Batavia Parks Foundation
Since 2005, the Batavia Parks Foundation has raised over $500,000 to support meaningful, community-enhancing projects throughout the Batavia Park District. As a volunteer-led organization, we work in close partnership with the Park District to identify and fund initiatives that enrich public spaces, promote wellness, and foster connection without relying on tax dollars. Every project we support is 100% funded through community donations, reflecting the generosity and spirit of Batavia residents. We are committed to serving residents of all ages and backgrounds and making Batavia a more vibrant place to live, work, and play.
The Batavia Parks Foundation is a nonprofit 501(C)3 organization that supports and develops open spaces, recreational projects and intergenerational play in our community.
Batavia Parks Foundation Board Members
- Katie O’Brien, President
- Lindsey Redmon, Vice President
- Lindsey Williams, Treasurer
- Jamie Lesk, Secretary
- Amy Ogden, Director
- Stan Oke, Director
- Nisreen Wakileh, Director
- Nikki Kazadi, Director
- Blaine Hinz, Director
- Jake Wolfe, Director
Mission
To foster recreation and open space initiatives that enhance residents’ quality of life.
Visit www.facebook.com/bataviaparksfoundation for more information!
Interested in becoming a Parks Foundation board member? Submit an application
and share your experience and skills by contributing to this organization!
Get involved in the community
There are many ways to participate with the Foundation.
Donate
Donate
Find us Venmo @bataviaparksfoundation or mail a check to 327 W. Wilson, Batavia, IL 60510 C.O. Parks Foundation
Volunteer
Become a Friend of the Park and help us keep Batavia beautiful.
Attend a Batavia Parks Foundation event, find us in the Fun Guide and follow us on social media to find more opportunities to volunteer.
Order merchandise (coming soon)
100% of the proceeds from all sales goes back to the foundation to support Foundation projects.
The site will be available in spring 2026.
Pedal, Park, Play! The new park initative beginning in 2026.
We’re kickstarting a community-wide effort to add bike racks to Batavia’s parks. Many parks still don’t have a place to safely park your wheels but we’re changing that, one rack at a time.
With the new bike path ramp and Clark Island Skate Park, there’s never been a better moment to showcase Batavia as a bike-friendly community!
We’re funding the first installations and raising money to keep the momentum going. Big or small, we appreciate your support to help bring more racks and more riders into our parks!
Funded projects
Space Net
The Batavia Parks Foundation funded the return of the Engstrom Family Park Space Net, which is enjoyed by thousands of kids.
Batavia Riverwalk & Peg Bond Center
The Batavia Riverwalk and Peg Bond Performing Arts Pavilion were planned and funded by the Batavia Parks Foundation and constructed primarily by volunteers.
Batavia Riverwalk Boardwalk Project
Volunteers completed the Batavia Riverwalk Boardwalk Project in 2014 with $150,000 from the Batavia Parks Foundation.
Bulldogs Unleashed
The return of the successful, fun-filled public art event, Bulldogs Unleashed, in 2018 raised $22,962 for each of the three founding organizations, including the Batavia Parks Foundation, Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence and the Batavia Library Foundation.
Engstrom Park Ballfield
In 2019, the Foundation funded the application of a new, high-quality ballfield lime material that will allow wet condition playtime.
PEACE ON EARTH projects
- PEACE ON EARTH 12’ permanent letters on the Peace Bridge (November 2023)
- Wilson Street Bridge Selfie Station (May 2024)
- Batavia Peace Garden (September 2024)
Foundation activities
Contact Us
Interested in learning more or have a question? Please feel free to contact us by filling out the form.