Genoa Township Park District History
In 1940, Lila Chamberlain donated 6 acres located at Route 23 and Derby Line Rd to the City to the city to build a park. The City decided that was not the best location for a park and sold that property and with the proceeds bought 8 acres located where the current Chamberlain Park is located at 400 E. 2nd St. Over the next few years, the city purchased an additional 7 acres adjacent to the new 8 acres to make up Chamberlain Park. The Park District was formed in 1943 and the city donated the property to the Park District.
In 1967 the outdoor pool was built at Chamberlain Park for $125,000 with the help of a referendum passed by the residents. In 1996 the pool was rebuilt due the age and the deteriorating condition of the pool. The pool renovation cost $1.5 million and was partially funded through a $400,000 Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) OSLAD Grant. The renovated pool includes a new body water slide, diving well, pumps and filtration system, locker rooms, concession stand and other elements.
In 1998 the 45 acre Kiernan Park was built with a new playground, shelter, soccer fields, which the local AYSO started since they had there own fields, shelter, a nature walk path and other features. A little over half of Kiernan Park is wooded, or native prairie with a creek going though the property.
In 1999 a 7000 square foot addition was added on to the existing building. The building is used to house our pre-school and summer camp program, karate, and a wide variety of other programs. In 1999, we also built a Skate Park located at Chamberlain Park.
In 2004 we added a Bowl Water Slide to the existing pool. The slide is very unique and currently, are only 2 other similar slides in the state besides ours.
In 2006 Lions Park was built which was partially funded through a IDNR OSLAD Grant and a land donation from a local developer and the city. We were able to build a $450,000 park with playgrounds, walking path, open play area and other elements with no funding coming from the District or the taxpayers. The park is located in between two newer residential developments with a total of 600 homes and those residents now have a local park they can use.
In 2008, we worked out an intergovernmental agreement with the City to maintain 3 park sites in the new Riverbend Subdivision totaling over 500 homes.
In 2010, we were able to purchase another 13 acres adjacent to Chamberlain Park and apply for and received a $400,000 IDNR OSLAD Grant and built a $1.4 Million addition/renovation including 3 new baseball/softball fields, 3 new soccer fields, a mile long paved walk path, basketball court, shelters, 6 outdoor fitness stations, open play space and a new water splash pad that was incorporated into the existing pool.
In 2013, we opened a 14,000 square foot state of the art Fitness Center that we rent from the city and is located on the 2nd floor above then new Genoa City Hall/Police Department. The center has new cardio and strength equipment, indoor walking track, aerobics and spinning centers, locker rooms, massage therapy, and a kids zone center with a climbing center.
We just recently joined the DeKalb and Sycamore Park Districts to form the new Kishwaukee Special Recreation Association that provides recreational programs for individuals with disabilities and special needs.
We Currently also received a $65,000 IDNR OSLAD Grant to partially fund a new Skate park, sand volleyball, and build other features such as a pickleball court, bocce ball court and cement baggo court.