Parks

The Downers Grove Park District Golf Course is the site of the nations first 18 hole course, founded in 1892. The 18 hole course was reduced to nine holes in the late 1890's and the current course offers scenic views with mature trees, rolling hills and water on seven of the nine holes. The course is perfect for the golfer who doesn't have four hours to play or wants to play a round before or after work and provides the perfect setting for the Downers Grove Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Last Swing, Board of Directors' Invitational.

Lyman Woods and Belmont Prairie are two natural areas totaling 175 acres. Several educational programs are offered at both areas which are well attended by residents, local schools and other private educational institutions in the area. Visitors can stop in the interpretive center to view the exhibits or check out a T.I.M.B.E.R. pack for a self-guided journey of Lyman Woods to learn about plants, animals and insects native to the region.

The Recreation and Fitness Center is a 69,000 square foot facility that offers a full service fitness center. The center's multi-purpose rooms accommodate up to 120 guests and is perfect for receptions, graduations and business meetings. An on-site caterer will customize your event for a night family and friends are sure to remember.

The Lincoln Community Center, once the historic Lincoln School building, houses the District's early childhood programs, dance classes, birthday parties, a ceramic/art studio, active adult center, recreation offices and a variety of rooms available for rent. An auditorium with a theatrical stage is also located in this building along with a full service kitchen.

The Downers Grove Park District Museum is a unique part of the Park District located in Wandsheider Park. Situated on the museum campus is the 1892 Blodgett House, the 1846 Blodgett house and the annex building. The 1892 Blodgett House replicates a home in Downers Grove during the Victorian era housing historical objects from that time period and the annex building is the home of museum exhibitions. The 1846 Blodgett House was recently relocated to the campus and is currently undergoing restoration in cooperation with the Downers Grove Heritage Preservation Corporation.

The Park District hosts a multitude of special events each year including the CARA circuit 5 & 10 Miler race, Hogwarts Express, Summer Splash, Flea Market, Fishing Derby, Road Rally, Trick or Trot, Firefly Night Golf and a 10-week Summer Concert Series. Their special events appeal to all age groups ... and not just humans either! Dogs will love the Woofhoefer dog park event each April. SEASPAR, the South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation, is an extension of Downers Grove and ten neighboring communities whose commitment is to provide comprehensive recreation opportunities for residents with disabilities. Offices are housed in the Recreation Center building and programs are available to children as young as three years old, senior citizens, and everyone in between.