Each west suburban community where Glancer Magazine is distributed has an amazing park district with facilities to love. Some park districts are larger than others, and some have facilties that are unique to their community. This feature unveils 7 Hidden Park District Hot Spots and gives these places the recognition they deserve! We hope you will check them out this summer with your family.

1. Knoch Knolls Nature Center Dubbed “Where the Rivers Meet” this Naperville gem is where the east branch and west branch of the DuPage River join together, creating a beautiful and serene setting. The Nature Center provides a window into the underwater world found right in our community. Take a journey back in time through the interpretive exhibits and enjoy the 900-gallon freshwater tank that provides a glimpse into the world of the river. www.napervilleparks.org/knochknollsnaturecenter

2. Boy Scout Island Enjoy a scenic boat ride or jet ski along the Fox River starting at this St. Charles boat launch. Purchase passes at Boy Scout Island or the Pottawatomie Community Center, 8 North Ave. If you love to fish, remember that state fishing licensing and regulations apply in all Park District waterways. www.stcparks.org

3. Gault Wildlife & Bird Sanctuary Benjamin Gault Wildlife & Bird Sanctuary in Glen Ellyn features a one-acre natural wooded area and trail. Visitor’s love the information kiosk where they learn about the park’s history and more. Open from 6am-dusk, this is the perfect place to gather your thoughts and enjoy the beauty of nature. 625 N. Main Street, Glen Ellyn. www.gepark.org/par_Gault.htm

4. Clocktower Commons Mini-Golf & Skate Park The 18-hole prairie themed mini-golf course has a center water feature and 10 holes that are ADA accessible. It also has a practice putting green. How fun is that? The Rail Skate Park offers free admission is a favorite for many. The 12,000-square-foot skate park features beginner and advanced areas for all our skate board fans. Open only for inline skates & boards– no bikes. Party space also available. 100 N. Naperville Rd., Wheaton, IL – Parking available on Liberty & Reber. www.wheatonparkdistrict.com

5. Prince Pond Previously known as Grove Lake, it was first constructed in 1892 as part of the E. H. Prince subdivision that surrounds it. Situated immediately south of Franklin Street between Linscott Ave and Parkway Dr. The park is dominated by the picturesque charm of the small Prince Pond surrounded by mature trees and native landscaping. North of the pond has a playground, a shelter, benches and picnic tables. In winter, the pond becomes a popular location for ice skating, and is used by neighborhood kids for informal hockey games. www.dgparks.org/locations/prince-pond

6. Jaycee Tot Lot Perfect for the little ones, this Elmhurst park contains commercial-grade Lil’ Tykes playground equipment, landscaping, soft surface, and a sand table. Park and playground renovations began in the summer of 2003 and were completed in 2004. The Jaycees gave a large donation to fund the renovations. www.epd.org/parks/jaycee-tot-lot

7. Scenic Dog Park A 1-acre, fenced open space for dogs to run, train and socialize off-leash in Sugar Grove. Dogs using the park must be up-to-date on all vaccinations and be registered for the program. Registration forms, rules and access to the area are available at the Park District office. www.sugargroveparkdistrict.org/park-dog.html

Dog ParkHours: April 1st - November 30th Sunrise - Sunset

Location: Sugar Grove Sports Complex 901 Wheeler Road Sugar Grove, IL 60554

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