The Harvard Parks and Recreation Department, with support from the Harvard Parks Foundation, is dedicated to providing residents with beautiful open space, engaging recreation programs, and a variety of outdoor activities. With 11 parks, the only free dog park in McHenry County, a seasonal outdoor public pool, and collaborations with the Harvard Community Senior Center and other local businesses, opportunities abound!
All parks are open from dawn to dusk. Park shelters are open for public use day-to-day, and are reservable for private parties by filling out a Reservation Application at harvard.recdesk.com or visiting City Hall Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM.
Visit our recreation website to register for programs, learn about special events, reserve park shelters, and more! For communications about upcoming events, sign up for the Parks & Recreation email list.
COUNTRY BROOK NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
Country Brook Park is located in the Country Brook neighborhood between Meadow Lane and Stoneycreek Lane. It includes a pedestrian path, open field areas, gazebo, and playground.
H.E.R.S League fields are located next to Lions Park, Jaycee Park/McFarlin Field, and the Harvard Aquatic Center, on Galvin Parkway off of Route 173 East. It is the home of the Harvard Educational Recreational Softball league.
Jaycee Park / McFarlin Field is an open field area with a picnic shelter.
Lions Park is accessible from Galvin Parkway off Rte. 173 East and also Brown Street. Lions Park includes the Harvard Aquatic Center, picnic grounds, playground equipment for all ages, a disc golf course, a gaga ball pit (ball can be checked out at the library), and a pedestrian path. Two shelters and restroom facilities are also available. A lighted sledding hill is also available in the winter, and is open until 10:00PM during the sledding season. Parking for the sledding hill can be accessed from Harvard Hills Road.
The Harvard Aquatic Center is located next to Lions Park and Jaycee/McFarlin Field and is accessible via Brown Street and also Galvin Parkway. The pool is open during summer months. The 7,000 sq. ft. pool is a handicapped accessible zero-depth pool with a capacity for 496 people. Features include a water slide, basketball hoop, and a diving board. Shallow end features include a raindrop, tumble buckets, and a tulip shower. Also available is a picnic area, a 5,680 sq. ft bathhouse, and concession stand. Pool passes are available for purchase. The pool is available for after-hour pool parties. For more information, call the Harvard Aquatic Center at 815-403-6747, City Hall at 815-943-6468, or visit harvard.recdesk.com.
Mary D. Ayer Park is located at Park & Washington off Ayer Street and close to Washington School. It includes open field areas, a picnic shelter, a basketball court, and a playground.
Milky Way Park is accessible from Lawrence Road via West Route 173 and West Diggins Street. It includes the 1-acre Harvard Dog Park, soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, football fields, an outdoor fitness center, a pedestrian path, picnic shelters, open field areas, a playground, and restroom facilities. Milky Way Park is the permanent location for Harvard Milk Days.
Moose Athletic Field is located off of West Diggins Street. It is the home of the Harvard Boys Baseball League. The park has two baseball diamonds, restrooms, and a concession stand.
Northfield Park is accessible from Northfield Avenue via Route 14. It has a playground, restroom facilities, pedestrian path, and tennis courts.
Park Pointe Park is accessible from Galvin Parkway via East Route 173. The parking lot is located off Dewey Street. The park offers a pedestrian path, fishing pier, and bird watching.
SHADOW CREEK NORTH NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
Shadow Creek North Park is located on Casey Lane. The park includes a playground, open field area and a basketball half-court.
SHADOW CREEK SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
Shadow Creek South Park is located at the corner of Joanne Lane and Casey Lane. The park includes an open field area and access to a retention pond. No swimming is allowed in the pond.