Forest Preserve District of Kane County

AN INTRODUCTION

 
 
Organized in 1925 by public referendum, the District now owns almost 90 miles of trails and approximately 65 forest preserves consisting of more than 19,932 acres, as well as greenspace located throughout Kane County.      
                                                                
 
 

MISSION STATEMENT

 
It shall be the mission of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County to acquire, hold and maintain lands within Kane County, which contribute to the preservation of natural or historic resources and habitats, flora or fauna; to restore, restock, protect and preserve such lands for the education, recreation and pleasure of all its citizens.
                                                                
 

ORGANIZATION

 
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County Commission that governs the District is comprised of 25 commissioners who are elected as County Board members (one is elected County Board Chairman) and also serve as Forest Preserve commissioners.  The Commissioners elect the President of the District to two-year terms.  The Executive Director serves as the operations and administrative head of the District and she appoints officers and Committees, with the approval of the Commission.  The Commission and the Executive Committee handle the District business of preparing policies and acquisition of open space for the citizens of Kane County.
The District employs 72 full-time and 2 part-time employees and approximately 54 summer seasonal employees and 18 year-round seasonal police officers.  The headquarters is located at Suite 320, 1996 South Kirk Road, Geneva.  Satellite offices are located at the Creek Bend Nature Center (Leroy Oakes), Trades (Campton FP), Natural Resources (Aurora West), North (Muirhead Springs FP) and South (Grunwald Farms FP) Operation Facilities.
The District owns three (3) golf courses:  Settler’s Hill, Hughes Creek and Deer Valley.  Philip B. Elfstrom Events Center is home to the Fifth Third Bank Ballpark and the Kane County Cougars, a minor league baseball team.  The District also owns the Fox Valley Ice Arena where the headquarters are located and is home to the Cyclones, a tier 2 youth hockey team.