• Current Project Updates

    As updates are provided we will post a description of each project with pictures

    If you have questions about any of the playground or building projects listed on this page, please contact Amy Olson, Manager of Park Planning and Development at 815.459.0680, ext. 1217 or via email

    If you have questions about any of the Natural Resources projects listed on this page, please contact Preston Skultety, Manager of Natural Resources at 815.459.0680, ext. 2109 or via email

    If you would like to be notified of upcoming Community Input Meetings related to Parks and Playgrounds, sign up for email notification via the link below

    Sign Up for Email notification

    Woodland Estates Park Renovations

    Della Park Playground

    Hill Farm Park

    Willows Edge Park Invasive Brush Clearing

    Lakewood Meadows Park

    Fetzner Park

    Sterne's Fen Restoration


    2024-2025 PROJECTS

    Woodland Estates park renovations

    Woodland Estates Park Site information

    180 Midland Dr, Crystal Lake

    Date: Aug 19, 2024

    The courts at woodland estates park shall soon be rehabilitated along with the parking lot and walking trails.  The Park District mailed out postcards, hosted a community meeting on June 26, and offered an online survey to garner input from residents.  Preferences were for adding pickleball courts, keeping a dedicated tennis court and expanding the sand volleyball court to two and having a larger picnic shelter along with adding benches along the walking trails.  New plantings will be added to screen the courts.

    ----3 woodland estates Option B-24x36 (3) rev Aug 1_2024_RESIZE.jpg

     

    Date: Aug 1, 2024

    The courts at Wwoodland Estates Park will soon be rehabilitated along with the parking lot and walking trails.  The Park District mailed out postcards, hosted a community meeting on June 26, and an online survey to garner input from residents.  Survey participants expressed preferences for adding pickleball courts, keeping a dedicated tennis court and expanding the sand volleyball court to two and having a larger picnic shelter along with adding benches along the walking trails.  New plantings will be added to screen the courts.

    ----3 woodland estates Option B-24x36 (3) rev Aug 1_2024_RESIZE.jpg

    Della Park Playground

    Della Park Site information

    5 Della St, Crystal Lake

    Date: Mar 4, 2024

    Great news! We received the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant for $329,000! The playground will be rehabilitated to include new park features, such as, an exercise area, a council seating area, a shade structure, a looped pathway, a baggo game area and bench seating. Construction documents are scheduled to begin this summer with playground installation spring 2025.

    overview design of Della Park layout

    Date: Nov 9, 2023

    We applied for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant to expand the offerings provided at Della Street Park in Lakewood. We hope to hear from the State in January on the grant application.

    Residents were surveyed for their preferences to identify recreation options for the park. We mailed out 287 postcards to the residents living near the park inviting residents to the meeting and the on-line survey. Our website also invited residents to the survey. We received community feedback via an on-line survey that was created through Survey Monkey. We hosted a community meeting at the park on Wednesday August 16 from 5:30-6:30pm.

    Community input favored adding a walking path, exercise equipment, new playground with swings, and more. Requests were also made asking for access across the Kishwaukee River by putting back the bridge connecting the park to the neighborhood to the northwest. The park district does not own this section of the Kishwaukee river and the land framing the river.


    Hill Farm Park

    Hill Farm Park Site information

    705 Barlina Rd, Crystal Lake

    Date: Nov 9, 2023

    A public input meeting on park development ideas was held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Main Beach Pavilion. Approximately 15 people attended the meeting and we have received 30 comments from our on-line comment card and emails.

    The consensus from community input was for passive recreation activities at Hill Farm Park. Requests were to keep and expand the garden plots by adding raised beds, providing easily accessed water for the garden plots. Interest was high in providing a park building with restroom and kitchen for garden to table classes and for small group rentals along with a picnic shelter for outdoor gathering. Additionally, requests included: a perimeter pathway for walking, a dog park in the back area, additional play equipment to expand the current playground and add play for older children (interest was high for natural play and/or a farm-themed playground), and an interpretive garden area which Incorporates native plantings. Incorporating solar power and providing charging stations was also mentioned.

     


    Willows Edge Park Invasive Brush Clearing

    Willows Edge Site information

    1000 W. Ackman Rd, Crystal Lake

    Date: Jan 17, 2023

    Residents may notice an invasive brush clearing effort being carried out at Willows Edge Park, just south and east of the intersection of Waterford Cut and Huntley Rd. This project is being done to remove and halt the spread of invasive species such as common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana). This initiative is intended to "release" the ground level herbaceous vegetation from the smothering brush, increase native vegetation diversity and improve habitat quality at the park. After the clearing effort is complete, the project area will be assessed through the coming growing season to see what level of recruitment of volunteer desirable species is developing. The need for installing supplemental native seed will be determined during this assessment.

