PARKS & RECREATION
Your Guide to Recreation on the North Shore
If staying active is on your to-do list, you’re in luck as there is no shortage of recreational
activities (both indoors and outdoors) for all ages to enjoy in Winnetka, Northfield, Glencoe, and even
further north into Wisconsin. Here’s what’s happening – and what’s new –
at some of your favorite recreational spots on the North Shore.
400 Maple Street | Winnetka, IL 60093 | (847) 501-2040
Green Bay Trail runs for nearly 9 miles along the path of a former railroad track and parallel to
Metra’s Union Pacific North line from Wilmette to Glencoe, with 2.24 of those miles running
through Winnetka.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists can be found enjoying the trail from dawn to dusk throughout every
season. Most of the path is paved and wheelchair accessible, with parking at every Metra station, where
trail entrances, and restrooms, are located.
The Village of Winnetka and the Friends of the Green Bay Trail have partnered to restore the natural
areas of the trail that run through town, removing invasive species and replanting with native seeds,
shrubs and grasses.
The Friends annual free July Green Bay Trail Day on July 25 showcases the Trail’s restoration
sites, now vibrant and healthy ecosystems where native plants, birds, insects and wildlife flourish and
offers numerous recreational opportunities. Thirty booths located between Shelton Park and Hubbard Woods
provide activities for all ages, restoration and recreational resources and . a butterfly hatchery that
offers opportunities to witness the transformation of butterflies.
1000 Lake Cook Road | Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-5440
Hours: Open daily and
hours change seasonally
www.chicagobotanic.org
Visitors to the 385-acre Chicago Botanic Garden can enjoy a world-renowned living museum with stunning
landscapes all year long. But we grow so much more beyond what you can see.
Our Windy City Harvest urban agriculture program provides on-the-job skills training while growing
nutritious produce for people living with diet-related diseases.
Our Regenstein School offers more than 1,500 classes, workshops, and programs for people of all ages,
nurturing lifelong outdoor enthusiasts and ongoing education.
Our Negaunee Institute is confronting the most urgent environmental challenges and is a leading source
of plant research and conservation science.
Come experience the extraordinary things growing at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
1189 Wilmette Avenue #235 | Wilmette, IL 60091
https://fuelfed.wordpress.com
Founded in 1998, Fuelfed “is a private motoring club for discerning collectors and enthusiasts of
classic European cars.” “We focus on driving, socializing and promoting the passion of
classic automotive ownership,” said Brian Hughes, Fuelfed’s founder and director.
The North Shore-based group also has chapters in Milwaukee WI, Douglas, MI, Fort Lauderdale, FL,
and Boulder, CO, with Boston’s chapter opening soon.
“Fuelfed membership is curated and keeps the club focused on quality people with shared interests
and experiences,” said Hughes, also the creator of Fuelfed’s bespoke events.
There are 16 annual private events for serious collectors and enthusiasts, although the public is
welcome to attend 32 different member events throughout Chicagoland, including the ever-popular Coffee &
Classics Winnetka; Hinsdale and Barrington member gatherings; as well as member gatherings in Lake
Forest.
Established in 1921, the Glencoe Golf Club “has grown to become one of the finest public golf
facilities on the North Shore.” The challenging par-72 course with tree-lined fairways and
undulating greens “is surrounded by nature, bordered by the Cook County Forest Preserve Woods and
the Chicago Botanic Garden, so it is truly an escape from the city,” said Stella Nanos, who is in
her 20th season as the Glencoe Golf Club’s General Manager.
Also located at the Glencoe Golf Club is the Glencoe Village Croquet Club, which began its third full
year of operation in 2026.
Exciting developments are around the corner as we get closer to the grand opening of our new
state-of-the-art clubhouse. The new building will meld modern amenities with contemporary prairie style
architecture and will feature a year-round full-service restaurant and bar, exclusive indoor/outdoor
event spaces, an event lawn and two golf/sport simulators.
In keeping with the Village's commitment to environmental stewardship, the building has been designed
to not only be beautiful but also environmentally responsible. The building will meet or exceed LEED
Silver Certification standards and will utilize electricity as the main source of power. A geothermal
heating and cooling system will be incorporated as well as bird safe glass, energy conserving roofing,
low flow water fixtures and the integration of sustainably sourced and recycled materials whenever
practical. The finished product will be a building that the community will be proud to support.
