Saint Charles Park District

What Saint Charles Park District does

St. Charles Park District is an Illinois special park district organized under state law as a unit of local government, serving the residents of St. Charles, Kane County, Illinois. The district operates 1,450 acres of open space across 23+ parks and 12+ named facilities, including Otter Cove Aquatic Park, Swanson Pool, Pottawatomie Golf Course, River View Miniature Golf, Norris Recreation Center, Sportsplex, Baker Community Center, Pottawatomie Community Center, Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, Primrose Farm, Paddlewheel Riverboats, and the STC Underground Teen Center. It maintains 415+ acres of managed natural areas, including the Old Growth Forest Network-designated Norris Woods (76 acres) and 20+ miles of trails connecting to regional paths along the Fox River and Great Western Trail.

The district serves six primary customer segments — children and families, teens and tweens, general adults, seniors (50+), individuals with special needs, and the community at large — through programs spanning preschool and before/after school care, swim instruction and competitive teams, youth and adult sports leagues, dance academy, fitness classes, nature education (including the Acorns to Oaks nature-based preschool), golf, miniature golf, paddlewheel riverboat cruises, and cultural programs such as the 20-year-old Sculpture in the Park. Primary revenue derives from property taxes levied on district parcels, supplemented by usage-based program fees, facility rentals and admissions, subscription memberships at Norris Recreation Center, and periodic Illinois state capital grants (OSLAD, Illinois Public Museum Capital Grant). Distribution runs through the Active Network online registration platform, walk-in registration at community centers, school-based programming at District 303 elementary schools, and free direct-access amenities.

Operating technology is non-proprietary, built on the Active Network registration platform (apm.activecommunities.com) and Microsoft SharePoint for staff operations. Key partnerships include the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (founding member since 1976), School District 303, St. Charles Park Foundation, Hot Shot Sports (youth sports delivery), St. Charles Aquatic Swim School, Kale Training, Smith Physical Therapy, The Nature Conservancy, and ComEd/Openlands for environmental grants. The entity holds Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency status (IAPD/IPRA), ArbNet Level II Arboretum accreditation (Mt. St. Mary Park), Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status (Pottawatomie Golf Course, since 1997), and Old Growth Forest Network membership (Norris Woods, inducted 2024).

Name

Saint Charles Park District

Legal name

St. Charles Park District

Website

https://stcparks.org

Company type

Public

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

St. Charles Park District is an Illinois municipal special park district serving St. Charles residents through 1,450 acres of parks, recreation facilities, aquatic centers, golf courses, nature education, preschool, and community programs, funded primarily by property taxes and program fees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Parks and Recreation Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940)

akta.pro primary industry

Parks, Gardens & Botanical Attractions (THAJACAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Multi-Sport Complexes & Community Sports Parks (MPAKAEAH)

Keywords

• Parks and recreation services
• Community recreation programs
• Public parks management
• Aquatic facilities services
• Youth sports programming

Headquarters

HQ city

St. Charles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Recreation Program Fees: Fees charged for structured programs including youth sports camps, swim lessons, dance academy, preschool, before/after school care, and special interest classes. Revenue is fee-for-service based on per-program enrollment.
2. Facility Rental & Admission Fees: Revenue from facility rentals (pavilions, indoor facilities, riverboat charters) and admission fees at aquatic facilities (Otter Cove Aquatic Park, Swanson Pool), golf courses (Pottawatomie Golf Course), and miniature golf (River View Miniature Golf).
3. Government Grants (OSLAD): Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants providing capital funding for park improvements and new amenities. District received $600,000 for Primrose Farm Park (2023) and $600,000 for East Side Sports Complex (2024).
4. Property Tax Revenue: As an Illinois park district, primary operating revenue is derived from property taxes levied on residential and commercial properties within district boundaries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Saint Charles Park District is a municipal park district that operates more than 23 parks across roughly 1,450 acres of open space in St. Charles, Illinois, alongside a portfolio of aquatic, golf, recreation, fitness, nature, cultural, and teen-focused facilities. It delivers year-round recreation programming, including preschool, before- and after-school care, summer camps, swim lessons, dance academy, sports leagues, fitness programs, senior activities, and community events for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.