    Further information on common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) can be found at the following links:

    IDNR Woodland Buckthorn info

    Morton Arboretum Buckthorn info

    Further Information on Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana) can be found at the following links:

    U of I-Champaign urbana bradford pear info

    Morton Arboretum Callery pear info

    LAKEWOOD MEADOWS Park

    site location on google maps

    Future Park Site: just south of the Village of Lakewood Public Works facility on Haligus Road

    Dec 1, 2024

    Lakewood Meadows Park continues on as weather permits.

    ----Lakewood Meadows Dec 1_2024 update.jpg

     

    Oct 31, 2024

    Lakewood Meadows Park is in full construction swing.  After much site grading, the park is beginning to take shape.  The perimeter pathway and the many park features have been surveyed.  The large pile of topsoil is stockpiled on the open fields / soccer fields.  The parking lot is recognizable and curbs framing the parking areas.  The binder base course of asphalt has been installed within the parking lot, basketball court and pickleball courts.  Fence posts are being installed at the pickleball courts.  The shelter restroom building’s below groundwork is complete and walls shall soon extend up from the foundation. The stormwater detention basins are all interconnected with storm sewers and were recently fine graded, seeded and covered with straw blanket.  Plugs of native plants will be installed in the springtime.  Rough grading is complete and the park’s many features are being constructed.  The playground equipment is being put together and the small shelters by the splash pad and sport courts footings are complete and we will soon see the shelters up.

    ----20241030_143531.jpg

    ----20241030_104537.jpg
    ----Haligus oct 31 3.jpg

    ----haligus Oct 31 4.jpg

     



    Sep 27, 2024

    Crews are rough grading and contouring the land for stormwater storage.

    ----Sept 27 Haligus Update (1).jpg
    ----Sept 27 Haligus Update (2).jpg

     

    Sep 24, 2024

    Site grading and excavation work is nearing completion with stormwater detention areas carved to hold stormwater. These low depressions will allow rainwater to percolate into the ground while lessening downstream impacts.  The excavation work provided us with excess soils which we were able to share with the Village of Lakewood--keeping the soils local is a win environmentally!  Utility services including the water main and sanitary line are being installed.  Next steps include installation of the base material for the sport courts and concrete foundations for the bathroom shelter and shade structures.

    ----sept 24_lakewoodmeadows1.jpg
    ----sept24_lakewoodmeadows2.jpg

    Sept 20, 2024

    After review of 200 park name submissions, a public vote, as well as, Crystal Lake Park Board of Commissioners approval, the name ‘Lakewood Meadows Park’ was officially adopted at the Sept 19, 2025 Crystal Lake Park District Board Meeting, as the new name of the 10-acres park site currently in development on Haligus Road in the Village of Lakewood. Diane Ayers of Lakewood submitted the winning entry. Diane received a $100 Crystal Lake Park District Gift Card for her submission. 

     
    The 10-acre park site is located south of the Lakewood Village Wastewater Treatment Facility, north and west by the north branch of the Kishwaukee River, west of the Village of Lakewood property and east along Haligus Road. The Crystal Lake Park District is developing the site into a community park that offers many exciting park amenities with parking to the area. Lakewood Meadows Park will offer people of all ages and abilities, individually and in groups, the opportunity to enjoy outdoor recreation, community, and nature through a range of engaging spaces. Phase 1 is funded in part through the 2023-awarded IDNR OSLAD Gran

    Aug 19, 2024

    Updated renderings offer different views of the proposed splash pad with its interactive water spritzers and sprayers that offer engaging water play fun – especially when its hot outside!

    ----H sp 1.jpg
    ----H sp 2.jpg
         
    ----H sp 3.jpg   ----H sp 4.jpg
         
    ----H sp 5.jpg   ----H sp 6.jpg

     

    June 15, 2024

    The Crystal Lake Park District is excited to launch the 'Name Your Park' contest. We invite Crystal Lake Park District residents to share their creativity and submit suggestions for the official name of the new 10-acre park being developed, just south of the Lakewood Public Works facility on Haligus Road in Lakewood.

    The challenge to residents is simple, yet fun-name this new park!

    Contest Timeline
    Jun 15-Jul 15: Submission Form Open
    Jul 18-Jul 28: Crystal Lake Park District Board & Staff Review Entries
    Jul 28: 5 entries selected to go to public vote
    Aug 1-Aug 12: Online Public Voting
    Aug 15: Winner with most votes announced

    Name Your Park Contest Info & entry

    Jun 7, 2024

    The excitement is building! The design work is complete and we are in the permitting phase of the Haligus Road Park project.  The park site is just south of the Village of Lakewood Public Works facility on Haligus Road

    Working with Hitchcock Design Group, the park design features a shelter with restrooms and water fountain, play equipment for both 2-5 and 5-12 year olds – including a zip line, swings and more, a splash pad with shelter, teen hang out areas such as a hammock area and wave bench, a pollinator garden with trellis, a council ring area for gathering, a overlook seating area, a small amphitheater space, open space supporting two U-8 soccer fields, pickleball courts and a basketball court with a shade shelter, and parking lot.  We anticipate offering EV charging stations in the future.

