Fox Valley Park District holds a celebratory groundbreaking Friday, Jan. 14, for a $2.3 million, 4,500 square-foot outdoor education and event facility at Lippold Park, adjacent to Red Oak Nature Center along Route 25 at the south end of Batavia. Set for completion later this year, the facility is designed to expand educational opportunities for pre-schoolers, campers, and scout groups. It will be available to rent for other events. Guests at the ceremony; Jim Pilmer, Park district executive director, right; State senator Linda Holmes (Senate District 42) second from left, State representative Maura Hirschauer (House District 49)fourth from left, State representative Stephanie Kifowit (Illinois House District 84), left, State representative Barbara Hernandez (HD 83)middle, and Maria Manzo, senior outreach coordinator with congressman Bill Foster, Mark Gaffino, North Aurora village president, North Aurora Village trustee Mark Guethle, North Aurora Village administrator Steve Bosco, Forest Preserve District of Kane County president Chris Kious, and Illinois Department of Natural Resources director of community outreach Ted Penesis. Fox Valley Park District photo
