Newsletters

The Park Pulse is a monthly newsletter distributed to the 157-C schools.  The newsletter features upcoming events, programs and announcements from the Park District.

Click here to view the March 2024 Edition of Park Pulse

Click here to view the February 2024 Edition of Park Pulse

Click here to view the January 2024 Edition of Park Pulse

Click here to view the December 2023 Edition of Park Pulse

Click here to view the November 2023 Edition of Park Pulse

Click here to view the October 2023 Edition of Park Pulse

Click here to view the September 2023 Edition of Park Pulse

Click here to view the May/Summer 2023 Edition of Park Pulse


Park Perks – Winter/Spring 2024

Park District News

Fort Frankfort – Preserving the Past – Planning for the Future

In 1999, the Frankfort Park District was looking for a big idea to improve the newly acquired Commissioners Park, but the capital budget was limited. Community members came up with the idea and a goal to build a playground with volunteers, private financing, and do it in eight months! The children of Frankfort chose the name and contributed ideas to the park design.  Committees were formed and the project began.

Operation Playground Foundation was established for fundraising purposes with a goal of raising $120,000.  Through a variety of community events the funds were raised to complete the project. 

Working 3 shifts a day, 75-120 volunteers gave their time. The dream of so many was realized on October 17, 1999 – Fort Frankfort was complete!  The Fort Frankfort Playground was a realization of the efforts of the Frankfort community members.

Operation Playground Foundation continues to raise money which is invested in the Frankfort community parks. Over the last four decades, OPF has funded the construction of the Bark Park, 3-on-3 Basketball courts, the Judy Herder Pump Track and pickleball courts. 

Funding Provided to Replace Fort Frankfort – 2023

The Fort Frankfort playground is 24 years old and needs repairs. With limited funding for capital projects, the Park District had concerns if funding for a new park would be available. This year, Senator Michael Hastings secured $1.75 million dollars from the State of Illinois for the renovation of the Fort Frankfort Playground. The Park District is looking to honor the past and preserve the vision of the residents and efforts invested in the Fort Frankfort Playground.  

Over the coming months, the Park District will be engaging the community to get input on the park design. The funding level will allow design to offer inclusive play elements taking away the physical and social barriers creating equitable play for all. Please visit the Frankfort Park District’s website and social media pages to provide feedback on conceptual designs. Construction of the new playground is anticipated to take place at the end of the summer in 2024. The upcoming months will include opportunities for input from the community.

 Fort Frankfort was funded, constructed, and is maintained by Operation Playground Foundation.


Fit Boomers in the News

The month of September is designated as Fall Prevention Month. WGN visited twice to film a segment on fitness instructor Arlene Santiago and her Fit Boomers class. Fit Boomers is a fitness program specifically designed for older adults, focusing on strength and mobility exercises. Dina Bair conducted an interview with Arlene and some of the participants at the Founders Community Center on August 23. This feature was then included in the Medical Watch segment of the midday news. WGN returned on September 5 with Ana Belaval, who provided a live feature on the Fit Boomers class for her Around Town segment. Additionally, Anita Blanton from FOX 32 showcased Arlene’s class on Good Day Chicago’s Fitness Friday segment. The Frankfort Park District is fortunate to have Arlene instructing these invaluable programs focused on enhancing balance and strength for the members of our community. To learn more about the Fit Boomers program, please turn to page 33 of the brochure.

Photo Left to Right: Ana Belaval of WGN and Arlene Santiago.


Pours for Parks – Thank You Donors & Sponsors

Operation Playground Foundation hosted the 7th Annual Pours for Parks event on October 21st at the Founders Community Center. The event featured tastings from local wine, beer, and spirits vendors. The attendance this year was over 400 guests and was supported by numerous donors and vendors.

The event raised over $14,000; the monies raised by Operation Playground Foundation will be invested in the Frankfort parks. Most recently the Foundation renovated the skate park pad into Pickleball courts. Other projects funded by the OPF include the fitness equipment along Old Plank Trial, basketball courts at Main Park and the Judy Herder Pump track.

