July is National Parks and Recreation Month; It's Time to Celebrate!

Article by Abbey Mondi

BATAVIA – July is National Parks and Recreation month, and Batavia Park District is continuing the celebration all month long with free events for the whole family to enjoy.

The celebration kicks off with Unplug Illinois Day, a statewide initiative encouraging people to unplug from technology and plug into having fun with local parks and recreation. This year, Unplug Illinois is Saturday, July 12, and there is no better way to unplug than to enjoy Windmill City Festival with friends and family. Take a break, and enjoy this event organized by Batavia Park District, City of Batavia and The Depot Museum. This festival offers a weekend of free musical entertainment and activities.

“We are so excited to commemorate Unplug Illinois Day with Windmill City Fest,” Recreation Supervisor Bethanne Guidarelli said. “It’s a great way for families to participate and engage with fun outdoor events.”

We invite you to show us how you unplug, snap a picture of the fun you're having and use the #unpluggedbatavia on social media platforms for a chance to win an exciting prize basket.

Prize baskets may include reusable water balloons, chalk, bubbles and a s'mores making kit.
For another chance to win a basket, residents can find our sneaky Bruce the Spruce around four parks in Batavia. Once you find him hiding, you can snap a picture with him and post it to social media using the hashtag #unpluggedbatavia. This hunt will begin on July 12 and the winners will be chosen on Aug. 1.

Batavia Park District's Popsicles in the Park returns, on Wednesday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at Engstrom Park in celebration of National Parks and Recreation month. Join Bruce the Spruce, for a tasty treat, while supplies last.

“We are so excited to bring back Popsicles in the Park this year,” Guidarelli said. “It was a great event last year and we are looking forward to it.” 

Photo courtesy of Batavia Park District: Batavia's mascot Bruce the Spruce is hidden throughout four parks across Batavia.