The Park District offers gate keys to residents who want to fish at WEST PARK beach before the park opens at 10 AM. Key allows for entrance through the park's special walk-in gates. Small portable boats are NOT allowed through the walk-in gate. All watercraft must enter thru boat gate. Daily admission fees apply to the permit holder and all guests wanting to use the beach and/or swimming areas at West Beach. In order to purchase a card, you must show proof of residency.

2023 Boat Gate Key FOB

For complete information regarding Boat Gate Key Fobs for use of the Main and West Beach boat launches, as well as lake usage for kayak and stand up paddle board owners, please view our Beach page

Park District Residents Only

Fee: $90 (Ages 18-59); $45 (Ages 60+)

2022 key fobs will be deactivated April 30, 2023. Renewals begin May 1, 2023.

Park District resident boat owners must purchase a new key card each year to use the Main or West Park launch ramps. All watercraft must enter through boat gate. Daily admission fees apply to the permit holder and all guests wanting to use the beach and/or swimming areas at Main or West Beach.

Boat Gate Key Card Registration/Renewal Form

Please note: in order to purchase a key you must provide all of the following documents in person:

Illinois Watercraft Registration Card
Key Fee
Proof of Residency

Boat Launch Guidelines

2023 watercraft Dry Storage

Storage space is available: May 1-Oct 31, 2023

Park District Residents Only

Fees include Boat Gate Key Fob

$250 (1) Sailboat* or Rowboat ($205/60+ yrs)

$175(1) Kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard (2 per stall) or 1 Canoe ($130/60+ yrs)

*One sailboat 16 fee or under that does not have a catamaran-style hull

The Park District has boat stalls available for rental in the West Park dry storage compound. The compound is lit to provide better security. Registration for dry storage spaces begin on April 1 at the Park District Administration Office and will be leased on a first-come, first-served basis. Watercraft must be removed from storage on or before October 31, 2023. One dry storage slip per household. Please bring proof of Park District residency.

HOUND TOWN

Hound Town is a three-acre park located in the heart of the Lippold Park Sport Complex. It is a place where dogs can socialize and run off leash. The park is entirely fenced and is open year-round, dawn to dusk.

Hound Town is available for private functions! For more information contact Kurt Reckamp. Note, in the event of a private function, there will always be a section open for general dog park usage.

2023 Gate Key

2023 Hound Town Keys are valid 5/1/22-4/30/23.

Due to an issue with the key card system, all Hound Town renewals and new Hound Town purchases will receive a key for entry to Hound Town. Crystal Lake Park District residents and non-residents may purchase a key at the Administration Office.

Crystal Lake Park District residents and non-residents may purchase a key at the Administration Office.

You will need to bring the following documents in person:

Proof of Park District Residency
Proof of Rabies vaccination from your veterinarian (dog tags are not acceptable)

Current Key Card Holders: 2022 keys will be deactivated April 30, 2023. Renewals begin May 1, 2023 and will be used a key (not a key card).

2023 Fees

Fees are half price beginning Nov 1, 2022-Apr 30, 2023

Rates	First Dog	Each Additional Dog
Resident Fee	$35	$10
Senior Resident Fee (Age 60+)	$20	$5
Non-Resident Fee	$50	$10
Senior Non-Resident Fee (Age 60+)	$35	$5

Hound Town Rules

HOUND TOWN registration form/WAIVER

2023 Illinois Sports Licenses

Illinois Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Licenses, Stamps and Permits

As of March 1, 2019 the Crystal Lake Park District no longer sells Illinois licenses through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Patrons can purchase their Illinois licenses on the IDNR website. There is a list of agencies in the area for the purchase of special permits on the IDNR website.

Illinois Water Usage Stamps

Illinois Water Usage Stamps for non-motorized watercraft, canoe, kayak, paddle boat, or sailboards are NO LONGER REQUIRED.

In order to place your watercraft on Crystal Lake, whether from a pubic or private launch site, the following is required. Please note that his includes all types of watercraft, including jet skis, kayaks, inflatables and more.

You must be a resident of the City of Crystal Lake, the Village of Lakewood or reside in the Crystal Lake Park District's boundaries.
Purchase an Annual Lake Usage Decal at the Finance/Administration window in the main lobby at Crystal Lake City Hall.
The watercraft's registration must reflect the resident's name.

