It started with a simple idea: make the parks and recreation spaces residents already love even better.
Less than a year after the idea first took shape, the Palos Park Recreation Foundation is already bringing that vision to life, from supporting village parks and historic buildings to introducing a free outdoor fitness court designed to get people moving.
“We all use and love these spaces,” said Kelly Vincent, president of the Palos Park Recreation Foundation. “We wanted to create something that helps preserve them while bringing the community together.”
The foundation officially launched in spring 2026 after months of planning by a group of Palos Park residents who shared a common goal. Along with Vincent, the founding board includes Colleen Costello, Larry Wisowaty, Jillian Lorenz and John Mahoney.
Its first community event was held in late May, marking the beginning of what Vincent hopes will become a long tradition of programs benefiting the village’s Parks and Recreation Department.
One of the foundation’s biggest accomplishments so far is helping bring the National Fitness Campaign Fitness Court to Palos Park.
Located outdoors and free to the public, the bodyweight workout facility allows anyone to stop by for a quick exercise session. Users can also download the Fitness Court app for guided workouts that take about seven minutes to complete.
Whether someone wants an early morning workout, a break during a bike ride or a chance to exercise while children play nearby, Vincent said the court is designed to fit into everyday life.
“This is part of a national movement to bring free and accessible fitness spaces to communities,” Vincent said. “It’s exciting to be on the forefront of that right here in Palos Park.”
The project came together through a public-private partnership involving local donors, institutional supporters and funding from the Village of Palos Park.
Although the court is available for self-guided workouts every day, residents looking for instruction can take advantage of free “Fitness 101” sessions offered by the Palos Park Recreation Department on Monday evenings before the village’s biweekly council meetings. Updated class information is available on the department’s social media pages.
The Recreation Foundation also offers its own fitness programming led by Palos Park resident Jillian Lorenz, co-founder and former CEO of The Barre Code, a national boutique fitness franchise that expanded across the country before being acquired by barre3 in 2023. Her work in movement, meditation and breathwork has been featured in publications including Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., The Wall Street Journal, Vogue and Self.
Lorenz and Stephen DeFalco currently lead the foundation’s fitness classes as organizers introduce the program to the community.
“We’re testing this program as we continue to grow,” Vincent said.
Residents interested in upcoming classes and events are encouraged to follow the Palos Park Recreation Foundation on social media and sign up for its newsletter. Proceeds from foundation events support the needs of the Palos Park Parks and Recreation Department while helping maintain the village’s parks, recreation facilities and historic properties.
Vincent said the foundation’s mission extends beyond fundraising. It’s about creating opportunities for neighbors to gather, stay active and invest in the place they call home.
“We hope to bring our community together to grow the beauty around us,” she said.
As the foundation looks ahead to additional programs and events, Vincent also encourages residents to explore the newly released Fall 2026 Recreation Guide, now available on the Village of Palos Park website, featuring activities for residents and visitors of all ages.