HISTORY

The Watseka Park District was created in 1999 by a small citizens group determined to take a small rural community to a higher level with organized recreational and special event activities. A small group built the momentum needed to do just that and the Watseka Park District was formed. Since inception the park district strives to grow and it has succeeded in that goal. The Watseka Park District bought their first actual building in 2008 and renovated that building to house the offices in the front portion of the building and programs and an after-school program in the back portion. Later the park district added a kitchen and an additional classroom space to expand the services to the community.

The Watseka Park District then purchased another building with the hopes of creating a larger community space. The current building that the park district is in is located at 110 S. Second in Watseka. Again the newly renovated building hosts office space in the front portion and classroom, activity and after-school space in the middle section. The back portion of the building is planned and waiting for the funding for completion. The back portion will house the ability to participate in pickle-ball, 3 on 3 basketball, 4-square, archery, movie nights and unlimited large group programs and classes.

Meanwhile the building that the park district owns at 110 S. Third was rehabbed to house the Watseka Park District Learning Tree Daycare. The daycare was losing its location and the park district stepped up to incorporate that entity into its mission. The daycare plays host to children 6 weeks to 5 years of age and offers classrooms, learning, large and small motor play areas, a dining area and outside playground all in a safe, secure and loving environment.