With more than 14,000 votes cast in 52 categories, Shaw Media’s inaugural Best of the Fox Awards for Aurora inspired the community to vote in droves for the hottest places in the City of Lights.
With the spotlight on the City of Lights, two of the top award winners come right out of Aurora City Hall.
The Aurora Public Art Commission was voted Best Art Gallery in Aurora while the Phillips Park Golf Course edged our Orchard Valley and the Aurora Country Club to win the Best Golf Course Category.
“We are honored to be named the best golf course in Aurora,” said Jeff Schmidt, PGA golf operations manager. “Our golf staff strives to provide exceptional customer service and excellent course conditions to create memorable golf experiences for all our guests.”
A supporter of the “Youth on Course” program, Phillips Park Golf Course provides accessibility and affordability to junior golfers of Aurora and the Fox River Valley while still being a destination for avid golfers of all abilities.
“What separates Phillips Park Golf Course from other facilities is that it boasts a three-hole short course perfect for the golfer who is just learning the game, the junior golfer who is aspiring to be the next tour player or for the golfer who wants to sharpen their short game,” said Schmidt.
The Aurora Public Art Commission has opened its doors to artists of all genres and expanded its reach by providing opportunities, platforms and exhibits for a diverse, inclusive and growing arts community.
“It’s exciting to receive this honor as we continue to serve a growing audience of visitors,” said Jen Evans, director of public art. “The Aurora Public Art Commission has been hosting professional and community art exhibits at the David L. Pierce Center since 1996.”
This year, the Aurora Public Art Commission was host to internationally acclaimed illustrator Wendell Minor, a variety of locally curated music, poetry, and comedy performances, and produced exhibits celebrating themes including empathy, mental health, rural Mexico, environmentalism, jazz, and men of color. Aurora Public Art manages public and private murals in downtown Aurora. Twenty new murals have been installed over the last two years, with more to come.
In the ‘Best Art Gallery’ category, the City of Aurora’s GAR Memorial Hall received an Honorable Mention nod. City partners winning their respective categories include the Paramount Theatre (Best Live Theatre), SciTech Museum (Best Museum), Aurora Downtown (Best Festival), and The Venue (Best Live Music).
—City government of Aurora