NRPA Pillar of Health and Wellness

Health and Wellness Pillar – Leading the nation to improved health and wellness through parks and recreation.

Our areas of focus include ensuring that all people have safe access to quality park and recreation facilities and programming; promoting physical activity; expanding access to evidence-based health prevention programs; connecting parks and the community, and supporting programs and policies that eliminate health disparities.

  • Youth activity initiatives are implemented through our Mighty Kids’ Triathlon, Fit Kids, PALS Before & After School Program, Dance,  Preschool and Youth Athletics, and Summer Camps.  Adult activity initiatives are implemented through our Loop the Lakes 5K run/Walk, Group Personal Training, Ballroom Dance, Self-defense classes, and athletic leagues. All of these programs enhance flexibility, strength, endurance and overall health and wellness.
  • Lakeview Fitness is a full-service fitness facility offering classes, cardio and weight equipment, and an indoor pool.
  •  We offer free events including Worldwide Day of Play, Family Kite Fly, Time to Play, Arbor Walks, fitness classes, and Yoga in the Park.
  • Three community gardens with a total of 60 garden plots reside in our District. Residents are given the opportunity to reserve a garden plot to grow their own vegetables.  The gardens’ purpose is to provide an alternate space to grow nutritious food in order to eat healthy.  In addition, a garden plot is reserved for Garden Explorers, a youth program, to learn about growing vegetables. Further, a free adult class, Success in the Vegetable Garden, is offered to guide residents in growing their own vegetables.
  • GO Vernon Hills is a community walking program led by Park District staff.  Walks are held outdoors in the warm weather and indoors in our gymnasium during the colder months. Event walks are held throughout the year including Chalk the Walk, Glow Walk, and the Halloween costume walk.
  • Our Health and Safety Fair, for residents and staff, provides general information about wellness and personal safety. Local organizations as well as Fire, Police and Health Department join the district to engage attendees in conversation about common health issues and safety concerns.
  • Two tennis courts have been re-purposed into 6 heavily used pickleball courts to address an increased interest in the sport. Our courts have become the premier destination for pickleball players in the area looking to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
  • Families’ bike and walk our nearly 10 miles of park paths year round.
  • During the winter, the ice rinks and sled hill offer free recreation opportunities. The pavilion is open on weekends and serves as a warming shelter, offers concessions, and free skate rentals.
  • Construction of a new Skate Park opened in summer 2020.