In the early 1860s the Fidler family established their home on this site. From that time they have been the sole owners of this property. In 1995 the land was sold and subdivided for housing. Wanting to preserve some of the rich heritage of the site, the new owners of the land approached the Park District with a unique proposal. They were willing to preserve the farm buildings, which included the original home and barn built by the Fidlers, if the District would be willing to accept them as part of the developer's land donation obligations. The District readily accepted. Not only did the developer's donation include the land and buildings it also included a 23 acre parcel of reconstructed wetland. This area will play an integral part in outdoor education programs. In 2001 a large playground was installed as was a picnic shelter. In 2003 the district renovated the barn to a condition closer to original. Both of these amenities carry forward the "farm" theme of the site. No solid plans have been developed yet for the remainder of the property but the community can rest assured that careful consideration will be given to how this important part of Batavia's history will be developed.
Fidler Farm Park contains a natural wetland and connects to the Prairie Path Trail.
Explore one of Batavia’s favorites; Engstrom Park. In 1984 this park was developed using grant funds from the State of Illinois. The park is one of the ten community parks in the district and was named after the previous owners of the property. Engstrom Park is considered a family favorite because of the park that has something to accommodate all ages and abilities with an accessible swing. The park is also home to a baseball diamond, soccer field, basketball court, shelter, bathroom and a walk/jogging path.
Engstrom Park has the second largest picnic shelter. The picnic shelter is the perfect place to host a birthday party or family gathering. To reserve the shelter call the district office at 630-879-5235.
Coventry Hills Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy time outside. With 4.4 acres of land this park is a great place to throw around a frisbee or ball.
Clark Island Recreation Area is a unique combination of three islands in the Fox River as well as a large open area on the eastern bank of the river. The bridges that connect the islands join the east and west legs of the Fox River Bike Trail. The site is the home of Woodard Field, a major youth league baseball field located on the largest of the islands, as well as an 11,000-square-foot skate park. There are two parking lots that adjoin the bike trail providing good "Park and Pedal" access. A seasonal rest room facility also is provided at this site. Clark Island Recreation Area was renovated in 2025 in thanks to an Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space and Land Development Grant along with a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.
Carriage Crest Park is one of several owned by Batavia Park District and Geneva Park District. This site features a walking/jogging/biking path, two playground areas accommodating all ages and abilities. Carriage Crest has no parking, but it has two entrances with side street parking at both of them.
Braeburn Park and Preserve is a joint ownership project between Batavia Park District, Geneva Park District and the Kane County Preserve District. This project started in 2010. Braeburn is 50 acres with 5.5 acres being developed land while 44.5 acres is marsh and wetland. A raised walkway was developed to allow for visitors to access this interesting part of the park. Braeburn is home to a basketball court, playground, mini-shelter, and a pick-up baseball field.
Bennett Park was acquired in 2012 and is home to a bicycle path, picnic area, playground and shelter with grills. If interested in reserving the shelter, contact the district office at 630-879-5235.
Hall Quarry Beach is the perfect summer spot for an event or party. The former stone quarry is now home to a unique outdoor swimming facility featuring zero-depth water entry, slides and diving boards, picnic area and volleyball court. The sand-bottom swimming area covers 6,000 square feet. Rentals are available from Memorial Day weekend through early August. The Quarry is available for rent evenings on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The deck overlooking the Quarry is available for rent at $125 for three hours. Deck guests who are not season passholders must pay admission. Click here to learn more about Hall Quarry Beach.
The Lodge at Laurelwood is a cozy, historic facility nestled within beautiful Laurelwood Park along the Fox River and Fox River Trail. The park is a popular spot for fishing and relaxing, and The Lodge can be rented for events and meetings for up to 50 people. The Lodge has a patio overlooking the river, and features a kitchenette and indoor bathrooms.
The Batavia Depot Pond is apart of the Batavia Riverwalk. This pond is home to some of Batavia's favorite traditions, including ice skating and fishing!
The Depot Pond didn't always look the way it does now. At one time, the entire area, including the Batavia Depot Museum, Walgreens and McDonalds, was a channel of the Fox River. That's how Island Avenue got its name and the tradition of ice skating began.
Back in the 40s and 50s, skaters would stay warm by building fires in metal trash bins. It wasn't until the Batavia Depot Museum was moved to its current location on the Riverwalk that skaters had an official warming house. The basement of the Museum was used as a warming house from 1975 until 1990 when it was converted into exhibit space.
During the winter of 1957, an artist from Nebraska named John Falter was visiting his sister in the Fox Valley area. He came across skaters on the pond and decided to sketch it. He thought it was a whimsical scene and would fit in with his painting-style which was similar to Norman Rockwell. Falter completed a painting of his sketch and submitted it to the Saturday Evening Post, a widely popular magazine with a nationwide reach. In January 1958, the painting of skaters on the pond appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post and the original is on permanent display at the Depot Museum.