Product overview

The St. Charles Park District operates as a multi-facility parks and recreation system managing approximately 1,450 acres across numerous parks and facilities. The organization offers a diverse portfolio of facilities including aquatic centers (Otter Cove Aquatic Park, Swanson Pool), golf courses (Pottawatomie Golf Course, River View Miniature Golf), recreation centers (Norris Recreation Center, Sportsplex, Baker Community Center, Pottawatomie Community Center), nature education (Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, Primrose Farm), special venues (Paddlewheel Riverboats, STC Underground Teen Center), and outdoor amenities. Core programs span youth development (preschool, before/after school care, summer camps, youth sports), aquatic programming (swim lessons, swim teams), fitness and wellness (fitness classes, indoor rowing, adult activities), arts and culture (Sculpture in the Park, Summer Concerts, Dance Academy), and nature-based recreation (disc golf, dog parks, trails spanning 20+ miles). The district serves as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency and partners with organizations including Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, Hot Shot Sports, St. Charles Aquatic Swim School, and Smith Physical Therapy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• STC Underground Teen Center: A teen center operated by the St. Charles Park District offering programs and activities for youth ages 11-19, celebrating 25 years of service in 2025.
• Hickory Knolls Discovery Center
• Otter Cove Aquatic Park
• Swanson Pool
• Norris Recreation Center
• Baker Community Center
• Pottawatomie Community Center
• Sportsplex
• Pottawatomie Golf Course
• River View Miniature Golf Course
• Primrose Farm
• Adult Activity Center
• Paddlewheel Riverboats
• The Buzz

Products and services

• Otter Cove Aquatic Park Aquatic park providing water-based recreational experiences, including pools, slides, and related amenities for families and visitors of all ages.
• Swanson Pool Public swimming pool offering lap swim, open swim, and aquatic programming for residents and visitors.
• Pottawatomie Golf Course Public golf course offering tee times, leagues, and golf programming for players in the St. Charles area.
• River View Miniature Golf Course Miniature golf facility providing casual, family-friendly golf entertainment along the Fox River.
• Norris Recreation Center Indoor recreation center offering fitness, programming, and community recreation services.
• Haines Gymnasium Indoor gymnasium hosting sports, classes, and recreation programming for residents and community groups.
• Sportsplex Multi-sport athletics complex supporting leagues, tournaments, training, and athletic programming.
• Baker Community Center Community center providing meeting space, programs, and recreation services for local residents.
• Pottawatomie Community Center Community center offering recreation, programming, and gathering space for residents and visitors.
• Adult Activity Center Facility dedicated to recreation, social, and wellness programming for adults aged 50 and older.
• Hickory Knolls Discovery Center Nature education center offering hands-on environmental and wildlife programs for families, school groups, and visitors.
• Primrose Farm Historic working farm offering farm-based educational programs, seasonal events, and outdoor learning experiences.
• Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruises Ticketed paddlewheel riverboat excursions on the Fox River, offering scenic and themed cruises for residents and visitors.
• STC Underground Teen Center Dedicated teen center providing supervised recreational, social, and program offerings for middle- and high-school-aged youth.
• St. Charles Preschool Early-childhood preschool program for ages 2–5, delivered at district facilities and focused on school readiness.
• Before & After School Programs Before- and after-school care programs delivered at school sites, providing supervised recreation and enrichment for elementary-age children.
• Summer Camps Seasonal summer camp programs offering recreational, nature, sports, and enrichment activities for youth.
• Dance Academy Dance instruction academy offering classes and performance programming for participants of various ages and skill levels.
• Swim Lessons Group and private swim instruction offered across district aquatic facilities for children and adults.
• Summer Concerts Seasonal outdoor concert series presenting live music performances for community members and visitors.
• Sculpture in the Park Juried outdoor sculpture exhibition showcasing artists' works within a district park setting.
• Disc Golf Course Public disc golf course offering free or low-cost disc golf play within a district park.
• Dog Parks Designated off-leash dog park areas offering pet exercise and socialization space within district parks.

