Freeport Park District

Notice of Open Controlled Burn - Winter Park
2026-04-07 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
Residents are advised that an open, controlled burn is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Winter Park during the hours of approximately 9am-2pm.
This controlled burn is approved by the Freeport Fire Department and will be a managed activity conducted under appropriate weather conditions to promote healthy prairie growth, reduce invasive species and maintain the natural ecosystem.
Please note, if the weather does not allow for safe controlled burn operation, an alternative date will be communicated.
During this time, residents may notice smoke in the area. Trained Park District staff will be on-site to safely manage and monitor the burning throughout the operation.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Freeport Park District.

Wetlands Nature Preserve Park Closed Due to High Water
2026-04-16 - 2026-04-21
Wetlands Nature Preserve Park is currently closed due to high water caused by recent heavy rainfall.

Registration Night
2026-04-22 17:00 - 19:00
Let’s Play!
Looking for an easy and exciting way to plan your summer? This is it!
Join us for our Registration Night: a one-night-only opportunity to get ahead, get inspired, and maybe even win!
• Get registered quickly with staff on hand to help
• Explore programs and find the perfect fit for your family
• Ask questions and get personalized recommendations
• Be automatically entered into raffle drawings when you register!

Arbor Day
2026-04-24 11:00 - 13:00

Public Notice: Tree Removal along Park Blvd
2026-05-04
Eleven trees located in Krape Park along Park Boulevard have reached a condition where their continued growth interferes with overhead power lines, requiring frequent pruning by the utility company. Repeated trimming has caused significant structural stress and deformities in the trees. As a result, these trees are scheduled for removal beginning Monday, May 4. Traffic is not expected to be impacted during the removal process. The Freeport Park District plans to replace them with thirty new trees better suited for growth near overhead utilities. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Wing It! Mini Golf Course Opening
2026-05-23 12:00 - 19:00
Wing It! Mini Golf is opening for the season May 23! Bring your family and friends for a fun round and enjoy prizes, balloon art and photo booth fun.

NEW THIS YEAR: Season Passes & Promo Days!Enjoy specialty rates on July 26, August 16 and September 13

Read Park Family Aquatic Center is closed for Adult Lap Swim & Parent/Tot Swim 6/5/26, but will open at 1pm for regular hours.
2026-06-05
Due to the forecast, the Read Park Family Aquatic Center will be closed for Adult Lap Swim & Parent/Tot 6/5/26, but will open at 1pm for regular Open Swim.

Krape Park Amenities Closed the Afternoon of 6/8/26 due to Storms
2026-06-08
Due to storms in the area, Krape Park Facilities will be closed the rest of the day Monday, June 8.

Music on the Patio - Park Hills features Cross Cut
2026-06-12 17:00 - 20:00
Whether you’re a golfer or simply love a great view, everyone will enjoy an evening of spectacular scenery and toe-tapping entertainment from talented local musicians. Grab your foursome and lawn chairs! Bring the whole family and relax outside on the patio, where the Legacy Pub will be serving tasty snacks, refreshing beverages and live local music. FREE EVENT!

Freeport Concert Band - Sunday Evenings at Krape Park
2026-06-14 07:00 - 17:00
Grab a seat on one of our benches or bring your favorite lawn chair and settle in for an unforgettable evening of live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Pretzel City 5K
2026-06-27
Don’t miss your chance to run, walk, and celebrate fitness in the heart of Pretzel City! Whether you’re a novice runner tackling your first 5K or a seasoned competitor chasing a new personal best, the Pretzel City 5K is the perfect race for you. The course features flat roadways and scenic paths that wind through beautiful Krape Park, a great route for runners and walkers of all levels. This event is part of the Rockford Road Runners circuit, so lace up and join the fun! All pre-registered participants will receive an official event t-shirt. Awards and refreshments to follow the completion of the race. Registration $30 for pre-registrations by June 23 $15 for kids 19 & under Register online at www.pretzelcity5kfreeport.com $35 for race day registrations (t-shirt not guaranteed) Race day registration from 7:00 – 7:30 am

Unplug Illinois
2026-07-11 10:00 - 14:00
Join us for Unplug Illinois Day – a time to step away from screens and reconnect with nature, friends and family!
Enjoy a day full of outdoor fun, games, creativity and adventure at Krape Park. Fish with us on the Yellow Creek (limited loaner poles available; ages 12+ must present a fishing permit day of). Try our chalk obstacle course, family fitness class in the amphitheater and get creative at our craft station. Sports equipment also available to use! Event participation raffle prizes will be drawn at 1:30pm. Light refreshments served while supplies last.
FREE EVENT!

Read Park Cardboard Boat Regatta
2026-07-18 09:00 - 13:00
Set sail for a day of friendly competition and poolside fun! Participants (ages 8+) will compete in teams of two, showcasing their creativity and boating skills as they race homemade, decorated, and designed boats across the water. All boats must be fully built prior to race day.
Awards will be presented for speed, creativity, and team spirit! Standard admission for spectators and must sit in designated seating area.
Swimming is not permitted for spectators.
Registration is by team, and only one person per team is required to register. Once registration closes on July 10, all teams will receive a list of rules and accepted materials.
Event check in will begin at 9am with races and awards to follow. Open swim will be available after the races.
Register by calling 815-235-6114 or online!

Parents Night Out Pajama Party
2026-07-25 17:00 - 21:00
Drop the kids off for a fun-filled night at the park while parents enjoy some well-deserved time to themselves! Kids are invited to wear their pajamas and join us for an evening of music, movies, pizza, snacks, crafts and games.
Register by July 17! Limited spots available & each child needs a registration.

Krape Park Art Walk
2026-08-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Krape Park
Join us for a day of creativity and inspiration at Krape Park Art Walk! This vibrant artisan marketplace brings talented artists and makers together from across the region to showcase their finest handmade treasures. Discover unique works, connect with skilled creators, and celebrate the artistry that makes each piece special. Krape Park Art Walk is free to the public and designed for the whole family to enjoy. Krape Park offers its own amenities as well including paddling yellow creek, mini-golf, and a historic carousel.

Calling All Artisans!

We are seeking submissions from artists and makers of all mediums — photography, painting, glass, metals, jewelry, clay, textiles, and beyond. If your work is handmade, we want to see it! This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your art, share your creative process through live booth demonstrations, and engage directly with attendees. A $75 application fee is due at the time of registration. Applications will not be accepted after July 31.
Apply here to be part of this inspiring event!

Wing It! Glow Golf
2026-08-22 19:30 - 22:00
Join us for a glow-tastic evening and play a round of mini-putt with glow-in-the-dark golf balls and complementary glow sticks to light up the night!
Admission fees apply.
