The 7th Annual Unplug Illinois Day is Saturday, July 12, 2025

More than 60 agencies across Illinois will celebrate Unplug Illinois Day by hosting events that encourage residents to disconnect from electronic devices and enjoy the many benefits of local parks, recreation and conservation programs. Created by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, the Unplug Illinois campaign inspires people to trade screen time for play, creativity, friendship, adventure and family. Step away from the screens and have some fun at our parks, the Splash Pad, Coral Cove Water Park and Coyote Crossing Mini Golf!

Celebrate Unplug Illinois Day with a Free Day of Fitness at Fountain View Fitness Center on Friday, July 12! Enjoy complimentary access to our fitness center, explore the equipment, meet our friendly staff, and experience everything we offer. Thinking about joining? Sign up during your visit and pay $0 enrollment—just for Unplug Illinois Day!

Pool Safety Tip: Choose Bright Swimsuits

The Illinois Association of Park Districts recently shared an important water safety reminder from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. When every second counts, brightly colored swimsuits can make all the difference. Neon and vibrant patterns are easier to spot both in and under water, helping lifeguards and caregivers respond quickly. In contrast, dark colors like blue and black can blend in, making it harder to detect a submerged swimmer. Planning to buy a new swimsuit this summer? Choose bright! Read more.

It’s a question we hear from time to time: Why aren’t our park trails lit at night? The answer comes down to a combination of safety, policy and practicality. Our parks and trails are open from dawn to dusk, and we do not encourage or permit use after dark. Installing lighting would give the impression that nighttime use is allowed, which could lead to unsafe situations for visitors and staff alike.

There’s also a feasibility factor. With miles of trails throughout the community, the cost and logistics of installing and maintaining lighting—particularly effective lighting—would be substantial. Solar lighting, while environmentally friendly, simply doesn't provide the brightness needed for safety on long stretches of trail.

Additionally, many trails back up to residential areas, so we aim to keep lighting minimal to maintain a nighttime setting for nearby homes.

For all these reasons, our trails remain unlit and intended for daylight use only. We encourage everyone to enjoy the parks during daylight hours, when they are safest and most accessible to all.

Support a great cause and have some fun at the Annual Duck Race on Saturday, August 16 at 4pm at Coral Cove Water Park. Adopt a duck for just $5—or boost your odds with a Quack Pack ($25 for 6) or Flock of Ducks ($100 for 25) —and cheer on the ducks in the race! Watch in person or view live from the Carol Stream Parks Foundation Facebook Page. Proceeds benefit the Carol Stream Park District Youth Scholarship Program.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors: Williams Architects, McNees and Associates LLC, and Berger Strategic Communications.

Come to our next hiring event and discover the job opportunities available at the Park District! This informal gathering is the perfect chance to meet our friendly staff, ask questions, and learn more about working with us—no resume required. Whether you're looking for a seasonal role, part-time position, or a place to start your career, we’d love to chat with you.

Help us keep your family’s bikes safe this summer—take a moment to teach your kids how to properly lock up their bikes at our facilities. Check out this fun and helpful reel with step-by-step instructions!

We don’t want bikes “swimming away” at the water park or disappearing from our parks and buildings. Let’s all do our part to keep our community safe!

Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Month! Volunteers are essential to the success of the Park District!