    ----P_render_Haligus June Rendering 2024.jpg


     Here are the most up to date splash pad renderings.

    ----Crystal Lake Park District – Lakewood, IL render 04.jpg

    ----Crystal Lake Park District – Lakewood, IL render 05.jpg
         
    ----Crystal Lake Park District – Lakewood, IL render 07.jpg   ----splash pad June 7_2024.jpg

     

     

    May 15, 2024

    Haligus Road Park Project Update.  Prospective bidders should contact Kari Christensen at Lamp Incorporated (kchristensen@lampinc.net) or 847-741-7220 x 315 to be placed on the bid list.  Bidders will then be granted access to SmartBId to download drawings for free.  All interested bidders must contact Lamp Incorporated to access the SmartBid Website.

    March 4, 2024

    Crystal Lake Park District's new park site off Haligus Road is soon to be transformed into a community park with pickleball and basketball courts, soccer fields and accessible walking paths. New playground equipment for ages 2-5 and ages 5-12 offers many play experiences along with a uniquely designed splash pad. As part of the play equipment, swings, a zip-line tetter-totter and merry go round offer additional sensory movement experiences. Casual spaces for gathering--hammocks and unique seating areas shall entice one to sit and enjoy being out of doors while garden trellis and interpretive signage within a pollinator garden will engage visitors of all ages to enjoy nature and learn about the historical context of the site.

    Aerial View of Park

    Haligus Rd Park Site Plan

    Haligus Road Park Site Plan


    View of Haligus Road Park Playground

    November 9, 2023

    On Nov 8, the Crystal Lake Park District hosted a community update meeting at Main Beach. Residents expressed interest for an engaging play structure that promotes active play and socialization for children of all abilities and ages. Preferences were voiced for the zip line, the larger play structure, the rainbow colored "sunshades" and the earth mounds to help create engaging play environments.

    The Crystal Lake Park District received the GameTime / IPRA Grant in support of our playground at Haligus Road Park. The grant is a matching fund grant for the play equipment through Gametime representative Cunningham Recreation.

     

    March 10, 2023 Update:

    We are excited to announce that the CLPD received funding through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisition and Development Grant (OSLAD) program for the development of a park on Haligus Road. The state program is financed by the state's Real Estate Transfer Tax.

    The park site is 10 acres in size and located just south of the Village of Lakewood Public Works facility on Haligus Road. The Village of Lakewood donated the land to the Park District for developing the community park. CLPD worked with Hitchcock Design to develop the master plan for this Park site. Many Crystal Lake Park District residents attended community meetings to review and provide input on the conceptual design ideas that Hitchcock developed for the park site.

    The designed park proposes many exciting features which may include pickleball courts, a splash pad and playground, demonstration garden, a shelter, restroom building, an outer loop walking path with seating nodes, a soccer field, basketball court and paved parking. A walking path shall surround the park and run along the Kishwaukee River. The design layout for the park will be finalized in the upcoming months with the goal toward a fall ground-breaking to construct the park. Additional community input will be sought as we dive deeper in final design for the splash pad and playground features.


     

    Fetzner Park

    Fetzner Park site information

    Fetzner Park: 690 Alexandria ln, Crystal Lake, IL

    UPDATE: Aug 4, 2021

    The contractor providing ongoing maintenance of the natural areas along the creek and in the detention basins at Fetzner Park will be on site this Thursday, August 5 or Friday, August 6. The work will include mowing and spot herbiciding areas where invasive species are present.


    STERNE's FEN RESTORATION PROJECT

    5617 E. Hillside Rd, Crystal Lake, IL

    Update: April 13, 2022

    As part of our ongoing ecological restoration efforts at Sterne's Woods and Fen several large trees will be removed from the wetlands in the northwest corner of the park on Friday, April 22. While we don't anticipate any interruption to the recreational opportunities available at the park, we ask that you try to plan your activities to avoid this area between the hours of 9 am-4 pm. For more information please Erik Jakubowski at ejakubowski@crystallakeparks.org.

    Update: August 4, 2021

    Efforts to control invasive species at Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve will be expanded during the month of August and early September to include isolated stands of phragmites. This troublesome wetland plant, that looks like a very tall grass, can easily outcompete and replace native plants. Control of this species will include a herbicide application (typically by swiping individual plant stems) by licensed herbicide applicators approved by the Crystal Lake Park District. Visitors to Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve are encouraged to stay on the established paths during this time.

    Update: Oct 6, 2020

    Work continues at Sterne's Fen to maintain the restored fen and remove invasive species throughout the park. This work is done by both contractors and volunteers and is essential to keep the natural areas healthy.

