Otter Cove Aquatic Park is open through September 2, River View Miniature Golf through September 29 and the Paddlewheel Riverboats through the end of October, with special fall hours. Pottawatomie Golf Course will remain open until December 23, depending on the weather, so we hope to see you swimming, swinging or cruising soon at the St. Charles Park District!

To keep updated on all District activities, check out the District's hive of information: The Buzz

Conversations are always welcome! Contact Director Holly Cabel via email or call: 630-584-1055

Enriching Your Life!