Glencoe Park District > News and Events

This year marks the Glencoe Park District’s 100th Anniversary! In honor of this monumental occasion, we are hosting special events throughout the year celebrating the centennial theme. The first quarter events are listed on this page. Descriptions and dates of events in the latter part of the year will be posted as details are finalized.

A Brief History of Glencoe Park District

The Park District was incorporated on March 15, 1912. A group of Glencoe citizens headed by Oscar Foreman, William V. Jacobs, Fred D. Jackson, and Sherman M. Booth organized the movement to establish the district. Early settlers on the North Shore gravitated toward Glencoe’s thick forest on top of the high bluff, offering beautiful views of Lake Michigan. The Park District was created to conserve this natural beauty and promote the creation of parks, particularly east of the railroad tracks.

Each Park District facility - the Takiff Center, Watts Center, and Glencoe Beach - has undergone several major changes over the years. In 1928 the halfway house, approaches and beach house were built at Glencoe Beach. These beautiful stone structures still stand today as a reminder of Glencoe’s architectural history. Before Watts Center was constructed, flooded fields were used for outdoor skating. In 1972, the Park Board installed artificial rinks at Watts Center, which was built in 1958 to house community activities and the Park Board offices. As many Glencoe residents remember, a portion of the current Takiff Center was originally North School, which opened in 1928. The school closed in 1979 due to declining enrollment, but the facility remains active with children and adults alike as the Park District’s home base for recreational programs.

Right: Watts Center, date unknown
Center: Glencoe Beach, 1960s
Left: Friends Park, 1950s

Join us for special events throughout the year celebrating our 100th Anniversary! Events for the remainder of the year will be listed as soon as details have been finalized.

Leap in the Lake

Saturday, February 25 • 10:00-11:00 a.m. • Glencoe Beach

Find out how cold Lake Michigan gets during the winter at the Leap in the Lake! This new event challenges you to tough out the cold and wade into the chilly winter waters of Glencoe Beach. After a quick dip in the water, participants will step into warming areas for hot chocolate, coffee, and a visit with the Watts Center mascot, Wattson the Polar Bear. Back-up date: February 26

This event is a fundraiser for C.A.R.E., a scholarship fund for Glencoe residents in need of financial assistance. The event fee is $20 for ages 10-17 and $25 for age 18 and older. Support a great cause by sponsoring a friend to take the plunge, or raise money for your own dip into the water. Registrants will receive a welcome/sponsorship packet. All participants can show off their bravery when they receive an “I Survived the Leap in the Lake” sweatshirt!

Register online now using program #9390-3!

Click here for the Leap in the Lake C.A.R.E. Scholarship Form

Please Note:

Registrants must sign a high-risk waiver to participate.
Participants/observers must walk down the bluff to Glencoe Beach, as motorized shuttles cannot travel the course during the winter.
Emergency medical staff and a dive team will be on-site to assist participants if needed.
A warming tent and changing station will be available, however the Beach House will be closed and only portable washroom facilities will be open.

Arbor Day Celebration

Saturday, April 28 • starting at 10:00 a.m. • Veteran’s Memorial Park

Witness the unveiling of the Centennial Arboretum at Veteran’s Memorial Park, where a wide variety of trees will be identified and marked by our horticulturist. At this free event, a local tree expert will discuss North Shore Native American trails and plant a tree marker that will exist for generations! We are also giving away 100 seedlings and tree care materials. Participate in our Arbor Day Scavenger Hunt, in which you’ll have two weeks to identify trees located throughout Glencoe’s parks. All who complete the hunt will receive a prize!

C.A.R.E. Scholarship Fund

For 100 years, Glencoe Park District has made an effort to provide recreation programs to all community members, including those in need of financial support. In recognition and continuation of this effort, at many of our centennial events we will be accepting donations for the “Community Access to Recreation” Scholarship Fund (C.A.R.E.), or the event itself may be a fundraiser for the scholarship.

About C.A.R.E.

The Park District has established the C.A.R.E. Scholarship Fund to offset registration fees for community members who need financial assistance. This program enables eligible Glencoe Park District residents to benefit from Park District programs and activities regardless of financial status.

100% of your C.A.R.E. Scholarship contribution goes directly to the fund and helps provide outstanding parks and recreation opportunities. If you would like to make a donation to the fund, call the Takiff Center at (847) 835-3030 or stop by at 999 Green Bay Road. You may also make the donation at your next program registration by checking off the desired amount on your registration form.

Donations to the Scholarship Fund are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The Glencoe Park District is a unit of local government. Your donation qualifies as a charitable contribution under Internal Service Revenue Code Subsections 170 (a)(1) and 170 (c)(1).

Each month during the centennial year, the Park District Registration Office will be giving away fun prizes with the help of the organizations listed for each month below. Program registration is not necessary to participate. Just stop by the Takiff Center main office at 999 Green Bay Road and add your name and contact information to our drawing box!

January: Glencoe Park District Gift Certificate toward any non-contractual, non-billable enrichment program
February: prize from Quill Office Supplies
March: prize from Chicago Botanic Garden
April: prize from Entertainment Cruises
May: prize from Helen's Fitness and Yoga
June: prize from An Apple a Day Catering
July: prize from Chicago Cubs
August: prize from Adler Planetarium
September: prize from AMC Northbrook Court 14 Movie Theatres
October: prize from Glencoe Roast Coffee
November: prize from Sunset Foods
December: prize from The Grand Food Center

Thank you to our Centennial Sponsors!

Celebrating 100 Years of Fun!