    Update: Feb 12, 2020

    The contractor has finished with the tree removal at Sterne's. There are two pile of logs remaining to be removed from the parking lot, but the cutting is complete. They made to the "priority II" trees. The trail is now open for use.

    Update: Feb 6, 2020

    At this point the contractor is about half way through moving east to west. They are estimating being done by the end of the day on Mon, Feb 10. They have also started hauling out the timbered logs from the parking lot and hope to have the pile down to a minimum by the end of the day, Feb 7.


    Update: Feb 3, 2020

    A portion of the Sterne's Fen trail will be closed this week to remove unhealthy trees.

    Update: Jan 25, 2020

    Due to recent snowfall and ice coverage, work will resume once snow melts from path.

    Update: Jan 16, 2020

    Upcoming Restoration Work in Sterne's Woods and Fen

    The Crystal Lake Park District will be removing several trees located along the trail system at Veteran Acres and Sterne's Woods and Fen. As a result, portions of the trails will be closed for the safety of our visitors while the work is being performed. At no time will the entire trail system be closed to the public.

    Beginning next week, large aggressive trees that were allowed to establish in the absence of fire will be removed from Sterne's Woods and Fen as part of the ongoing Sterne's Fen Restoration project. This work should last approximately one week, weather permitting, and will only impact the portion of the trails at Sterne's identified in the map below.

    The work at Veteran Acres will take place over the next three months and will involve the removal of several large dead or dying trees along the trail north of The Nature Center. These trees pose a potential threat to the safety of our visitors, volunteers, and staff and will be removed as weather and time permits. Detailed information regarding the schedule and location of the removals will be posted as it is available.

    Please direct questions to John Fiorina, Manager of Natural Resources and Interpretive Services at jfiorina@crystallakeparks.org or 815.321.9080.

     

    Update: Nov 1, 2019

    Upcoming Restoration Work in Sterne's Woods and Fen

    In 2014 the Crystal Lake Park District began a multi-phase project to restore the hydrology of Sterne's Fen. The info below pertains to the next phase of restoration that will take place early in 2020.

    Sterne's Fen Nature Preserve is dependent upon an uninterrupted and unaltered flow of groundwater. Currently, a series of invasive trees located primarily along the toe of the slopes adjacent to the walking path are intercepting that groundwater flow. It has been estimated that through transpiration each large tree wicks away approximately 700 gallons of groundwater daily. The goal of this project is to remove the trees that are responsible for this great loss of groundwater. The project is being funded through the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County via a stewardship grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation.

    Four areas have been identified for removal and are ranked by priority. The exact scope of the project will be determined once bids are received for the tree removal.

    map of sternes woods and fen detailing invasive tree removal priority areas

    Print map

    This project will be started once the ground is well frozen in order to lessen disturbance in the removal areas. It is anticipated that the work will take place in January or February of 2020.

    This project has received the approval of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission and the Crystal Lake Park District. Prior restoration projects at Sterne's Woods and Fen have yielded very positive results in a very short amount of time. Just recently, the reintroduction of sunlight to the soil has allowed a dormant bank of native seeds to flourish during the 2019 growing season.

    We will continue to post updates on this page. As always, feel free to contact the park district with questions.

    Update: March 29, 2019

    As soon as the weather is appropriate, the fen will be seeded with native plants. Invitations to the April 23 open house were mailed to neighbors earlier this week. A notice about the open house is also on our website, on Facebook, on our lobby monitors and posted in several buildings.

    Update: March 21, 2019

    Removal of invasive trees and undergrowth is complete. When weather permits native seed will be spread throughout the restoration area. An open house is being planned for April 23 at 6 PM at Sterne's Woods and Fen to discuss the renovation project and tour the site. Watch for further details.

    Update: March 8, 2019

    The removal of invasive trees and shrubs that damage the sensitive fen is nearing completion. When weather permits, native seed will be spread to encourage healthy development of the fen.

    Update: February 19, 2019

    The removal of invasive trees and shrubs along Hillside Road is underway. These plants are undesirable because they remove a large amount of water from the area and shade the ground nearby, therefore endangering the high quality native plants within the fen. Weather permitting, the tree removal is expected to last for several days.

    Update: December 14, 2018

    The check dams have been installed. Clearing/burning of buckthorn and other invasive species continues.

    Update: December 7, 2018

    Work continued all week in the fen. A crew is busy removing buckthorn and other invasive trees from the fen. The material is being piled and then burned so there is a few constant plumes of smoke over Sterne's every day. Four of the six check dams have been installed.

    Crew at work at Sterne's Woods
    Work continues at Sterne's Woods

    Update: November 28, 2018

    The Crystal Lake Park District will begin another phase of the Sterne's Fen Restoration Project in early winter. Similar to the most recent phase of restoration, this phase will concentrate on rehydrating the fen by removing invasive trees and brush, installing check dams in channelized streams, and ongoing management of vegetation. The project will include approximately 4.5 acres of invasive/weedy tree removal in the park and along Hillside Road.

