Recreation
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Recreation
Belvidere YMCA
The YMCA houses an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, banquet room and multiple club rooms. More information can be found at the YMCA’s website: http://belviderefamilyymca.org
Belvidere Park District
There are approximately 210 acres in the Belvidere Park District between three parks. Additionally, the Park District also has a 500,000 gallon pool, new ice arena, outdoor fitness court, and is home to the historic Baltic Mill. For indoor Park District facilities, River’s Edge has a full gymnasium, an indoor batting and golf cage, climbing wall, serving kitchen, and two program and multi- purpose rooms. More information can be found at the Park District’s website: http://belviderepark.org
Summerfield Zoo
The Summerfield Zoo is the only zoo in the Northern Illinois area. With a variety of animals and activities, the zoo provides an enjoyable experience for everyone. More information can be found at the Zoo’s website: http://www.summerfieldfarmandzoo.com
Farmington Pond and Kishwaukee River Fishing
Farmington Field Pond is open to the public from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. The local pond has a variety of fish species, from bass to northern pike to bluegill. More information can be found http://www.ci.belvidere.il.us/resident-information/farmington-pond-fishing
The Kishwaukee River runs through several Northern Illinois counties, including Boone. The river has bluegill, channel catfish, and smallmouth bass. More information can be found at the Illinois DNR Website: https://www.ifishillinois.org/profiles/Kishwaukee.php
Ida Public Library
The Ida Public Library houses approximately 80,000 volumes, collecting in both English and Spanish. It provides patrons with public computer access, free access to thousands of digital e-books and audiobooks, and a local history collection with research assistance. The library also provides community programming that includes classes, workshops, story hour, and book discussion groups. More information can be found at the library’s website: https://idapubliclibrary.org
Boone County Historical Museum
Belvidere is the home of the Boone County Historical Museum. With a variety of exhibits for any age, the Historical Museum is a great place to visit. More information can be found at the Museum’s website: http://bcmuseumofhistory.org/index.asp
Historical Preservation
Belvidere houses The Pettit Memorial Chapel designed by the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Besides the Pettit Chapel, Belvidere has 31 locally landmarked buildings and four nationally registered landmarks. For more information on the historical buildings and their preservation, visit: http://www.boonecountyil.org/page/city-belvidere-historic-preservation-commission
Local Utility Information
The water and sewer departments are owned and operated by the City of Belvidere. Water is supplied by seven deep wells ranging in depth from 120 feet to 1,800 feet, capable of producing over 12.2 million gallons of water per day (mgd). In addition to the seven wells, there are also three elevated water storage tanks with a capacity of 1.1 million gallons and two ground storage reservoirs with a capacity of 1.935 million gallons. The average annual pumpage of water is over one billion gallons. The water is pumped through more than 679,000 lineal feet of water main to serve our residents with 1,245 fire hydrants to provide fire protection. The entire water system is computer controlled (SCADA) to maintain consistent water pressure. The water system is operated in accordance with EPA regulations under the direction of a state-certified licensed operator.
Belvidere’s activated sludge/tertiary filter waste water treatment plant has a capacity of 5.85 mgd. Sewage is collected through more than 564,000 lineal feet of sanitary sewer main, over 28,000 lineal feet of sanitary force main, and 12 sanitary sewer lift stations. The sanitary sewer system is operated in accordance with EPA regulations under the direction of a state-certified licensed operator.
Our growing community is experiencing the excitement of greeting new citizens, while also strengthening the relationships of longtime residents. We hope you enjoy your visit, and visit us often. We know you will want to come back again soon!
*All history is cited from resources at the Boone County Historical Museum.
Moorhead, Virginia B, editor. Boone County Then and Now. Boone County Bicentennial Commission. Belvidere, Illinois, 1976.
