Parks, Programs, and Pumpkins! Oh My!

September 17, 2025

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

As the kids settle into their school routines, it’s the perfect time for families to rediscover the joy of fall with Palatine Park District. From stunning fall foliage in our parks to seasonal programs and events, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy autumn in our community.

Celebrate the Season in Our Parks

Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit our parks. Some local favorites for fall color are Dutch Schultz, Hawthorne, Eagle, and Osage. Maple trees light up in shades of red, orange, and yellow, while honey locust, oak, and ginkgo trees add golden hues to the landscape. As nighttime temperatures cool and sunny days continue, the colors will only become more vibrant.

Our parks team is hard at work this season. According to Amy Vito, Superintendent of Parks, “This time of year, parks are busy with closing down the pool facilities for the year, maintaining fall soccer, baseball, and football fields, planting fall annuals (mums, pansies, etc.), and working on capital projects like the playground replacement at Wally Degner and a new playground at The Grove, along with a parking lot renovation at Falcon.” She adds, “It’s also perfect grass-growing weather, so we are very busy mowing the turf, which means we have to paint the athletic field lines often!”

Discover Fall Programs

From dance and sports to music and arts, fall programs are in full swing. Whether you’re looking to try something new or build on an existing hobby, the Park District offers something for everyone—toddlers to seniors, and everyone in between.

Director of Recreation and Facilities Colleen Palmer shares, “Fall is one of my favorite seasons of the year at the Palatine Park District. The start of programs, seeing new faces at our events and in our facilities, and welcoming a new generation of learners at our preschools.” She adds, “One of the things I especially look forward to is our annual Turkey Trot race, where families and staff come together to kick off the holiday season with a fun, healthy and energetic tradition.”

Special Events for Spooky Season

Get your calendar ready—fall also means festive events!

• Howl-O-Ween Party for Dogs
  Wednesday, October 1 | 6:00–7:00 PM
  Bring your favorite pup to this dog-only event! Dogs can hunt for spooky eggs filled with treats and compete in a canine costume contest. It’s a tail-wagging good time you won’t want to miss!
• Halloween Party at the Community Center
  Saturday, October 25 | Sign up for a one-hour time slot
  This family-friendly, peanut-free event includes a storytime provided by Palatine Library, a Halloween craft, Monster Mash dance party, bounce house fun, carnival games, and a trick-or-treat trail.

Fall Into the Arts: Susannah’s Gift Celebration

• Thursday, October 16 | 6:30–8:30 PM
  Join us for an evening of cultural arts as we remember beloved theatre and music teacher Susannah Kist. The event will showcase a variety of performances from Palatine Park District’s arts programs and a special performance by local band, My Dad’s Boat. Proceeds benefit the Palatine Park Foundation’s Susannah Kist Scholarship and Cultural Arts Fund. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at cuttinghall.org.

Whether you’re exploring vibrant trails, meandering down the trick or treat trail at the Halloween Party, or celebrating the arts, fall at the Palatine Park District is truly a season to savor. Come out and experience it all!