    The project is being funded through McHenry County's Wetland Restoration Fund and in cooperation with the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.

    Questions may be directed to John Fiorina, Manager of Natural Resources and Interpretative Services, at jfiorina@crystallakeparks.org or Ann Viger, Director of Park Development and Interpretive Services at aviger@crystallakeparks.org.

     


  • Completed Projects

    Switzer Memorial Stair Renovation at Veteran Acres

    Rotary Picnic Shelter Renovation

    Nature Center Exhibit Renovation

    Main Beach Deck

    Spoerl Park Playground Surface

    Natural Resources Management: Woodscreek Park Invasives

    Sterling Meadows Basketball Court Resurfacing

    Playground Resurfacing

    Administrative Office Entrance Stairs

    Lippold Family Golf Center Miniature Golf Course Carpet Replacement

    Kamijima Park Playground

    Brighton Oaks Park Playground

    Lapins Park Playground

    Veteran Acres Tennis Courts


    Rotary Picnic Shelter Renovation

    Rotary picnic Shelter Site information

    431 N. Walkup Rd, Crystal Lake

    Date: Dec 1, 2024

    The new and improved VA North Rotary Shelter project is complete. The area has a water spigot for hand washing and electric service for use with cell phones for listening to music!  Two large grills and a coal bin provide opportunities for grilling with family and friends.  Just east of the shelter is a flat-softly sloping grassy area where games can be played and chairs extended out into the lawn.

    ----North Rotary Shelter Rebuild.jpg



    Switzer memorial Stair Renovation Near the nature center

    Nature Center Site information

    330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake

    Date: Dec 1, 2024

    Check out the transformation on the Switzer Memorial stairs near the Crystal Lake Park District Nature Center at Veteran Acres Park. Big thanks to our Parks Services Department for their hard work on this project!

    ----va stairs collage.jpg

     


    Nature Center Exhibit Renovation

    Nature Center Interpretive Exhibits Project

    330 N. Main St, Crystal Lake

    Date: Jun 3, 2024

    The Nature Center is now open for visitors, 7 days/week, 10 am-5 pm.

    ----NC update june 2024.png

     

    Date: Apr 15, 2024

    The fabricated parts of the exhibits were moved into the Nature Center today. We can't wait to see our vision become reality!

     

    Date: Mar 28, 2024

    Exhibit fabrication is underway! We are still on schedule for our grand re-opening celebration on Sat, June 1. Stay tuned for details!

    Date: Mar 4, 2024

    The new exhibits are being finalized and fabricated right now after much planning and design! The nature center's Grand Re-opening event is slated for June 1, 2024, more information coming soon!

    nature center exhbit redesign overview

    Date: Apr 14, 2023

    We are excited to announce that the Crystal Lake Park District received an Illinois Department of Natural Resources Public Museum Capital Grant for developing exhibits within our Nature Center. The purpose of the project is to provide exhibits that communicate and interpret the mission and central theme of the Nature Center through nature education, human interactions, and outdoor recreation. The exhibits will focus on wetlands, woodland and prairie ecosytem habitats that are found within our region.

     

    Main Beach Updates

    Main Beach Site information

    300 Lakeshore Dr, Crystal Lake

    Date: Apr 11, 2024

    Visitors to Main Beach will notice a new deck lakeside of the building and also new canopies.

    Date: Mar 4, 2024

    Main Beach Deck: The wood decks are being replaced with new decking material and work is expected to finish in the upcoming weeks. New awnings will be installed this spring! What a welcome refresh for Main Beach!

    Main Beach Playground Updates: The play equipment at main beach has a new look! The rubber coating on a few pieces were not performing well. Playworld stands by their warranty and has replaced various pieces. Panels within the spinner, various platforms and stairs and the climber curve all were replaced with new gray-colored panels.

     


    Spoerl Park Playground

    Spoerl Park Site information

    7610 Pingree Rd, Crystal Lake

    Date: Apr 11, 2024

    The safety surface install is complete and Spoerl Park playground is open for play!

    Date: Mar 7, 2024

    The construction fencing was installed today - surfacing work to start right away! Look for the playground to reopen in approximately 2 weeks, weather depending.

    Date: Mar 4, 2024

    Spoerl Park playground surfacing was tested for attenuation (a test to make sure the surface is resilient enough to prevent a life-threatening injury from a fall). Artificial turf will be installed soon.




    sterling meadows basketball court

    1261 Amberwood Drive

    Date: Sept 23, 2022

    Renovation on the Sterling Meadows basketball court begins today. Court will be closed until further notice.


    Playground resurfacing

    Questions?

