Parks and Recreation

The landscape of Batavia and its proximity to the Fox River provide the foundation for an array of parks and recreation activities for residents and visitors alike.

When the Batavia Park District was created in 1969, it operated for 18 months without tax funding, owned no park land, and offered just a handful of recreational programs. Today, the Park District has a budget of $3.5 million, manages over 350 acres of park land and serves about 100,000 patrons annually. It is an important contributor to the community’s social, recreational and economic life.

With a full range of recreation equipment, including playgrounds and tot lots, basketball and tennis courts, picnic tables and pavilions, softball and soccer fields, jogging and bike trails, ice rink and cross-country ski trails and swimming and fishing – there’s no shortage of activities!

Hall Quarry Beach is an award-winning swimming facility. Formerly a stone quarry, the beach was renovated and features a sand bottom swimming area with concrete “islands,” slides and a diving area.

Clark Island Park is located in the center of the city. Connected by a pedestrian suspension bridge, the islands are the site for Batavia MainStreet’s popular Shakespeare on Clark.

The Eastside Community Center provides programs for active teens as well as older adults.

The Riverwalk is the “jewel” within the Batavia Park District. Located on a 12-acre peninsula adjacent to the Depot Museum complex, the Riverwalk is surrounded by water. It was created over a 10-year period through the cooperative efforts of the Park District, the City of Batavia and a dedicated group of community volunteers.

For residents with disabilities, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in parks and recreation programs through the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association (F.V.S.R.A.).