Recreation

The Oswegoland Park District lives their mission of “creating opportunities for a healthy community” by providing parks, playgrounds, and natural areas where you and your family can play, gather, celebrate, learn, and enjoy nature all year long. Our 12 natural area parks, 33 active parks and 10 linear parks offer over 810 acres of natural and developed parkland, including several miles of spectacular frontage along the Fox River.

Families gather to picnic, hike, fish, enjoy the playground, or soak in the solitude of the Fox River at the Hudson Crossing Park in downtown Oswego. The lighted picnic shelters, large playground, brick paved walkways, and concert area are sure to make this riverside park a gathering point for the Oswegoland community both day and night.

Lace your walking shoes, bring or rent a bike, and explore the Oswegoland Park District’s expanding trail system. Catch the Waubonsie Trail at Eagle Ridge Park that leads 2.5 miles around Chesterfield Lake, past the skate park, through natural areas, extending to Farmington Lakes. Access the Grove Road Trail at Prairie Point and enjoy a 2.4 mile hike or bike ending at secluded Waa Kee Sha Park where children can romp on the fort themed playground while adults build a campfire, prepare a picnic under the shelter, or hike through the tranquil woods.

Park at Hudson Crossing Park downtown Oswego, and bike or hike the Fox River Trail that links Oswego to Kane and DuPage counties and beyond. The Park District’s newly completed Violet Patch Bridge along Route 25 connects east and west side neighborhoods to trails and parks on both sides of the Fox River.

Nature enthusiasts discover a feast for their senses in 317 acres of wetlands, prairies, and greenways. Because many residential developments include natural areas, more and more residents can enjoy the sounds of singing birds or the smell of wildflowers from their own backyards. Conservation volunteers work with Park District staff in clearing invasive plants, gathering seed, and planting native species for all to enjoy.

When spring breezes bring out the golfers, Fox Bend Golf Course is ready with 18-holes of beautifully landscaped greens and fairways. The golf course restaurant, Pearce’s, offers great food and service all year long including seasonal outdoor seating and entertainment.

When summer heats up, swimmers shoot down the Aquatic Park’s waterslide while others cool off in the zero depth pool and sand play area. For hikers and horseback riders, autumn is the time to wander Saw Wee Kee’s natural wooded trails, while canoeists take advantage of the park’s Fox River canoe launch. Snowy days bring their own brand of fun to the Oswegoland community, including sledding, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. 

Whatever your interest, the Oswegoland Park District offers year-round fitness, gymnastics, dance, sports, craft, and recreational programs. Special events include 5K and 10K runs, kite flies, triathlons, concerts and movies in the park, special events, nature hikes, campfires, and PrairieFest, Oswegoland’s June hometown celebration.

Historic sites include the Little White School, built as a church in 1855, used as a school from 1915 to 1964, and now preserved as a museum. The Little White School offers a quaint setting for small weddings and serves as a venue for local playhouse theatre.

By combining respect for Oswego’s rich history with the kind of innovative thinking needed to meet the recreational needs of a growing community, the Oswegoland Park District offers something for everyone. Whether you call Oswego home, or you’re just visiting, we hope you’ll come play with us soon! 
www.oswegolandparkdistrict.org