    Woodscreek Park, Veteran Acres Park, Woodland Estates Park

    Update: Sept 7, 2022

    The playground surfacing projects at Veteran Acres Park (431 N. Walkup, CL) and Woodland Estates Park (180 Midlane Dr, CL) are complete and the playgrounds are open for play! Parks are open 7 days/week, dawn to dusk.

    VETERAN ACRES



    WOODLAND ESTATES



    Update: Sept 21, 2022

    The playground at Woodscreek Park remains closed. The splash pad will remain open as long as weather permits.

    Unfortunately, the playground surfacing was not finished this past week as planned. The contractor ran out of the light blue and thus we are waiting for its delivery before installation of the final color around the typhoon slide.

    We anticipate at the earliest another week, but it may be longer before they playground can be reopened (dependent on material delivery, installation schedule, weather conditions for curing and passing safety inspection). Once the light blue surface material arrives, it will be installed and then need to cure for two days. Once cured, the surface will need to pass a safety inspection and testing. The playground will remain fenced off until passing safety inspections.

    Update: Sept 2, 2022

    Look for the construction fencing at Veteran Acres and Woodland Estates to come down on or around Tu, Sept 6. The playgrounds will be OPEN FOR PLAY at that time. Woodscreek Park playground is closed until further notice due to safety issues that came up on inspection.

    Update: Aug 26, 2022

    Woodscreek: The surfacing was installed and is curing. Safety testing and inspection is upcoming. We hope to have the park open soon.

    Veteran Acres: The surfacing work is in progress. The rain may cause delays. Once the surfacing is installed, safety testing and site inspection will follow.

    Woodland Estates: The surfacing did not cure properly and did not pass inspection. The manufacturer is working with the contractor to remedy the issue in the next few weeks.

    Update: Aug 19, 2022

    Woodscreek: The base layer of Poured in Place (PIP) safety surfacing has been installed.


    Update: Aug 12, 2022

    Woodland Estates playground is further delayed in opening due to defective glue within the rubber surfacing. The manufacturer recalled the product after the surfacing was installed. The glue that was provided had an unknown change in the raw ingredients causing the playground surface to be "sticky". The sticky surface is not conducive to running and play and will cause maintenance issues. Two solutions have been developed to fix the stickiness issue and the contractor has been instructed to use the solution that can be completed as soon as possible. The fix will not impact the safety of the surfacing. We thank you for your continued patience!

    Woodscreek surfacing is scheduled to start next week with Veteran Acres to immediately follow.

    Update: Aug 3, 2022

    We have been informed that Woodland Estates Park Playground surfacing should be finished by this Fri/Sat, Aug 5 or Aug 6 with Safety Testing scheduled for Mon, Aug 8. Assuming it passes, the playground will open the following day or two (construction fencing to be removed and site tidied up first).

    Woodscreek Park Playground surfacing is scheduled to start Wed, Aug 10 and continue through to completion. Veteran Acres Park Playground to immediately follow. Testing is anticipated to follow after a couple days of curing. The sites will need to be tidied after the fence removal. As of this update date, we anticipate the parks open for play the week of Aug 20 at the latest.

    Update: July 27, 2022

    Thank you for your patience as we wait for the playground rubber surfacing to be installed. Material supply chain issues including shortages in epoxy glue along with vandalism to the playgrounds is causing delays in our playground resurfacing projects. Originally the project was scheduled to begin in the spring. The poured in place safety surfacing has temperature and humidity requirements and with an especially wet Spring season, Contractor and Manufacturer recommendations were to wait. Several other factors then came into play including: a labor strike caused delays in gravel material, manufacturer supply chain issues with binder material for the rubber surfacing.

    A frequently asked question is why did the Park District pursue 3 big projects all at the same time: After the bid process, it was determined that the most fiscally responsible way to get the 3 projects completed was to bundle them for bulk pricing. If the spring weather didn't come into play as well as supply chain issues on materials like binder material for the surfacing and gravel material shortages, the playgrounds would have been ready in time for summer play.

    Construction fencing is not deterring vandals from damaging our playgrounds. If you live near one of our parks and have information concerning a criminal damage incident please use one of the methods below to contact us:

    If an act of vandalism is in progress: call 911

    Phone Park Police: 815-356-2415

    SEECOM DISPATCH: 815-356-1114

    Phone Park District: 815-459-0680

    Update: July 7, 2022

    Woodland Estates: It has been too wet with more rain in the forecast. At this point an initial base layer of Poured In Place (PIP) safety surface was installed over most of the playground. We are delayed due to damaged play post replacement. The piece is expected to arrive within 2 weeks.



    Veteran Acres and Woodscreek Park: Staff was informed of Poured in Place (PIP) safety surfacing material shipping delays this past Tuesday. We will post here once we receive shipping updates.