Golfers can be assured that they will continue to enjoy exceptional playing conditions throughout the
construction phase. The golf course will remain open with no planned closures or disruptions, allowing
golfers to experience the meticulously maintained course that has earned its reputation as a premier
golfing destination on the North Shore.
Glencoe Golf Club offers Senior Memberships with no residency restrictions. Golfers aged 60 and up can
take advantage of the program, which offers significant value for weekday play. This annual membership
quickly pays for itself and provides savings each time you play versus the rack rate. Purchase your
membership online and receive your savings the first time you play.
The Glencoe Golf Academy offers a comprehensive range of junior and adult golf programs, including
weekly summer camps as well as private and group instructional sessions. These programs cater to golfers
of all skill levels, from beginners taking their first swings to experienced players seeking to refine
their technique. Led by our experienced PGA professionals, these programs fill up fast, so register
early!
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or simply looking for a beautiful place to relax and connect with your
friends, the Glencoe Golf Club has something for everyone. We remain dedicated to serving the community
by providing exceptional recreational opportunities and fostering a welcoming environment for all.
Visit www.glencoegolfclub.com to learn more about our
programs and stay informed about the progress of the clubhouse project.
540 Hibbard Road | Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 501-2040 | www.winpark.org
A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center
530 Hibbard Road | Winnetka, IL 60093 | (847)
501-2065
Winnetka Ice Arena
490 Hibbard Road | Winnetka, IL 60093 | (847) 501-2060
Platform Tennis
490 Hibbard Road | Winnetka, IL 60093 | (847) 501-2060
Winnetka is fortunate in the number and variety of its beautifully maintained parks, from pocket-sized
to Crow Island Woods Park (seven acres in native timber), to Lloyd Park (nine acres overlooking Lake
Michigan), to the 160-acre Skokie Playfield that accommodates every conceivable type of recreational
activity.
The Winnetka Park District is busy working on some large projects this year: The Park District, along
with input from the community, completed the Comprehensive Master Plan in 2025, which serves as a
roadmap for the next decade. The WPD staff is now hard at work on the Strategic Master Plan, which will
put the plan into action. The WPD parks team is also finishing up the Outdoor Tennis Courts project, as
well as the replacement of the synthetic turf field at Skokie Playfield. Both projects are due for
completion, Spring 2026. We can't wait to get outside and play!
The Park District was delighted to be able to partially open Elder Lane Beach, sand-only, last summer,
along with the reopening of Centennial Dog Beach. The district also continues to invest in the Winnetka
Waterfront 2030 plan and has a goal of reopening lake-access at Elder Lane Beach.
The Winnetka Park District invites you to enjoy the parks and participate in activities as we continue
our dedication to health + wellness in Winnetka. We can't wait to see everyone down at the lake this
summer.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
President: Elise Gibson
Vice President: Jeff Tyson
COMMISSIONERS
Christina Codo
Scott Corley
Cynthia Rapp
Colleen Root
David Seaman
A.C. NIELSEN TENNIS CENTER
530 Hibbard Road | Winnetka, IL 60093
(847)
501-2065
The A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center is complete with eight indoor and 12 outdoor courts. A pro-shop, tennis
lounge, showers and locker rooms are a few of the amenities the facility has to offer. The outdoor
tennis courts are undergoing restoration with new asphalt, fencing, additions of stone and new LED
lighting. The project will be complete late spring of 2026 – just in time for outdoor summer
tennis! Enjoy group tennis for youth and adults, private tennis options and men and ladies leagues to
join.
WINNETKA ICE ARENA
490 Hibbard Road | Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 501-2060
The Winnetka Ice Arena offers a variety of skating activities to area residents. Whether your
preference is hockey, figure or recreational skating, the ice arena has something to offer. Programs are
conducted by both professional and affiliated organizations to provide a comprehensive program to the
community.
