PARKS & RECREATION

It’s summertime – “Come join the fun!” The Frankfort Park District offers numerous special events and recreational program opportunities while providing more than 20 open spaces and playgrounds located in the community parks that are available for all to enjoy the outdoors.

This year the Park District is moving forward with the park enhancements at Lincoln Meadows Park, which include the addition of a ninja warrior challenge course funded fully by DCEO grant funds. In addition, the District is in the design phase for the Windy Hill Park Improvements, funded by a matching Open Space Land Acquisition Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois.

“This year the Park District is pleased to be able to continue the annual July 4th Fireworks because of generous community sponsorships from the Village of Frankfort and the Frankfort Firefighters Union and Foundation the fireworks,” said Executive Director Hassett. “The show will continue!”

Residents and non-residents can register for programs online at www.frankfortparks. org; in person at the Founders Community

Center, 140 Oak St., Frankfort; by email with a completed and signed registration form with your credit card information to registration@frankfortparks.org; by fax at (815) 469-9275; by U.S. mail; or via the drop-box. Online registration requires patrons to set up an account. Should a request for this account be made after hours or over the weekend, requests will be processed on the next business day.

The park district offers programs for all ages and interests: early childhood, youth, teen, adult, senior, dance (ballet, tap, hip-hop), summer day camp, gymnastics, martial arts, fitness classes, athletics and leagues including basketball, soccer, 12-inch softball and indoor flag football. In addition, local day and travel trips are offered throughout the year.

In 2023, the newly renovated Splash Park will host its first full season at Commissioners Park, 22108 S. 80th Ave. The Splash Park is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and SaturdaySunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Private rentals are available. For more information, visit the park district website or call (815) 4699400.

People aren’t the only ones who can take advantage of activities. Located at the northwest corner of Commissioners Park, at the intersection of 80th Avenue and Sauk Trail, the Frankfort Bark Park offers three acres for residents’ furry friends to roam. Owners must register their dogs with the Frankfort Park District to receive an access card. Annual fees cost $60 for resident families and $70 for non-resident families, with renewing members paying $50 or $60, respectively. The Bark Park membership season is July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.

Commissioners Park also is home to a trio of new pickleball courts, made for the fast-paced and fast-growing sport that combines tennis, badminton and ping pong. The park district also power washed the adjacent tennis courts to provide lines for pickleball play.

If you’re looking for other ways to clear your mind, the park district offers fishing at Jackson Creek, Kohlhagen, Lakeview Estates North, Lakeview Estates South and Roy and Dorothy Janssen parks. A valid Illinois sport fishing license is required, while catch and release is encouraged.