    Veteran Acres Playground as of June 29

    Update: June 9, 2022

    The playgrounds at Woodscreek Park, Veteran Acres Park and Woodland Estates Park are fenced off and closed in preparation of installation of new playground safety surfacing. This project is weather dependent and we are working closely with the contractor to make sure the playgrounds are safe and ready for play as soon as possible (approximately 8 weeks). We do not anticipate it affecting splash pad operations at Veteran Acres or Woodscreek Park.

     


    Administrative Office Entrance Stairs

    Admin office services

    Admin. Office, 1 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake

    Update: Aug 19, 2022

    Administrative Office south entrance stairs replacement began August 17. Please plan to use the North entrance during the project. The process is expected to take 2-3 weeks for demo, framing, inspections, pouring, finishing and installation of new side handrails.


    Miniature Golf Course Carpet Replacement

    Lippold Family Golf Center Info

    Lippold Family Golf Center, 1251 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake

    Update: August 1, 2022

    Replacement of carpet at both miniature golf courses is complete.



     

    Update: June 30, 2022

    Replacement of carpet at both miniature golf courses is underway. Course #1 is complete and course #2 is in progress. This upgrade will be such a nice addition to the already scenic courses.










     

     


    Kamijima Park Playground

    Kamijima Park Info

    Kamijima Park: 1294 North Ave, Crystal Lake

    Update: April 24, 2023

    The custom climbers were accidentally damaged and are scheduled to be repaired in early May (the manufacturer is sending a person in for two days to do the repairs). So pending temperatures and coordination, we are hopeful that the playground will be opened in mid-May.

    Update: Sept 2, 2022

    We are waiting on delivery of the play equipment to start the project.

    Update: June 7, 2022

    Due to manufacturing delays, the Kamijima Park playground replacement is delayed until at least the end of August 2022.

    Update: Jan 5, 2022

    Four options depicting a variety of equipment types, styles and layouts were presented to the public at a meeting on November 8 that was attended by seven residents. The concepts were posted on the Project Update page of the Crystal Lake Park District website and on Facebook the following day. The existing playground was installed in 2005 and has reached the end of its useful life cycle. The new playground equipment will be situated in approximately the same location as the existing playground. New border, benches and safety surfacing will be installed in addition the play equipment itself.

    Several questions were posted on Facebook inquiring about the park itself. Kamijima Park, originally named Edgewater Park, was obtained when the Grafton Township Park District merged with the Crystal Lake Park District in 1968. Because the six lots that comprise the park are flood prone, they were deemed unbuildable. Edgewater Park was renamed Naoki Kamijima Park in 2000 in honor of the manager of The General Store across the street. He was murdered in the store in what police called a hate crime.

    Public comments received via Facebook, direct email and the in-person meeting favored one particular option which has been revised somewhat and is shown here. Numerous comments were made about the informal name of the park (Fishy Park) due to the large red fish that is integral to the existing playground. Working with the manufacturer, the playground designers were able to add two custom climbers to the design that are nice and fishy!

    The park district will proceed with the public bidding portion of the project in February with the goal of installing the new playground in the spring of 2022.

    Print Kamijima Park Playground Concept

     


    Brighton Oaks Playground

    Brighton Oaks Info

    Brighton Oaks: 9818 Ballard Rd, Crystal Lake

    Update: Sept 2, 2022

    The playground is OPEN for play beginning Sept 2, 2022.

    Update: Aug 26, 2022

    We are waiting on delivery of a swing. A site inspection is scheduled for next week. The playground will be open soon.

    Update: Aug 19, 2022

    Equipment installation is underway.




     

    Update: July 7, 2022

    Contractor fencing installed and demolition began July 6.



    Update: June 9, 2022

    Beginning July 5 (tentative), the contractor will install fencing in preparation for the equipment installation scheduled to begin June 25 (weather dependent).

    Update: May 12, 2022

    Due to manufacturing delays, there has been a delay in this project. Staff are waiting to hear from the contractor regarding Brighton Oaks playground equipment replacement.

    Update: Jan 5, 2022

    Seven options depicting a variety of equipment types, styles and layouts were presented to the public at a meeting on November 10 which was attended by two residents. The options were posted on the Project Update page of the Crystal Lake Park District website and on Facebook the following day. The new playground will replace existing equipment that is 24 years old and has outlived its useful life. The new playground will be in the same location as the existing playground.

    Brighton Oaks playground is unique for a neighborhood park because the size of the playground area is large enough to include both a structure for 2-5 year olds and a structure for 5-12 year olds. Typically, only community parks have enough space to accommodate both age ranges.

    Of the two options favored by the public, the option chosen and shown here provides the most value and the most unique experience. With a 12' high slide, this playground will feature the tallest playground in the entire park district.

    The park district will now finalize the construction documents and put the project out to public bid for installation. The goal is to install the new equipment in the spring of 2022.

