Message from the Director

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Warm winter wishes to you and your family! At the St. Charles Park District, we've been gearing up for an exciting season filled with fresh activities, wellness opportunities, and outdoor adventures to help you stay motivated and enjoy every moment of winter.

Bundle Up for Outdoor Fun!



Often called the sport of “skinny skis,” cross-country skiing is the art of the straight-line stride. In this group program, participants learn essential skills including equipment use, balance techniques, trail etiquette, safety guidelines, and proper winter attire. Fee for Cross Country Skiing includes skis, boots, and poles. Jan 10 or Feb 1 | 10am-12pm

Did you know the St. Charles Park District clears several park trails each winter so walkers and runners can stay active? After significant snowfall, pathways at Mt. St. Mary Park, Pottawatomie Park, Delnor Woods, Hunt Club, Fox Chase Park, Harvest Hills, and Timber Trails are cleared to help keep you moving safely. Current trail conditions: followyourinterest.com/stcparks/stcparkstrails

Bring your snowboards, sleds, and inner tubes for winter thrills on the hills at Langum Park and Timber Trails Park. Temporary lighting at Langum Park allows for nighttime sledding! Sled hill updates: followyourinterest.com/stcparks/stcsledhills

Prefer skates? Glide across the ice at the Lincoln Park rink or practice your hockey skills at the Langum Park ice hockey rink. Ice rink updates: followyourinterest.com/stcparks/stcicerinks

Special Events this Winter

We’re rolling out the red carpet for a glamorous, all-access night to remember at the Daddy Daughter Dance! Enjoy dancing, entertainment, refreshments, and plenty of fun on Friday or Saturday, February 27 or 28 | 6:30-8:30 pm.

Put your puzzle-solving skills to the test at Puzzle Palooza! Teams of up to four (ages 18+) will race to complete the same 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle in a friendly, competitive atmosphere. Claim bragging rights—and maybe even the title of St. Charles Puzzle Champion! Awards presented to 1st and 2nd place teams. Bring your own snacks; water will be provided. Sun Feb 1 | 1–4 pm | $30 per team

Join an early childhood staff member for an outdoor playdate in Pottawatomie Park designed for fun, exploration, and fresh air. Families are welcome, and no registration is required—just show up and play at the Winter Edition of Park Play Date! Activities are geared toward children ages 7 & under. Feb 14 | 10:30-11:30 am | FREE

The Great Backyard Bird Count encourages nature enthusiasts to take part in this global wildlife-tracking event. Led by the Kane County Audubon Society, participants will help count bird species throughout the Hickory Knolls Natural Area while learning about local ecosystems and conservation.

Sun Feb 15 | 12–4 pm

Show Your Flex at Sportsplex

Sportsplex is the hub for fitness activities for all ages. Step into 2026 with a lively way to stay motivated, energized and warm all season long. Join the Winter Walking Challenge to track your laps and cheer on fellow walkers! Stay for Free Coffee Fridays after your walk. M-F | 8:30-9:30am Jan 5-Feb 27

Row Your Heart Out challenges you to move with purpose to see how far you’ll go and show yourself some love. Learn to Row reviews proper form and exercise techniques to maximize your workout while reducing your risk of injury. Adults ages 50+ will learn proper form and explore workout styles in Benefits of Indoor Rowing. The Row Zone is open Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm for drop-in rowing.

Kick around with friends in our men’s soccer leagues that cater to the 30+ and 40+ crowd. Register now for soccer leagues that run January-March.

2026-2027 Preschool Registration

The St. Charles Park District offers two preschool options: St. Charles Preschool and Acorns to Oaks.

St. Charles Preschool provides educational curricula for kindergarten readiness. Teachers assist in nurturing your child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development through aged-based activities and imaginative, free play. Children will socialize with peers, learn respect and cooperation, acquire independence, build self-esteem and develop problem-solving skills. Held at Pottawatomie Community Center and Hickory Knolls Discovery Center (HKDC).

Acorns to Oaks, our nature-based preschool program held at HKDC, provides young children with a unique opportunity to learn, grow and explore the natural world. By spending time in nature, children develop a love and appreciation for the environment and learn valuable life skills such as problem solving, creativity and critical thinking.

Meet the teachers, visit the classrooms and learn all about the curriculum at the Preschool Open House! Sat Feb 7 | 9-11:30am

Get Your Healthy Fix in '26 at NRC

Kick off the new year energized and inspired at the Norris Recreation Center! With a 6,300 sq. ft. fitness center, mini gym with basketball hoops, cycling studio, group fitness studio, four tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a 50-meter indoor pool, and on-site child care, NRC offers something for every age and activity level. Flexible membership options make it easy for anyone ages 12+ to jump in, stay motivated, and keep moving all year long.

Pickleball is a BIG DILL at NRC! Members can reserve courts up to a week in advance or enjoy drop-in play six days a week on a first come, first served basis. We also rent tennis and pickleball machines! Looking for friendly competition? Our six-week round robin leagues for all levels of players bring the fun while awarding top finishers at the end of each season.

Our newly restructured Junior Group Tennis programs are designed specifically for children 10 and under! This fun and engaging approach uses age-appropriate equipment, including smaller courts, lower nets and modified balls (red, orange & green), helping young players learn the game with confidence. By focusing on fundamental skills and consistency in a supportive environment, the program helps build a strong foundation and a lifelong love of tennis.

Make a splash this winter with NRC’s indoor aquatic programs, expertly developed by top USA Swimming coaches. Swim, springboard diving and water polo lessons empower participants of all ages with water safety knowledge, fundamental skills, and confidence, ensuring everyone can enjoy the water safely and successfully.

With so many opportunities to move, play, and connect, the Norris Recreation Center is your go-to destination for staying active, staying inspired, and making 2026 your healthiest year yet.

Employment opportunities await at the St. Charles Park District! Getting ready for the 2026 summer season means we start hiring NOW for aquatics, camps and seasonal park employees.

Application for employment can be found here and please join us at the Aquatic Hiring Fair on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Baker Community Center.

Best wishes to you and your family for a safe and healthy 2026.

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!