With its history of more than 100 years (since 1916), the Waukegan Park District (WPD) manages 52 properties on more than 742 acres, offering parks and facilities that host hundreds of programs each year for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Serving the tenth largest city in Illinois, WPD plays an integral role in empowering a culturally diverse community through recreation and enrichment, and engagement.

With a strong commitment to accessibility, WPD allocates thousands of dollars for financial assistance and provides hundreds of free programs to eliminate financial barriers. Programs and events promote physical and mental well-being through sports, fitness, arts, history, and culture.

Driven by community involvement, WPD delivers memorable experiences that build connection. Its premier fitness facility serves as a wellness hub, fostering a strong sense of community. WPD is a National Gold Medal Finalist, nationally accredited by CAPRA, and recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency.

Demonstrating visionary leadership in adaptive reuse, WPD has revitalized several buildings to better serve the community. A former school is now the Adaptive Recreation Center, an inclusive space offering programs to individuals of all abilities. A historic Carnegie Library was restored and transformed into a family-friendly museum celebrating Waukegan’s rich cultural heritage.

WPD has been a champion of demonstrating creativity, inclusion, physical well-being, and conservation. Guided by its core values and the NRPA pillars of Health & Well-being, Equity, and Environmental Resilience, WPD ensures equitable access and meaningful experiences for all, ensuring everyone enjoys the benefits of parks and recreation.