The Chillicothe Park District spent 2024 experiencing much growth, excitement, and new connections within the community.  Executive Director Kevin Yates stated, “It was a goal of the district this year to enhance relationships within the community in order to provide maximum value for our resident’s tax dollars. We are a strong community with a lot of organizations moving in many different directions, but when we’re able to combine services, we are able to truly create something special.”

The groundbreaking relationship between the Chillicothe Park District and the newly formed Chillicothe Parks Foundation solidified their mission of creating and maintaining accessible parks that serve as sanctuaries of joy, relaxation, and inspiration for all with multiple events held throughout the year.  

The Park District and the Parks Foundation collaborated to bring families unique recreational opportunities through the “Party in the Park” series that included a Grinchmas Party, a Dueling Pianos event, a Dive-In Movie, and a once in a generation Grand Re-Opening of Shore Acres Park, which included:  food trucks, live music, and Chillicothe’s very first professional wrestling event!  

The Park District remains dedicated to collaborating with local organizations to bring unique recreational opportunities and enriching programs to our community. This year, they proudly partnered with Hope and Healing Wellness Center to host monthly yoga sessions and introduced the first-ever Sound Bath Float at Shore Acres Pool—a truly one-of-a-kind experience!

Rosie Acres Bakery also joined forces with the Park District, sparking creativity through the popular quarterly Cookie and Cupcake Labs held at Shore Acres Clubhouse.

Collaboration with area service organizations continues to play a vital role in enhancing the parks and programs. The annual Eagle Days Breakfast at Shore Acres Clubhouse in February is a collaboration of the Rotary Club, The Lions Club, and the Chillicothe LIbrary, while the Chillicothe Players Theater delighted audiences with three performances at the same venue this year.  And, the Princess Closet, which provides formal wear to local high school students, continues to make a meaningful impact from its base in the Clubhouse.

Shore Acres Park, Pool, and Clubhouse came alive with energy and excitement during the annual Kid’s Triathlon, organized by Tri2BeatMS.  

The Park District proudly partnered with the Chillicothe Public Library this summer to host a lively Big Band concert, and they are thrilled to collaborate again for the much-anticipated Grinchmas Party this month!

A new and exciting partnership was formed with the Chillicothe Police Department for the Hide ‘n Seek with the Police event. This unique activity brought 50 enthusiastic participants to Shore Acres Park to test their hiding skills against some of Chillicothe’s finest seekers!

The Park District also continued its longstanding collaboration with the Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA), offering numerous programs throughout the year to support individuals with disabilities in our community.

Executive Director Yates closed with, “The Park District extends heartfelt gratitude to EVERYONE who partnered with them in 2024, including all of the local businesses who made these events possible  Together, incredible memories were made, community relationships were strengthened, and we are excited to see what 2025 has in store!”