Welcome to the Park Madness Tournament! Thirty-two parks from Batavia Park District are stepping up to the challenge to see which one will be crowned the winner. The parks were seeded by Batavia Park District staff, and now it's time for you to help decide who will come out on top!
n December 17, 2024, during the regularly scheduled Batavia Park Board of Commissioners Meeting, Williams Architects presented the Park Board and Staff with an innovative conceptual master plan aimed at preserving and transforming the beloved Harold Hall Quarry Beach. This multi-generational, year-round facility plan was developed through a year-and-a-half planning process that began in 2023. The plan analyzes the current structures, explores new programming opportunities, and incorporates valuable stakeholder input.
Enjoy fun fall family time at S'mores & More Oct. 4
Tue September 30, 2025
There are three things you need for a perfect fall day: hotdogs, hayrides and S’mores! The family favorite Batavia Park District event S’mores & More returns on Oct. 4 at West Main Community Park. The event runs from noon to 2:30 p.m. and is packed with festive fall activities.
Wagon rides through the park’s fall foliage start at noon and will run throughout the event. Families will also enjoy a creative fall craft, pumpkin decorating, face painting, a bounce house and a make-your-own-scarecrow craft. A hot dog lunch and popcorn snack will be provided in addition to everyone’s favorite: DIY s’mores for dessert.
Tickets are $18 per person and all attending must have a ticket. Purchase tickets at bataviaparks.org by Oct. 3.
This beloved event brings families back year after year to enjoy an afternoon in the park and a variety of activities for kids of all ages.
“My favorite part was watching my son’s face light up with excitement as he tried all the activities,” said Katie Klett of the 2024 event. “I loved the mix of family fun and the relaxed, outdoorsy atmosphere—it felt like such a special way to spend the day together.”
“We are excited to bring the scarecrow craft back because it was so popular last year,” said Elisha Sharp, event chair. “It’s a great opportunity for families to recycle their old clothes and hats and decorate their own scarecrows to take home.”
S’mores & More is the perfect opportunity for families to take a break and spend the day together.
“It’s the perfect combination of family-friendly activities, a beautiful outdoor setting, and the chance to slow down and enjoy time together,” Klett said. “The variety of things to do—wagon rides, games, s’mores, crafts—makes it fun for kids of all ages, and it really brings families closer.”
Sat November 22, 2025
Santa Claus is coming to Batavia’s Peg Bond Center on Nov. 30 to light the large community tree and visit with children as the community gathers to kick off the holiday season with music, lights and festivities.
Presented by the Batavia Park District and T-Fiber, this free event celebrates the magic of the season with festive and fun holiday activities, song and ceremony, culminating in Santa’s arrival and a welcome by Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke and Park District Executive Director Allison Niemela, followed by the ceremonial tree lighting.
"This festival is a reminder that the simple moments like singing carols, creating holiday crafts, enjoying a wagon ride, visiting Santa and his reindeer and watching the trees come to life are often the ones that bring us together in the most meaningful ways,” Niemela said. “This is where our hometown spirit shines brightest. It's pure Batavia magic.”
From 5 to 7 p.m., make merry with hayrides, a family photo opportunity, a performance by the Batavia Community Band, a peek at live reindeer, a seasonal exhibit at the Batavia Depot Museum, a stroll on Christmas Tree Lane and a holiday craft activity at Callahan Community Center. Festive drinks will be available for purchase.
Explore the colorful lights and festive decorations along Christmas Tree Lane, a stretch of Riverwalk path featuring trees decorated by 35 community organizations and businesses. All decorated trees will be entered into a contest and eligible to win a prize in one of three categories: Most Original Theme, Best Holiday Spirit and People's Choice. Everyone can vote for the People’s Choice winner via the Batavia Park District’s Facebook page from noon on Nov. 25 to noon on Nov. 29.
"Celebration of Lights is my family’s official, cherished annual tradition that kicks off our entire holiday season with a burst of excitement,” said Jen DeCarlo. “Our boys eagerly anticipate the array of festive activities, especially the pride of seeing their AGS Pack 103 Cub Scout tree, which was beautifully decorated last year by the Tiger Den.”
To prepare for Santa’s arrival, Craig Foltos of Foltos Tonsorial Parlor will lead a community sing-along at 5:15 p.m., encouraging all to enjoy singing a few beloved holiday tunes such as “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m., just in time for the ceremonial tree lighting.
At 5:45 p.m., the Peg Bond Center becomes Santa’s Warming House, open for visits and photos with jolly ol’ St. Nick.
Across the Depot Pond, the Batavia Depot Museum will host “Holiday Cheer,” an exhibit featuring local holiday traditions, and a story time in the lower-level Gustafson Research Center presented by the Batavia Public Library from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Special guest readers will share their favorite holiday tales. Enter the research center from the lower-level doors off Depot Pond for story time.
Story readers will be Megan Newman, Batavia Mothers' Club, at 5:50 p.m.; Batavia Fire Chief Craig Hanson at 5:55 p.m.; Kathryn Hubbard, Batavia Public Library, at 6 p.m.; Batavia Police Officer John Kahl at 6:05 p.m.; Kate Garrett, Batavia Depot Museum, at 6:10 p.m.; Allison Niemela, Batavia Park District, 6:15 p.m.; and Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke and his wife Linda at 6:20 p.m.
Head to Callahan Community Center for fun holiday craft activities and games for kids. Make and take home a snowman magnet and Christmas tree ornament. Or try your hand at a candy cane ring-toss and ball tossing game.
“From the hot cocoa to the hay wagon ride through the dazzling Christmas tree lane to the sheer thrill of encountering the live reindeer, every moment is special,” DeCarlo said. “The most exciting moments for all of us is joining the community to watch the spectacular tree lighting and waiting for Santa’s arrival—it truly is a perfect, spirited moment that embodies the magic of the holidays."
Celebration of Lights is presented by T-Fiber and sponsored by Bree’s Beverage Bar, Elite Remodeling Group, Garrett Popcorn, Goldfish Swim School, City of Batavia, New Adventures PlayLab and Batavia Depot Museum.
