Located 25 miles west of Chicago in scenic DuPage County, the Lisle Park District was incorporated in 1967 and serves 33,000 residents within a 12-square-mile border that extends beyond Lisle to include portions of Naperville, Woodridge and unincorporated county areas.
With more than 40 parks encompassing 396 acres, Lisle Park District facilities offer an extensive selection of recreational and leisure time activities and programs for the young, young-at-heart and everyone in between.
From abundant nature trails for hiking and biking, 31 playgrounds, a nine-hole golf course with adjacent restaurant, Wheatstack Midwestern Eatery & Tap, Sea Lion Aquatic Park, Community Center, an outdoor amphitheater, band shell, community ramp park, Community Park Fitness Center, an historic museum campus, preschool program and active senior center programming, there is always something new to explore, see and do in “The Arboretum Village.”
The nature-infused community is home to some of Illinois’ most protected wetlands. Make sure to take advantage of the many pathways through small, natural wetlands where you’ll find native prairie grasses, plants and birds.
Community Park (1825 Short St.) is a 110-acre centerpiece of the community, serving as the focal point for a variety of outdoor sports and special events. Here you’ll find sled hills, ball and soccer fields, lighted tennis courts, a ramp park, two picnic pavilions with scenic lake vistas and the Community Park band shell. From picnics to concerts, all three picnic pavilions are popular three-season event venues. The VanKampen Memorial Stage offers a terrific venue for entertainment during the annual Eyes to the Skies festival, as well as church functions, concerts in the park and more intimate occasions such as weddings and parties.
The Community Center houses Community Park Fitness, and contains rooms used for fitness classes, dance classes and recreational programs. Members can work out with strength and cardiovascular equipment as well as free weights at the Community Park Fitness Center while enjoying views of Community Park.
The Lisle Recreation Center (1925 Ohio St.) just west of the existing Community Center, houses Lisle Park District administrative offices, the Gentle Learning Preschool, 50+ Senior Center and SEASPAR. This 40,000-square-foot facility includes just over 20,000 square feet of renovated space, including: a large waiting room/lobby, several multipurpose rooms, conference rooms, secured access to the Gentle Learning Preschool classrooms, where tiny tots up through age 5 learn through play in an environment without paperwork or desks. The 50+ Senior Center, located at the northeast entrance of the Recreation Center, offers a wide variety of programs and services designed for adults age 50 and older who are looking for fun social activities.
River Bend Golf Club (5900 S. Route 53) is described as “nature’s challenge to every golfer.” Named one of Chicagoland’s best nine-hole public courses in 2012, River Bend features bent grass tees, greens and fairways. Offering scenic overviews of the golf course is Wheatstack – A Midwestern Eatery & Tap, where visitors enjoy great food, a welcoming bar and raised deck for al fresco dining.
Cool off with a refreshing dip at the Sea Lion Aquatic Park (1825 Short St.), an award-winning water park that offers summertime fun for residents and visitors. The park features a large open swim area that slopes upward to a zero-depth shallow end, two
50-foot body flume slides, two drop slides, a vortex pool, splash playground, sand and kiddie water play area, teen pool and Sammy’s Snack Shack concessions.
The Museums at Lisle Station Park (921 School St.) provide visitors the opportunity to learn about the heritage and culture of 19th century northern Illinois. Settled in 1832, the life of this agricultural community revolved around the railroad depot and the area became known as
Lisle Station.
A cooperative effort of the Lisle Park District, Lisle Heritage Society, and the Village of Lisle, the museum campus was created in 1978 to provide a home for the community’s historic train depot. Historic buildings include the Beaubien Tavern, a blacksmith shop, CB&Q Waycar #14584, the Lisle Depot Museum and the stately Netzley-Yender Farmhouse.