Our Story

The Batavia Park District was established through a voter referendum. In its early days, it operated for 18 months without tax funding, owned no parkland, and offered only a handful of recreational programs.

The home of local history since 1975, the Batavia Depot Museum is your bridge to the rich stories of Batavia's past. Our research, exhibits and programs connect visitors to the people of this place: hunters of 10,000 B.C., 16-year-old-teachers, industrial magnates, freedom seekers, rocket scientists and, most importantly, each other. Features include: Seven permanent exhibits about Batavia's beginnings and legacy Two rotating gallery spaces with seasonal exhibits Gift shop with apparel, decor, books & more Archives & library located in The "Gus"-tafson Research Center Historic Outbuildings: 1907 Caboose, Coffin Bank & Gazebo

Hall Quarry Beach is an award-winning facility of the Batavia Park District! Hall Quarry Beach occupies a former stone quarry now owned by the Batavia Park District. It has been used as a swimming facility since 1920. The story began over 150 years ago in 1842, when a limestone quarry was opened on the west end of town and Batavia received the name “Rock City.” By 1860, nine quarries were in operation, and one of these quarries sat on an acre of property along the Fox River. More than 150 men mined limestone from the quarry until it was so deep and wide that water began permeating up through the floor of the site. Soon enough, six ponds were formed that fondly were known as “old swimming holes.” By 1920, the Quarry was purchased by Frederick Beach. Beach donated the Quarry to Batavia Township, and they converted the six ponds into one swimming area. This area was named the Frederick H. Beach Park and Pool. Fast forward to 1969, when the Batavia Park District formed and the property was then transferred to the Park District and later renamed. Today Hall Quarry Beach features a sand-bottom swimming area covering 60,000 square feet, which includes islands, slides, and a diving area. There is a playground and plenty of picnic tables, as well. Come visit the beach that Batavia built!.

New Horizons Preschool is a program of the Batavia Park District that was founded in 1996 to provide young children with the skills and experiences that will help them thrive in Kindergarten and beyond. New Horizons offers a unique experience of providing an opportunity for social and emotional growth through a play-based experience. Building-self esteem and confidence is the base of our curriculum, allowing the children to be successful. This curriculum sets us apart from other area preschools. A typical day may include dress-up, reading books, science experiments, building fun objects, puzzles and crafts and music, plus play time outside on our own playground or indoors in our own gym. Students benefit from these experiences because they gain skills in socialization, fine and large motor skills, as well as cognitive development, plus they have fun while doing it. We nurture independent, creative thinkers.

The newest recreation and social spaced opened in August of 2025 and offers a great space for all to gather and learn. This facility also houses the Batavia Depot Museum collections annex, New Adventures PlayLab STEAM Enrichment program, and expanded programming space.