Quantifiable outcome

• OSLAD grant awards of $600,000 (Primrose Farm Park 2023), $600,000 (East Side Sports Complex 2024), and $750,000 (Primrose Farm Agricultural Lab) demonstrate successful grant acquisition.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• St. Charles Community Unit School District 303coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Long-standing partnership covering shared-use of playgrounds and Haines Gymnasium, Before the Bell and Baker Station before/after school care programs at district elementary schools (Bell Graham, Davis, Ferson Creek, Munhall), and collaborative park planning. School day start time changes (e.g., 9:05 a.m. for elementary students) directly affect Park District programming.
• St. Charles Park FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Supporting philanthropic arm of the park district; administers CARS Donation Program, Dog Memorial (Timeless Tags at Delnor Woods Park), memorial programs for benches, trees, and pavers, and Financial Aid Program for residents needing scholarship assistance to participate in district programs.
• Colonial CafeminorOthers · 1 January 2024Provides pancake and bacon breakfast with real maple syrup for the Maple Magic program at Delnor Woods Park, a family-friendly introduction to maple sugaring offered by the district's nature programs team.
• Wild Ones Greater Kane County ChapterminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Organization promoting the use of native plants in landscaping, gardening, nature-scaping, and land restoration. St. Charles Park District staff recommend homeowners work with this organization for native plant landscaping advice as part of oak tree preservation and native habitat restoration efforts.
• The Garden PlateminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Geneva-based culinary partner collaborating with St. Charles Park District on a new cooking series at Primrose Farm. The Garden Plate Cooking Series is designed for kids ages 3 and up, combining farm-fresh meals, quality family time, and skill-building.
• Active NetworkcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Provides the online registration and program management platform (apm.activecommunities.com/stcparks) used by the district for all activity registration, membership management, and event sign-ups. Powers the district's digital commerce and participant management.
• Get Hooked IllinoisminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Provides fishing classes and clinics for all ages; partners with local park districts and forest preserves. Teaching classes through St. Charles Park District as part of the district's outdoor recreation programming at fishing ponds and along the Fox River.
• Smith Physical Therapy (Sportsplex)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2023Opened a clinic on the second floor of the Sportsplex facility in 2023. Founded seven years ago in Crystal Lake; specializes in orthopedic care, dance medicine, and running rehabilitation. Plans to collaborate with district on races and co-host programs including an athlete recovery workshop.
• Forest Preserve District of Kane CountyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Co-hosts the annual Rusty Rodeo event with St. Charles Park District, Fox Valley Park District, and Friends of the Fox River. Event focuses on removing invasive rusty crayfish from the Fox River to protect native habitat.
• Fox Valley Park DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Co-hosts the annual Rusty Rodeo event along with Forest Preserve District of Kane County and Friends of the Fox River, focused on environmental restoration of the Fox River ecosystem.
• Friends of the Fox RiverminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partners on the Rusty Rodeo — an annual event held in cooperation with Forest Preserve District of Kane County and Fox Valley Park District to remove invasive rusty crayfish from the Fox River.
• Hot Shot SportsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2023Chicago-based youth sports programming partner operating in 80+ park districts in northern Illinois. Instructors lead Pee Wee Flag Football, Basketball 101, Junior Flag Football, Soccer 101, and multi-sport camps for ages 3-12 at St. Charles Park District facilities (primarily Timber Trails Park/Sportsplex area).
• St. Charles Aquatic Swim SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership of more than seven years providing swim instruction with small group lessons (4:1 ratio), introduction to diving and water polo, swim fitness, and competitive swim team (STC Aquatics, Otters summer team). Manages year-round swim programming at Norris Recreation Center.
• The Nature ConservancymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Acquired Norris Woods land in 1970 and deeded it to the Park District and City, ensuring long-term conservation. This transaction established the foundation for Norris Woods becoming an Illinois State Nature Preserve and its current Old Growth Forest Network membership.
• Kale Training (Sportsplex)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2010Sports performance training tenant at Sportsplex for 13+ years. Owner Kale Hoyt is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with 20+ years experience; specializes in speed, agility, power, and quickness training for athletes ages 7 to 70. Collaborates with district on programming.
• Downtown St. Charles Partnership (formerly Public Art Committee)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006Originated the Sculpture in the Park initiative in 2006 as the Public Art Committee with the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, aiming to create an art exhibit drawing visitors to the downtown business district. Committee members continue to select entries through blind submission process each year.
• Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (FVSRA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1976Founding member since 1976; partnership provides inclusive recreation programs for individuals with special needs across the Fox Valley region, from children to adults. As a founding member, the district helps set programming standards and shares resources with member park districts.

Scale indicators22 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/STCParkDistrict
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/StCharlesParkDist
• Facebookfacebook.com/stcharlesparkdistrict
• Instagraminstagram.com/stcparks
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/st-charles-park-district

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Saint Charles Park District