Named for a prominent early Batavia industrialist, this is the district's newest neighborhood park. Aided by a very active neighborhood group the design for this park features a very exciting playground and picnic shelter. Ample landscape beds as well as a large number of new trees complement a beautiful stand of evergreens left over from the days that this site was part of an extensive nursery farm.
Laurelwood Park was once part of a much larger private park owned by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. The railroad operated the original Laurelwood during the early years of the 20th century. Presently, it is home to The Lodge at Laurelwood (formerly the Batavia Boat Club). This facility has a multi-purpose room with a kitchenette as well as restrooms. The Lodge is used by the District for programs as well as by affiliated and not-for-profit groups for their meetings. With its ample parking the site provides a good opportunity to "park and pedal" on the Fox River Bike Trail that runs through the park. Also featured at this site is a boat launch that provides access to the Fox River.
Although this park is located in the Village of North Aurora, this neighborhood park is in the new southwest portion of our park district. A very active neighborhood group aided in the design of this park space. Because of the input of the neighborhood group, the playground at this site is one of the most ADA accessible in the district. The playground features slides, musical instruments, accessible swings and climbing structures.
Acquired through a developer donation, this 30-acre property is one of the most biologically diverse parks in our system. Aided by a $300,000 grant, significant development was undertaken on this property. This is the first "program-driven," community-sized park in the District system. This means that this park does not have formal athletic field areas; rather it has been designed to support a wide variety of recreational program areas. The park is home to a playground featuring slides, monkey bars, climbing structures and accessible swings. As with all of our community-size parks, the Hawk's Bluff Park has large picnic shelters available for rent by District residents. Call 630-879-5235 for rental information.
Hamlet is a perfect example of one of the district's mini-parks. Originally an unusable sliver of property it was one of the areas received from the city when the district was formed in 1969. In 2021 all new play equipment was installed to renovate the space. This has provided for a nice array of active and passive activities for the neighborhood residents.
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.
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.