PLATFORM TENNIS
490 Hibbard Road | Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 501-2060
Platform Tennis is easy and quick to learn. Enjoy the exhilaration of active, outdoor recreation the
entire year, especially during the crisp fall and winter months. Eight top-quality courts have heated
decks to melt snow and allow play all winter long. Two courts were added in 2024.
WINNETKA GOLF CLUB
1300 Oak St. | Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 501-2050
The Winnetka Golf Club has been part of the Winnetka community since 1916. With the start of the
Village of Winnetka stormwater management project in 2022, the Golf Club’s courses underewent
renovation through 2024 to include: Brand new nine-hole and 18-hole courses, new amenities and program
offerings, among other exciting and state-of-the-art technologies.
Northfield Park District
401 Wagner Road | Northfield, IL 60093 | (847) 446-4428
https://northfieldparks.org
Clarkson Park | 1950 New Willow Road
Fox Meadow Park | 444 Fox Meadow Park
Willow Park | 401 Wagner Road
Director: Bill Byron
The Northfield Park District offers exciting recreational programs, events, and
outdoor fun!
Enjoy athletic fields, tennis and pickleball courts, playgrounds, ice skating, summer camps, and open
gym basketball. Rent Clarkson Lodge for your next celebration, and explore Willow Park, Clarkson Park,
and Fox Meadow for endless outdoor activities and community events!
As it has since it was founded in 1957, the Northfield Park District continues to grow “to meet
the recreational needs of the community by delivering the highest quality parks, facilities and
programs.” An example of this is the continued updates to Willow Park, one of the park
district’s three parks (Clarkson Park and Fox Meadow Park are the others). This projects
construction is underway and will continue through this spring.
PARK DISTRICT BORDERS
Three park districts serve the Village of Northfield. The Northfield Park District boundaries coincide
in general with those of Sunset Ridge School District #29 and include much of the unincorporated area
north and west of the village. The southeast part of Northfield is the Winnetka Park District, and a
small area in the southwest section corresponding to Glenview District #34 is located in the Glenview
Park District. However, any resident who lives in Northfield receives resident rates for programs held
inside the Community Center.
The Northfield Park District includes three parks (Willow Park, Clarkson Park and Fox Meadow) and the
Northfield Community Center. Bordered on the east by the Skokie Lagoons Forest Preserve and Erickson
Woods on the south, the village offers miles of scenic parks and recreational areas.
PARKS AND FACILITIES
Northfield Community Center
The Community Center is the hub of activities including
classes, sports practices, fitness workouts, special events, birthday parties and meetings. The facility
includes a full-sized gymnasium, fitness center, fitness studio, Residents Center (multi-purpose room)
and Community Conference room. The Residents Center is available for meetings or children’s
birthday parties and has an ADA-compliant kitchen space attached. The Community Conference room has a
70-inch flat-screen TV, full AV capability, access to a kitchenette and is also available to rent.
FITNESS Center
The convenient, bright, ADA-compliant Fitness Center offers a
comfortable space with state-of-the-art equipment throughout, dedicated areas for cardio, weights and
stretching, personal training and member-only restrooms and showers. Enjoy your workouts even more with
the floor-to-ceiling wall of windows that wrap around the Fitness Center, bringing in natural light and
wonderful views of Willow Park. A variety of memberships are available or pay a daily fee.
WILLOW PARK
Northfield’s largest complex consists of four lighted ballfields,
two lighted soccer fields, two tennis courts and six pickleball courts. There’s also a half-mile
pathway with fitness stations and a picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 75 people.
CLARKSON PARK
Clarkson Park has been the heart of Northfield since it was
established more than 60 years ago. The park features a playground, splash pad, pavilion and a
bandshell. Clarkson Lodge can be rented April-November and is the ideal setting for celebrations,
meetings and corporate outings. In winter, the area in front of Clarkson Lodge is turned into a seasonal
outdoor ice rink that is typically open from December-February, weather permitting. Many of the park
district’s special events, including summer Wednesday nights Market & Music and the fall Clarkson
Cookout, are held at Clarkson Park.
UPCOMING EVENTS 2026
The Northfield Park District will again bring the community together for a number of annual events, all
of which will be held at either Willow Park or Clarkson Park.