    Print Brighton Oaks Concept


    Lapins Park Playground

    Lapins Park Info

    Lapins Park: 6400 Scott Ln, Crystal Lake

    Update: Sept 2, 2022

    The playground is OPEN for play beginning Sept 2, 2022.



    Update: Aug 26, 2022

    The contractor is working to finish the punch list items. The playground will be open soon!

    Update: Aug 19, 2022

    The installation of Lapins Playground is nearing completion.



    Update: July 7, 2022

    The old equipment was removed by Kids Around the World for re-use.



    Kids Around the World dismantles old playground Demo work in progress
    Concrete curb forms installed

    Update: June 14, 2022

    The old playground equipment will be donated to Kids Around the World for re-use. Once the contractor fencing is installed on Tu, June 14 and Kids Around the World will remove the old playground on Wed, June 15. Once the old playground is removed, fencing will stay in place while new equipment is installed (tentative start date June 25-weather dependent).

    Update: May 12, 2022

    Due to manufacturing delays, there has been a delay in this project. Staff are waiting to hear from the contractor regarding Lapins playground equipment replacement.

    Update: Jan 5, 2022

    Seven options depicting a variety of equipment types, styles and layouts were presented to the public at a meeting on November 9 attended by 6 residents. The concepts were posted on the Project Update page of the Crystal Lake Park District website and on Facebook the following day. The new playground will be in the same approximate location as the existing playground which contains equipment that is 20 years old and has outlived its useful life. New shade trees, playground border, safety surfacing and benches will be installed along with the playground itself.

    It was unanimously agreed at the in-person meeting that the new playground should be designed for 5-12 year olds, unlike the current playground that is designed for 2-5 year olds. Three of the options each received two "votes" each, leaving a tie. Staff worked with the playground designers to incorporate other comments received from the meeting and online to adapt one of the preferred options to a playground appropriate for the older age range.

    The park district will be finalizing the construction documents for the project and put the project out for public bid in February. It is our goal to have the playground installed in the spring of 2022.

    Views 1 & 2 of Lapins Playground Concept

    Print Lapins Concept


     


    Veteran Acres TEnnis Courts

    site information

    Veteran Acres: 431 N Walkup, Crystal Lake, IL

    UPDATE: Jun 7, 2022

    The courts are open for play. Enjoy!

    UPDATE: May 12, 2022

    The color surfacing of the tennis and basketball courts at Veteran Acres is tentatively scheduled for May 16-20.

    UPDATE: Nov 2, 2021

    Reconstruction of the tennis courts at Veteran Acres Park is well underway! In addition rebuilding the courts themselves, a handicap accessible sidewalk is being added to join the tennis courts, basketball court and restroom building.


    UPDATE: Sept 29, 2021

    The tennis courts at Veteran Acres will be closed for the season beginning Mon, Oct 4. The early closure this fall is to begin a major reconstruction project of the courts that will include new surfacing, nets, fencing and lights. Work is expected to continue through the winter as weather permits, with the final color surface and lines being applied in the Spring of 2022. We apologize for the inconvenience but look forward to the new and improved tennis facility next year!



    Ladd Park Playground

    556 Coventry Ln, Crystal Lake, IL

    UPDATE: JUNE 18, 2021

    Inspections are complete, the construction fencing has been removed and Ladd Playground is officially open.

    UPDATE: JUNE 10, 2021

    Work is coming to an end on the new playground for Ladd Park! The equipment and safety surfacing are completed. The contractor will be cleaning up the site over the next few days. When the fence is removed, the playground will be officially open!



    UPDATE: MAY 28, 2021

    After a shipping delay from the manufacturer, work will resume soon on the playground project. The safety surfacing is scheduled for installation the week of June 7, so watch for the playground to reopen soon after that!

    UPDATE: APR 26, 2021

    The new playground equipment is beginning to rise! The concrete pad in these pictures will be a patio with a picnic table and bench.


    Update: Apr 15, 2021

     

    It may not look like much right now, but work is well underway for the installation of a beautiful new playground at Ladd Park. The old equipment has been removed and underdrains have been installed. The site is now being prepared for a new concrete sidewalk and concrete curb edging around the new playground. Keep an eye out over the next few weeks - the new equipment is on its way and installation will begin soon!

     


    UPDATE: JAN 12, 2021

    The new playground at Ladd Park is one step closer to reality! After receiving a lot of great feedback from neighbors and users of the park, the conceptual designs were refined and shown here is the final plan for the playground. Keep in mind this is a computer image, so doesn't look completely lifelike! What is not shown in this image is the safety surfacing under the playground which will be a brightly colored solid rubber surface, and a stand-alone handicap accessible swingset. A paved walkway will connect the playground to Coventry Lane near the baseball field and a bike rack, benches and trash cans will also be installed.

    Installation of the playground is currently "out to bid". Plans are to have a contract finalized in February or March so that the job can begin as soon as weather allows. Watch here for more schedule updates!

     


    Overall View




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