For more information visit the City of Crystal Lake website

2023 Hill Farm Acres Garden Plots

Hill Farm Acres is located at 695 Barlina Road, behind Barlina House Preschool and Barn.

Garden plot dimensions: 20' x 40'

Growing season: May 1-October 31

Feb 1-Feb 17: Returning gardeners register for same plot from last year

Feb 20-Mar 3: Returning gardeners register and may switch to a new plot

Mar 6-10: Registration is open to all Park District residents

Mar 13: Registration open to the public

Registration/reservation (code #231601-03) is in person only at the Crystal Lake Park District Administration Building located at 1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake.

Gardeners will receive plot assignments at time of registration along with planting guidelines. An email needs to be provided at time of registration to receive up-to-date information during the growing season. Questions? Contact Anne Sandor at asandor@crystallakeparks.org.

Garden Plot Registration Form

RESIDENT FEE	$40
NON-RESIDENT FEE	$55
RESIDENT SENIOR FEE (AGE 60+)	$20
NON-RESIDENT SENIOR FEE (AGE 60+)	$40

Gift Cards

Need a gift idea? Gift cards are available year round and can be used for classes, special events, senior trips, mini-golf and golf range, The Racket Club, Beach Pass or Boat Gate Key and Hound Town Key. Purchase gift cards in person at the Administration Building, 1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake during the office hours listed at the top of the page.

Scholarship Assistance

The Crystal Lake Park District recognizes that there are families in our community who suffer economic setbacks which prevent their children from joining our programs. We offer class scholarships to help those in need. One week notice is required for review of scholarship application. For more information, please call Kurt Reckamp 815.459.0680 x1216 or email kreckamp@crystallakeparks.org

Scholarship Form

Tree/Bench Memorials and Donations

The Crystal Lake Park District offers options to purchase a personal dedication in our parks:

TREES

Your tree will be planted in Ken Bird Park, located on Thomasville Lane between Village Road and Miller Road.

Shade Tree Options

Swamp White Oak, Kentucky Coffee, Winter King Hawthorn, Sugar Maple, Marmo Maple, Northern Pin Oak, Hybrid Elm, Catalpa, Bald Cypress, Ohio Buckeye, Shade Master Locust, American Hornbeam, Paperbark Maple, State Street Maple, Gingko and American Century Linden.

Your will be contacted to discuss order details. A gift card commemorating your donation will be sent to a person of your choice and you will receive notice after the tree has been planted.

Orders placed before May 15 will be planted in the spring. Orders placed between May 15 and October 15 will be planted in the fall. It is not possible to specify an exact date of planting. If the tree dies within the first year after planting, it will be replaced at not charge. Replacements after one year are optional, and the donor is responsible for the cost. The cost of the tree includes planting and maintenance. To protect the tree from damage and disease, and to reduce littering, donors may not decorate the tree or leave personal mementos at the planting site. Items placed near the tree will be removed.

Plaques

As of January 1, 2018, plaques are no longer allowed to be placed in or around the tree. Your donation will be recognized with a leaf shaped brass engraving on the Tree of Life in the Administrative Office lobby. You may customize the message on the Tree Order Form.

Bench Donations

Park benches may also be donated. The bench size, location and style is determined by the park district. A small plaque will be installed on the seat back of the bench at no charge. Benches can be installed year-round as weather permits. Please allow 8-10 weeks for installation.

HOW TO DONATE

If you would like to consider a tree or bench memorial download the Tree/Bench Memorial Information form. Credit card payments must be made in person at the Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office. You will be contacted when your order is received to discuss the details. A gift card commemorating your donation will be sent to the person of your choice and you will receive a notice after the tree has been planted. For more information contact Valarie Roberts, 815.459.0680 ext. 2102

Picnic Reservations

Picnic reservations for each calendar year begin on the first day of business in January. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis.

Please complete the Facility Rental Agreement form and bring it with you to the Administrative Office.
Have a couple of dates to choose from in case your date has been taken!

More info including picnic area maps and guidelines

Administrative Services

Quick Links

2023 Walk-In Fishing Key card