Market & Music
Wednesdays from June 10-Aug. 5
4th of July Event
July 4
Clarkson Cookout
Sept.ember 19
Boo Bash
October 30
Holiday Fest
December 2
Glencoe Park District
999 Green Bay Road | Glencoe, IL 60022
Main: (847) 835-3030 | Beach:
(847) 835-1185
Ice Rinks: (847) 835-4440
https://glencoeparkdistrict.com
Takiff Center
999 Green Bay Road | (847) 835-3030
Weinberg Family Recreation Center
305 Randolph Street | (847) 835-4440
Glencoe Beach
55 Havel Avenue | (847) 835-1185
For over 100 years, Glencoe Park District has been the place for fun!
We provide recreation programs and services for all ages, from toddlers to adults, at three unique
facilities: Takiff Center, Weinberg Family Recreation Center and Glencoe Beach. Glencoe is fortunate to
have 99 acres of parkland, with playgrounds, walking trails and green space for all to enjoy. A
community favorite is Duke Park, with a hand-cranked train and interactive fountain for kids to splash
in.
An exciting era of renewal is underway for Glencoe's parks, fueled by a $14.7 million bond referendum
approved in 2024. Work is nearly complete on several large projects, including a new greenhouse at
Shelton Park, an improved ballfield at Takiff Center, and a modern park maintenance facility.
The momentum continues with two major projects on the horizon. This summer, work begins on the
revitalization of West Park, which will add new baseball fields, pickleball courts, and a walking loop
to the park next to West School.
Following that, a large-scale transformation of Glencoe Beach will start this fall, featuring a new
playground with spray features, an accessible boardwalk, and a renovated beach house. To facilitate this
project, Glencoe Beach will be closed from Fall 2026 through Spring 2027, with a reopening planned for
the 2027 summer season.
TAKIFF CENTER
999 Green Bay Road, Glencoe
(847) 835-3030
The Takiff Center features dynamic recreational space for exercise and health, early childhood
education, creative and performing arts, art and ceramics and various sports and enrichments. Also
inside, Glencoe Fitness offers a compact but pristine workout area for fitness enthusiasts, with Precor
and Peloton cardio machines, free weights and strength machines. The Takiff Center features a variety of
rooms and spaces for community groups and individuals to rent for parties, meetings, and events.
WEINBERG FAMILY RECREATION CENTER
305 Randolph, Glencoe | (847) 835-4440
The Weinberg Family Recreation Center houses year-round recreation and after-school-programs. In the
warmer months, the center is home to six outdoor pickleball courts, DekHockey, and summer camps. In the
winter months, the center features two refrigerated outdoor ice rinks for skating and hockey fun. The
adjacent Watts Park features baseball fields, tennis courts, a Frisbee golf course, and a sledding
hill.
GLENCOE BEACH
55 Hazel Ave., Glencoe
(847) 835-1185
Glencoe Bathing and Boating Beaches are open during the summer months for swimming, sailing, kayaking
and other water activities. There is a spray ground, volleyball courts and a beach house with locker
rooms and vending machines. Picnic shelters, sail boats, SUP and kayaks are available to rent during the
beach season. Please note, the beach will be closed in the fall for renovations.
UPCOMING EVENTS 2026
Throughout the year, residents can enjoy special events and programs at our facilities. Some of our
most popular events include:
Puppy Yoga
Saturday, May 30
9AM-10:00AM |
Shelton
Party In The Park / Fireworks
Friday, July 3
5-10PM (8:30 PM
sunset)
Lakefront Park
Glencoe 4th of July Parade
Saturday, July 4
1-2 PM | Downtown
Glencoe
Cardboard Regatta
Thursday, July 16
12:30-2 PM | Beach
Beach Campout
Friday, July 17
6 PM-9 AM – Saturday July 18 |
Beach
Great Mud Run
Friday, October 2
5-8 PM | Watts Park
Boo Bash / Haunting of Kalk
Thursday, October 29
5-7:00 PM |
Takiff
Walk/Run Club - Turkey Chase
Saturday, November 21
8 AM - 9 AM |
Takiff
Visit With Santa
Friday, December 18
4-8 PM | Weinberg
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