Racine Root River Council

09/02/2026

🌿 Monarchs Are Finding a Home in Clayton Park! 🦋

There’s something special happening in the native flower beds at Clayton Park—and the butterflies have noticed!

Thanks to two grants from the Wild Ones Root River Chapter, Root River Council was able to create and maintain two flower beds filled with native Wisconsin perennials and plants that attract and support monarch butterflies. Together, the grants provided approximately $2,000 worth of native plants.

And they are thriving!

🌱 Native plants help protect our waterways. Their deep root systems help absorb rainwater and runoff, reducing the amount of water—and pollutants carried by that runoff—that makes its way toward the Root River.

🦋 They also create habitat for wildlife. The flowers provide food for pollinators, while the plants offer valuable habitat and protection throughout the growing season.

And right now, the results are especially beautiful. Monarch butterflies are fluttering throughout the flower beds at Clayton Park, taking advantage of the blooms and habitat these native plants provide.

We’re grateful to the Wild Ones Root River Chapter for helping make these gardens possible—and proud to see how they are contributing to a healthier, more vibrant Root River community.

Stop by Clayton Park and take a look. You might just catch a monarch enjoying the garden, too! 🦋🌿

08/13/2026

MUSIC IN THE PARK AT ISLAND PARK-Saturday, August 22, 2026

Racine – Enjoy an afternoon of live music in one of Racine's beautiful parks! Join the Root River Council and the City of Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) for Music in the Park on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Island Park.

This free community event will feature Fourcast, an acoustic duo performing classic rock favorites from the 1960s, 70s, 80s, and today. Whether you're relaxing with family, spending time with friends, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Music in the Park is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, along with their favorite snacks and beverages, and settle in for an afternoon of great music in the park, courtesy of the Root River Council.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome—including well-behaved dogs on leashes. Come enjoy live music, beautiful scenery, and the company of your community at Island Park.

07/27/2026

Great photos taken by Marybeth Zuhlke at Family Fun Day on July 18! Thank you!

07/21/2026

Family Fun Day in Island Park was a great success! Thanks to everyone who came out on Saturday to enjoy the festivities. Many thanks to the Parks department and their partnership.

07/18/2026

It’s happening! Fun times.

07/18/2026

Join us! The face painting, balloons, city vehicles, and music are underway! See you soon at Island Park.

07/17/2026

It’s almost here!

Tomorrow is Family Fun Day at Island Park!

Make plans to join us Saturday from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
for a FREE afternoon of family fun along the beautiful Root River!

Enjoy:
🍦 Culver's frozen custard tokens for the first 100 attendees
💦 Sprinkler Station
🎨 Face painting & balloon art
🎶 Live performances by Jolee Ellis at 11:00a & The Zuhlkes (Jim & Max) at 11:30a
💃 Line dancing demonstrations at 1:00 p.m.
🏐 Kickball, pickleball & yard games
🚒 Explore City vehicles from Police, Fire, Transit, Library & more

Then keep the fun going at the Island Park B**r Garden, open until 8:00 p.m., featuring:
🍺 Local craft b**r from Perspective Brewing
🥪 Cousins Traveling Sub Shop
🎸 Tom Rivers performing live at 2:00 p.m. near the Root River!

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and spend the day making memories with family and friends. We can't wait to see you at Island Park!

07/16/2026

The heat should break and the smoke will clear. Saturday’s Family Fun Day will be a great time. See you there 11-3.

07/15/2026

Family Fun Day Returns to Island Park on Saturday, July 18

Free Community Event Offering Games, Activities, and Fun for the Whole Family

RACINE, WI – Families from across the Racine community are invited to Family Fun Day at Island Park on Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free community celebration will feature games, activities, entertainment, interactive exhibits, and opportunities for families to connect while enjoying one of Racine's most beautiful riverfront parks.

Hosted by the City of Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) in collaboration with Root River Council, Family Fun Day is designed to bring families together for an afternoon filled with fun, learning, and community engagement. Local organizations will be on site offering hands-on activities, giveaways, and information about programs and resources available throughout the Racine community.

Family Fun Day Highlights Include:

-Sprinkler Station provided by the Water Department
-Culver’s frozen custard tokens to the first 100 attendees
-Live Music:
o 11:00 a.m. - Jolee Ellis
o 11:30 a.m. - The Zuehlkes

-Line dancing demonstrations and open dancing (1:00 p.m.)
-Kickball, pickleball, and classic yard games
-Face painting and balloon art
-Dog park fun and kid-friendly booths
-Various City of Racine Department Information and Vehicles to Explore: Police, Fire, Library, Transit, Forestry

Family Fun Day takes place alongside the Island Park B**r Garden, giving visitors even more to enjoy throughout the day. The B**r Garden, hosted by PRCS in partnership with Perspective Brewing, will feature local craft b**r, the Cousins Traveling Sub Shop, and live music throughout the weekend.

B**r Garden Hours:

Friday, July 17: 4–8 p.m.
Saturday, July 18: 12–8 p.m.

Following Family Fun Day weekend, the Island Park B**r Garden will return on August 14, August 15, and August 22, offering additional opportunities for the community to gather.

07/14/2026

Family Fun Day is on Saturday! See you there.

Family Fun Day is almost here!

Join us for a day of free family fun, great food, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. Enjoy delicious food from Cousins Subs and refreshing drinks from Ollie Sips while taking part in a variety of activities throughout the day.

Challenge your friends to a game of pickleball or kickball, learn a few new moves during our line dancing session, and cool off in the sprinkler provided by the City of Racine Water Department. With live music and plenty of fun for the whole family, it's the perfect way to spend a summer day together.

As a reminder the event is on Saturday, July 18 from 11 AM - 3 PM at Island Park.

We look forward to seeing you there!