To learn more about Operation Playground Foundation or to join the Foundation Board, or if you would like to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.opfrankfort.org.


Jeffrey LaMorte Salon and Spa & Frankfort Park District received the IAPD Best of the Best Award

The Frankfort Park District is honored to receive recognition from the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) a “Best of the Best” statewide award, for the Best Friend of Illinois Parks business category for its nomination of Jeffrey LaMorte Salon and Spa. The District competed against other park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies throughout the state in order to win this prestigious award. The Frankfort Park District was formally recognized at the IAPD Best of the Best Awards Gala on October 20, 2023 at the Wheeling Park District’s Chevy Chase Country Club.

Jeffry LaMorte Salon and Spa has been partners and friends of the Frankfort Park District since 2014. The owner, Jeffry LaMorte, and his family are residents of Frankfort. The LaMorte family operates two salon locations; the Frankfort location opened in 1994 serving what at the time was a small community. They have and continue to make it a priority to support the Park District’s mission.

In 2014, one of Jeffrey LaMorte’s fellow business owners provided him with background on the park district sponsorship program. Jeffrey LaMorte Salon and Spa signed on that year and ever since has been a lead sponsor of the Park District’s annual “Short Run on a Long Day” 5K race. Not only are they sponsors of the event, but the owner, Jeff LaMorte, has participated in the event as a runner.

Over the years, Jeffrey LaMorte Salon and Spa has sponsored numerous Park District community events including the “Back to School Bash” and they participate in the banner sponsorship program at the athletic fields.

Photo Left to Right: Michele Corso, Kelly Glester, Jeffrey LaMorte, Nicole Pellegrini, JP Vickers & Alex Gluch.


Sponsorship Opportunities

The Frankfort Park District is looking to build partnerships with local businesses, foundations or individuals interested in supporting the District’s events and programs through sponsorship opportunities. Becoming a sponsor is an excellent way to show your support for the community while increasing your visibility throughout the Frankfort area. Please contact Julie Sullivan, Fundraising & Community Outreach Coordinator, at jsullivan@frankfortparks.org or call 815.469.9400 for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities

Do you need Community Service hours for school? Or do you just enjoy helping others? The Frankfort Park District is always looking for volunteers to help with various Special Events and other programs. Interested in volunteering?

Contact Cali DeBella our Recreation Supervisor at 815.469.9400 or email her at cdebella@frankfortparks.org.

Interested in Volunteering?

Contact Cali DeBella our Recreation Supervisor at 815.469.9400 or email her at cdebella@frankfortparks.org.

Thank you from the Frankfort Park District

The Frankfort Park District would like to take a moment to thank all of you who have volunteered at our events throughout the year. A lot of time and work goes into putting on a successful event, and we could not have done it without our volunteers! We appreciate your continued support!

2024 Volunteer Opportunities:

Click on the Event name to Sign-up Online for Volunteer Opportunities:

Donuts with Bunny – Saturday, March 23 / 9:30 am – 12:30 pm / Founders Community Center

Super Dog Egg Hunt – Saturday, March 23 / 1:00 – 2:15 pm / Bark Park @ Commissioners Park

Family Fun Fly – Tuesday, March 26 / 10:45 am – 12:15 pm / Commissioners Park

Kids Garage Sale – Saturday, April 20 / 10:00 am – 12:00 pm / Main Park

Celebrating Earth Day – Saturday, April 20 / 11:00 am – 2:30 pm / Main Park

After-Hours Drop Box

For your convenience, the Frankfort Park District has an after-hours drop box located outside of the main entrance of the Founders Community Center, 140 Oak Street. Registrations placed in the drop box will be processed the following business day.

Hold your next party at the Frankfort Park District!

If you are looking for an affordable site to hold your party or event, the Founders Community Center is available for rental. Parties, weddings, showers or meetings can be held in our classrooms, gymnasium or the Founders Room. For more information, including rental rates and availability, please call the park district office at 815-469-9400.

Customer Service Statement

The Frankfort Park District is committed to providing responsive, friendly, courteous and excellent service to our customers.


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