About Us

Mission

Promote social equity, health and wellness, and conservation for the Fox Valley Park District community of over 233,000 people. Our mission is to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by providing opportunities to participate in Fox Valley Park District programs regardless of financial capability. The Fox Valley Park Foundation assists local youth and families so that all children have access to experience enrichment programs, sports, camps and aquatics. We open the door to a world of activities that enhance each child’s growth and development. We help veterans participate in fitness and wellness programs. Our work is focused on directly supporting programs aligned with the National Recreation and Park Association’s three pillars – Social Equity, Health & Wellness, and Conservation. The Foundation strives to provide increased quality of life, create a culture of connectivity and inclusive experiences, and protect and inspire a love of parks for future generations.

History

The Foundation, established in 1981, is a standalone non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which serves the Fox Valley Park District and its residents. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of Park District commissioners and volunteer members from the community at large. We are expanding our reach and mission to be more diverse and impactful across a wide spectrum of community needs.

Impact

Data from our community health partners indicates as many as 75,000 of our 233,000 Park District residents are recreationally underserved. Foundation grants currently enhance and help fund programs serving more than 7,000 individuals in need annually – providing camps, swim lessons, nature club programs, after-school programs, support for veterans and many more programs which provide health and wellness, social enrichment and other life-changing benefits. In the last three years alone, the Foundation has awarded over $250,000 in grants toward a variety of critical community needs, including:

  • Learn to Swim program teaching 2nd graders the life-saving skill of      swimming
  • Free summer camp experiences for children from under-resourced families
  • Preschool scholarships for children from under-resourced families
  • Accelerating implementation of Big Ideas in Early Math into preschool curriculum
  • Scholarship assistance for children under-resourced families enrolled in Before and After Care Club (BACC Pack)
  • Early Childhood – On the Road programs for children and families impacted by domestic violence
  • Environmental Education Field Trip to engage students in environmental topics and strengthen their connection to the natural world
  • Free Sports Saturday program promoting active and healthy lifestyles to combat childhood obesity
  • Free Boxing Club program that promotes fitness and a safe after-school outlet
  • Aurora Wrestling Club program to help young wrestlers gain confidence & improve skills at a discounted fee
  • Free Veterans wellness programs
  • Free annual luncheon for veterans to recognize their military service

Board of Directors

LuAnne Kelsey
Chairman

Travis Andry
Vice-Chairman

Karen Nelson
Director

Larry Shepard
Director

Brenda Hernandez
Director

Staff

Jennifer Paprocki
Executive Director

Rachel Ossyra
Development Strategist

John Goll
Treasurer

Kim Nooncaster                                                                                                                      Secretary

Meeting Schedule, Agendas & Minutes

The Fox Valley Park Foundation holds a series of meetings throughout the calendar year. All meetings are held at 4 p.m. at Cole Administration Center, 101 W. Illinois Avenue, Aurora, unless otherwise indicated.

Schedule and agendas are listed below:

2024 Meetings

Schedule & Agendas

Minutes