Grand Opening of North Lake Park

On Saturday, June 2, from 10:00 to 11:30am, the Des Plaines Park District celebrated the Grand Opening of North Lake Park, with the Park Board of Commissioners, Pastor Jeffery H. Leichman of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, members of the congregation, Friends of the Parks, and families from the neighborhood. Executive Director, John Hecker, welcomed everyone to their new park, and told the history of the land acquisition and development.

North Lake Park was made possible by the purchase of the land at Lee Street and Howard Avenue from Good Shepherd Church in 2007. The purchase was funded in part by an OSLAD grant. The decision to sell the property to the Park District was a significant contribution by the church congregation to the recreational and green space in Des Plaines, and made it possible to connect the new north park area with the whole of Lake Park. Plans for development of the area were created by the Park District, and then reviewed by the public throughout 2009 and 2010. Construction was started in the spring of 2011 and most of the work was completed in late fall. The area features a fishing pier, picnic shelter, gazebo, native plantings and sensory garden, open space, family play area with bocce ball and bags courts, interpretive signage, walking/bicycling path, water fountains, and a cooling spray.

Des Plaines Park District Board of Commissioners President, James Grady, presented Pastor Leichman with a plaque and then cut a ribbon to officially open the new park. Children and families enjoyed light refreshments, bocce ball and bags contests, a craft, and family frisbee fun in the park’s open space.

To learn more about North Lake Park visit www.DPParks.org. For more information about Des Plaines Park District fall classes, events, and facilities, call 847-391-5700.