Stay active this winter: Tri-Cities park district gyms, track and pool

Cold mornings make the Fox River Trail a harder sell. The good news: all three Tri-Cities park districts keep indoor options going through winter, and most let you pay by the visit before you commit to a membership.

St. Charles: Norris Recreation Center

The John B. Norris Recreation Center at 1050 Dunham Road is managed by the St. Charles Park District. It has a 6,300-square-foot fitness center, a cycling studio with TRX equipment, a group fitness studio and a 50-meter indoor pool.

Fall pool hours took effect Sept. 8. Lap swim runs weekdays from 5:30 to 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday evenings from 8 to 9:45 p.m., and weekends from noon to 5:45 p.m., with an early Saturday session from 5:30 to 7 a.m. Open swim for families is Monday through Thursday from 8 to 9:45 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:45 p.m. Kids must have a parent in the pool area, and you bring your own towel. The center notes the pool lift is unavailable for now.

A day pass covers the gym, pool and up to two group fitness classes. It costs $10 for ages 12 and up ($12 nonresident), $5 for ages 3 to 11 ($7) and nothing for ages 0 to 2. Monthly resident memberships start at $33 for ages 12 to 18 and 60 and up, and $37 for ages 19 to 59.

Building hours are 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Geneva: BestLife Fitness at two locations

Geneva Park District runs BestLife Fitness in two buildings. The Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center, 3507 Kaneville Road, has the indoor walking and running track, a gym and steam rooms. Sunset Community Center, 710 Western Ave., has a functional fitness studio with TRX gear, kettlebells and plyo boxes, plus saunas and a racquetball court. Both are open 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends.

The three-lane track is the easy win for winter walkers. Geneva Park District residents can buy an annual track-only pass for $35 ($30 for seniors). Nonresidents pay $190 ($130 for seniors). You can also drop in for the $9 daily fee ($11 nonresident). Walkers ages 8 to 12 need someone 16 or older with them. A members-only stroller hour runs weekdays from 1 to 2 p.m.

Daily fitness center fees are $9 at Persinger ($11 nonresident) and $8 at Sunset ($9 nonresident). A Gold membership that covers both locations is $36 a month for a resident adult and $30 for a resident senior, based on the rate table the district lists as effective June 1, 2024.

Batavia: classes and pickleball

Batavia Park District builds its fitness around classes instead of a membership gym. Classes meet at the Eastside Community Center, Callahan Community Center and Civic Center, and some run on Zoom. The lineup includes yoga, chair yoga, TRX, dance fitness and options for adults 50 and up such as Easy B-Fit and Cardio Silver.

You can walk in and try most classes first: $8 for fitness variety classes, $13 for yoga and $7 for chair yoga. If you register afterward, the walk-in fee comes off the price.

Pickleball open gym at the Civic Center, 327 W. Wilson St., is $3 a visit or $27 for a 10-punch pass, for ages 18 and up. Winter and spring hours are Monday 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1 to 4 p.m., Wednesday 1 to 4 p.m. for beginners and 7 to 9 p.m. for everyone, and Sunday 7 to 9 p.m. Balls are provided. Bring your own paddle.

Before you go

Holiday weeks change things. Geneva's fitness centers close on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and close at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Batavia Park District offices are closed Nov. 26 through 29 for Thanksgiving. When in doubt, call: Norris guest services at 630-377-1405, Persinger at 630-232-4501, Sunset at 630-232-4542, or Batavia's fitness office at 630-879-5235.