We provide public parks, open spaces, and recreational programming to our local communities. We strive to enhance the quality of life by operating sports facilities, recreation areas, swimming pool, and hosting seasonal events.  A list of some services provided includes:

Athletic Programs (Baseball, Softball, Flag Football, Soccer, Tennis)

Playgrounds (Including an All Inclusive Playground location)

Pool (Public Session, Private Parties, Swim Lessons)

Athletic Facilities (Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Tennis, Pickleball, Soccer, Flag Football)

Skatepark

Fishing

Walking Paths

Picnic Shelters & Bandstand

Community Room

Exercise Classes 

Outdoor Fitness Equipment

Special Events

Yes.  Shelter reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Harrisburg Park District has a variety of ten shelters and one bandstand. Reservation fees are $30.00 for all day. Fees are due within forty-eight hours of making the reservation. You must sign the shelter reservation agreement form at the park office. Please contact the park office early to ensure the shelter of your choice will be available on the desired date. Reservations are posted in the shelter reservation box located near each shelter.

Meetings are held on the 3rd Friday of each month at 8:00 AM. Meetings are held in the main park office located at 921 W. Poplar St., Harrisburg, IL

Any person who desires to be officially placed on a Meeting Agenda at a public meeting of the Harrisburg Township Park District Board of Commissioners should contact Blake Emery, Executive Director at 618-252-2111 or bemery@harrisburgpark.net a minimum of 48 hours prior to the meeting and complete the form Request to Appear Before Park Board.

Any person is allowed to show up at a public meeting of the Harrisburg Township Park District Board of Commissioners and voice a concern or opinion without having to be put on the Meeting Agenda or filling out a Request to Appear Before the Board Form.  If so desired, the person will be allowed to speak under the agenda item entitled, “Comments From the Public” and shall adhere to the Citizens' Guide to Addressing the Park Board During Comments From the Public.

It is illegal to care for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife in Illinois unless you have a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Individuals with wildlife rehabilitator permits may assist injured wildlife if necessary.

Persons or employees should not attempt to assist an animal if there is a risk to personal safety or to the safety of others. If rabies is suspected, call the local animal control agency so that the animal can be captured and tested.

If a person or employee finds a sick or injured wildlife animal, either

               i.   leave the animal where it was found and let nature take its course; or

              ii.   call a wildlife rehabilitator.

Call the local animal control office or police department for assistance if the animal poses a threat to public health or safety.

Untrained individuals should not handle wildlife animals.  Wild animals can inflict serious injury.  They can also be carriers of disease or parasites that are transmittable to humans.

The following websites contains additional information regarding sick or injured wildlife in Illinois and contact information for wildlife rehabilitators:

https://www.wildlifeillinois.org/get-help/help-injured-or-orphaned-wildlife/

https://www.wildlifeillinois.org/get-help/help-injured-or-orphaned-wildlife/help-for-sick-or-injured-wildlife/

https://www.wildlifeillinois.org/list-of-licensed-wildlife-rehabilitators/

Illinois park district board elections occur during the Consolidated Elections, which are held on the first Tuesday in April of odd-numbered years.

Running for the Park Board

To serve as a park board commissioner or trustee, candidates must meet specific requirements and follow a precise filing process: 

• Qualifications: You must be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and a registered voter who has resided within the boundaries of the park district for at least one year prior to the election.
• Terms: Commissioners serve terms of four years.
• Compensation: These positions are strictly voluntary and serve without financial compensation, functioning as unpaid civic leadership roles.

Candidate Filing Process
If you intend to run for a local park district seat, you must follow the state's election code:

• Circulate Petitions: Pick up a nominating petition and a statement of economic interest from the park district office in the fall of the even-numbered year before the election (e.g., late 2026 for the 2027 election). You must gather a minimum number of valid signatures from eligible voters residing in the district.
• Filing Period: Submit your nominating petitions and statement of candidacy directly to the park district secretary during the official filing period in November or December.

For your exact local filing deadlines, signature requirements, and the number of open seats in your specific jurisdiction, contact your local park district office or check your county clerk's election division.  Statewide candidate guides and requirements can be accessed through the Illinois State Board of Elections.

We serve Harrisburg and the surrounding local communities.  The Taxing Boundary is Harrisburg Township in Saline County.