Information
Landmark: Waukegan Greg Petry SportsParkCity: Waukegan
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Waukegan Greg Petry SportsPark, Waukegan, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
You’ll find it at 3391 W., right past the corner where the red mailbox leans.On Beach Road in Waukegan, Illinois, the Greg Petry SportsPark sprawls across roughly 135 acres, built to offer top-notch fields and courts for athletes chasing both casual games and fierce competition.It’s named for Greg Petry, a well-regarded local leader who championed youth sports and worked tirelessly to strengthen the community-often seen cheering from the sidelines in a worn baseball cap.The Waukegan Park District runs the park, a sprawling, brightly lit sports complex that ranks among the biggest and most up-to-date in the area.The facility puts sustainability front and center, blending native plants and eco-friendly systems with state-of-the-art sports amenities-sunlight glints off solar panels beside the running track.Facilities and amenities, like a shaded bench by the garden path.The SportsPark boasts 14 soccer fields, one of them a championship-grade synthetic turf where the grass looks perfectly green even after a downpour.This turf field is built to last and handle intense action, perfect for competitive games, big tournaments, and packed events where the crowd’s roar echoes across the sidelines.The last stretch of grass hosts practices, league matches, and pickup games for players of all ages and abilities, from kids chasing a ball to seasoned teams running drills.Two.Four softball fields are ready for play, each lit brightly enough for evening games and weekend tournaments under the glow of tall floodlights.The fields stay in top shape, with bright lights, sturdy dugouts, crisp scoreboards, and plenty of seating for fans, all set to host competitive softball games and events.Number three.Playground and Splashpad: This eco-themed play area invites kids to climb, splash, and discover nature-inspired features, from leafy tunnels to wooden balance beams.On hot afternoons, the splashpad sends arcs of cool water into the air, giving everyone a playful way to beat the heat and making the park welcoming for all ages.Number four.The park offers about four miles of walking and jogging paths that twist through shady groves and quiet, scenic spots.These trails invite you to move-whether it’s a quick stroll past pine-scented air or a long run that leaves your heartbeat strong-bringing fitness, fresh air, and a deeper bond with the outdoors to casual walkers and dedicated runners alike.Five.Native Landscaping and Environmental Design: The park weaves over 16 acres of native plants, rain gardens, and winding bioswales into its layout, where tall prairie grasses sway in the breeze.These features keep stormwater in check, give wildlife a safe place to thrive, and add a lush, green charm to the park.Sustainable practices cut environmental harm and make visits more enjoyable, creating a healthier ecosystem where clear streams and green trails thrive.Number six.The park offers clean, well-kept restrooms and lively concession stands, so guests can stay comfortable and grab a snack during events.There’s plenty of parking, thanks to a sprawling lot with 685 spaces-enough to stretch past the row of maple trees by the entrance.On weekends and during special events, there’s a $5 parking fee-just enough to help keep the grounds clean and everything running smoothly.At the SportsPark, the energy never stops-it’s the go-to spot for organized sports, neighborhood leagues, and big tournaments, from the crack of a bat in adult softball to coed games running through spring, summer, and fall.Youth soccer and softball programs give kids and teens a chance to build skills, learn teamwork, and practice good sportsmanship, whether they’re chasing a ball in a lively league game or sharpening techniques in a hands‑on clinic.The complex hosts major regional and national tournaments, bringing in teams from all over and filling nearby hotels and cafés, which gives a welcome boost to tourism and pulls the community together.When there’s no league or tournament on the calendar, the fields and trails are open for anyone to enjoy-whether it’s a jog past the pine trees or a casual game with friends.We’re open every day from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, perfect for catching the cool dawn air on a jog or winding down with a game as the sun fades.For general information, call (847) 782-3622 - you'll reach the front desk where a quick ring brings a friendly hello.Parking’s available onsite, but on weekends and event days there’s a small fee-helping cover the cost of keeping the grounds clean and the lights on.Accessibility: The facilities are built for easy access, with smooth paved paths and thoughtful features to support visitors with disabilities.In Waukegan, the Greg Petry SportsPark stands at the heart of community life, encouraging residents-from kids kicking soccer balls to seniors taking brisk morning walks-to stay active and embrace healthy habits.We help grow youth sports by offering well-built fields and thoughtful programs.We host events that spark local pride and draw visitors who spend money in town, filling cafés and shops.We highlight environmental responsibility with native plants and thoughtful, sustainable design, from wildflowers that sway in the breeze to rain gardens that catch every drop.Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark isn’t just a row of fields-it’s a well-planned sports hub where athletes compete, families gather under shady bleachers, and the whole community comes together.Boasting top-notch facilities, sleek modern amenities, and lively community programs, it’s a regional hub for sports and recreation-where a kid lacing up worn sneakers might practice alongside a seasoned competitor chasing their next win.