As fall settles in, the District looks toward what comes next. We continue honoring our history as a District and celebrate life found throughout our parks, pools, programs, and gathering places over 70 years. We turn our attention to how the District continues to grow with care. If you have visited WildHawk Golf Club recently, you may have noticed something that does not announce itself loudly but makes a real difference: the course has been improving. You can see it in the greens, fairways, and the work happening before golfers arrive. That care is visible during a golf round. Some is less visible, through practices that strengthen the turf and reduce disruption of play on the course. This is careful, dedicated work, driven by our team’s commitment to maintaining a space our community values. That steady improvement is happening across Southgate Recreation & Park District.
We have been adding electric vehicles, solar panels, Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers, electric mowers, and battery-powered hand tools into everyday operations. These changes reduce fuel use, lower emissions, reduce noise in parks and public spaces, and create healthier working conditions for staff and community. We are grateful this work has received environmental excellence award recognition, but its greatest value is found in the daily benefit for the people and places we serve.
Growing Forward is also about the traditions that bring neighbors together. This fall and winter, families can look forward to Pups in the Park, Pictures in the Park, the Fall Community Yard Sale, Splashing Pumpkins, E-Waste Collection, Halloween Carnival & Haunted House, Evening with Santa, and Letters from Santa. These familiar moments give the season its warmth and create memories close to home.
You will also read about park projects, accessibility improvements, trail connections, WildHawk upgrades, and refreshed spaces being shaped for everyday use. Each project may look different, but the goal is the same: to make our parks, facilities, programs and open spaces more welcoming, useful, and lasting.
For 70 years, the District has grown with the community. As we look ahead, our responsibility is to keep Growing Forward being thoughtful, welcoming to all, prioritizing the health and safety of our residents and staff while rooted in the needs of the people who call our community home. We invite you to Grow Forward with us this fall season. 🐊
Ward Winchell, General Manager
Southgate Recreation & Park District
