The Chillicothe Park District has existed since 1947 to enhance the quality of life of our constituents through recreation, programs, and facilities. Our community currently has access to and enjoys 9 parks with over 250 acres of space to play, exercise, explore, and make memories in. 

Over the last 23 years, Executive Director of the Chillicothe Park District, Kevin Yates, has led our Park District in a complete renovation of Shore Acres Pool, a complete renovation of Santa Fe Park with the addition of the Santa Fe Splash Pad, the addition of the Skate Park, the addition of Walnut Dog Park, the addition of Stone Water Park and playground with access to fishing ponds and a 1-mile walking trail, the renovation of the Shore Acres Clubhouse, and the addition of Coal Hollow Park with over 80 acres of land and trail for our community to explore and enjoy. 

To continue to provide excellent resources and activities for our community, we are excited to announce the launch of the next chapter of the Chillicothe Park District, the Chillicothe Parks Foundation. 

The Chillicothe Parks Foundation, a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization, has been formed to continue to provide opportunities for the growth of the Chillicothe Park District. The Foundation’s vision is to support the development, promotion, and maintenance of Chillicothe Park District’s lands, buildings, facilities, equipment, supplies, activities, and programs. 

The Chillicothe Park Foundation will be led by a board of community members. Kevin Yates will serve as the Administrator of the Foundation Board. When asked about the launch of the Chillicothe Parks Foundation, Yates shared, “Individuals and businesses from all over the country have a connection to our parks and unique facilities, such as caddying at the original golf course at Shore Acres Park or holding their wedding at Shore Acres Clubhouse. The Chillicothe Parks Foundation will give all individuals and businesses an opportunity to preserve the rich history of our parks and contribute to the future of what these facilities can provide the community.”

While our tax dollars have worked hard for our community for over 75 years, additional financial support through the Chillicothe Parks Foundation will help grow and increase what we can offer our community through land acquisition for new parks, developing new parks, enhancing existing parks with new features, and supplementing programs sponsored by the park district. 

We have many opportunities for you to partner with the Chillicothe Parks Foundation, helping to ensure the lasting legacy of the Chillicothe Park District. One of the best ways to support the foundation is through financial support. You will have the opportunity to support the foundation as a monthly donor, an annual donor, or even by offering a one-time gift toward a specific project or event.

All donations to the Chillicothe Parks Foundation are tax deductible and will be used for the betterment of our community through our local parks. For questions about non-cash contributions, please contact the Chillicothe Park District Executive Director, Kevin Yates at (309) 274-3409.

Another opportunity to partner with the Chillicothe Parks Foundation is by joining us at our first Party in the Park at Shore Acres Park on Sunday, September 3rd. Party in the Park will feature many activities for the whole family to enjoy!  While partying with us, you will also have the opportunity to join us as a Chillicothe Parks Foundation Member. 

We are excited to continue to enhance the lives of the residents of Chillicothe, and we look forward to what the future holds!

For more information, visit: www.chillicotheparksfoundation.org.