Activities for Everyone
There are plenty of opportunities for Flossmoor residents to enjoy leisure and recreation – whether it is a walk in the park, a specialty program or a round of golf.
The award-winning Homewood-Flossmoor Park District was incorporated in 1969 after a merger between the Homewood Park District and the Flossmoor Park District. It serves 30,000 residents in Homewood, Flossmoor and a small portion of Glenwood. H-F Park District owns 32 park sites and controls more than 365 acres of land. Its parks feature playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball/softball diamonds, soccer fields, sand volleyball courts, sledding hills, ice-skating rinks, walking trails and more.
H-F Park District also features parks designed for special interests. Extreme Scene Skate Park is set up especially for skateboarders. Rover’s Run Dog Park operates year-round and features a large fenced area for running and playing, a separate fenced-off training area, an owner-doggie drinking fountain and much more. Millennium Park is one of the District’s newest parks and features an outdoor water playground – a summer favorite for area children.
The Park District offers recreation programs for all ages and interests, regardless of ability. Each year, more than 40,000 people participate in the district’s 700+ programs and special events. Participants can choose from recreational programs and activities such as trips, arts and crafts, sports leagues, aerobics, gymnastics, adult learning, social activities and much more. The Park District also operates its own preschool program and lunch program for adults, 55 and older. In cooperation with the Homewood and Flossmoor public school districts, the Park District also operates before and after-school programs for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Many of the District’s early childhood/preschool programs are held at the Marie Irwin Community Center, located in Homewood. The Irwin Center is a hub of activity and features meeting rooms, arts and crafts rooms, billiards, preschool classrooms, an outdoor bandshell and more. The summer’s annual Starry Nights Concerts, which feature top-name entertainment, are held outdoors in the Irwin Park bandshell.
Whether you’re wobbly on the ice or a pro hockey player, H-F Ice Arena has programs for a wide range of interests, including figure skating and ice hockey. Renovated in 2001, the Ice Arena features main and studio ice rinks, conference/meeting facilities, locker rooms, a pro shop and more.
H-F Racquet & Fitness Club’s 110,000 square foot facility features a state-of-the-art fitness center, 10 indoor satin-turf tennis courts, racquetball, basketball, walking/jogging track, an indoor lap pool, child care facilities, a complete pro shop, fitness classes, massage therapy, conference rooms and more. The Club has been recognized annually as Chicago Southland’s best health and fitness club, and the United States Tennis Association named its tennis program #1 in the entire country.
Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center is a joint project of the Homewood-Flossmoor and Olympia Fields Park Districts. The 40-acre nature preserve is home to a diversity of wildlife and habitat types. Irons Oaks is dedicated to providing quality programs and professional development experiences in both environmental and adventure education. In addition, Irons Oaks has two beautiful buildings with rooms available for rent. Located at the intersection of Vollmer Road and Western Avenue, the park is open to the public seven days a week from dawn until dusk. All scheduled programs are designed to be hands-on learning experiences.
H-F Sports Complex at the James Hart/Millennium School Campus was built in 2002 by the Park District and School District #153. This cooperative facility is used for physical education classes during the school day. When school is dismissed and during summer break, the Park District uses the Sports Complex for after-school programs, sports leagues and more.
The Park District also operates two outdoor aquatic facilities. Lions Club Pool features a large main pool, a tot pool, a sand playground area, a waterslide and plunge pool, a grassy sunbathing area, shade umbrellas and concession stand. Swim lessons are available for infants and youths through 16 years, and specialty classes are available for adults. Dolphin Lake Pool is a regulation-size pool featuring a diving well, tot pool and shade umbrellas. Swim lessons are also available.
H-F Park District is one of the finest park districts in Illinois and has been recognized numerous times both nationally and statewide for its efforts. The District was recipient of the National Gold Medal Award in 1991 and an award finalist in 2005. H-F Park District also received the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association’s Distinguished Agency Award in 1998 and again in 2004.
The Village’s annual Flossmoor 5K gives participants the opportunity to run and walk through scenic Flossmoor neighborhoods. This Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) Registered Race is held on a USA Track and Field certified course, which is flat, fast shaded, and provides a wonderful event for all.
Following the race, participants and spectators can relax and socialize at Flossmoor Fest, a family-oriented festival with great food and entertainment. Family, friends and visitors can sample mouthwatering fare from a variety of Flossmoor’s best-loved restaurants, while local community groups offer snacks, ice cream and beverages throughout the event.
The festival begins with a parade that ends in Flossmoor’s downtown and is followed by performances by local and regionally renowned musicians. Attractions for children abound, including a rock-climbing wall, pony rides and a variety of games. And best of all, activities in the park are free for kids! To find out more about this year’s activities, visit www.flossmoor.org.
