March 5, 2024:
Exciting news, Lake Foresters! Thanks to significant individual contributions from the Lake Forest community, we reached our fundraising goal to make the Forest Park Beach Pathway Project a reality.
Later this year, you'll be able to walk down to Forest Park Beach on a new boardwalk that is ADA-compliant, stroller-friendly, and a beautiful asset to Lake Forest. Lake Forest has a long history of public-private partnerships and this is yet another testament to what a remarkably generous and giving community this is. We can't wait for you to enjoy this beautiful new amenity.
Want to learn more about the Pathway Project?
- Watch a virtual tour of the pathway and see the conceptual plan in action!
- Read the story posted on Lake Forest Love. This article perfectly describes the fond memories of the old boardwalk that the community has been missing for the past five years.
A BRIEF HISTORY:
- The wooden boardwalk at the south end of Forest Park Beach opened in 1987.
- In 2018, the boardwalk was closed due to deterioration and removed. Recreation staff and community stakeholders met at the South Pavilion and shared their thoughts and ideas for replacing the boardwalk.
- 2019: Due to damage from storms and flooding, the focus shifted to the North Beach Access Road and Bluff Restoration.
- 2022: Plans and proposed costs submitted for the new pathway design.
- 2023: Fundraising is underway to rebuild and re-imagine the boardwalk.
THE IDEA
- This project presents a unique opportunity to provide a new pathway that is safe, functional, ADA compliant, and a beautiful asset to Forest Park Beach.
- With support from private donors and the City of Lake Forest, the community will enjoy this enhancement to the bluff for generations to come.
THE PURPOSE
- Walking access between Forest Park bluff and the beach.
- ADA-compliant access for persons with disabilities.
- Easy access for strollers, wagons, etc.
- The construction materials are wood and steel.
- Landscaping will complement and carry the aesthetic of Forest Park Beach.
- The pathway will start at the upper south parking lot and end at the playground.
- There will be two overlooks to rest and enjoy the view.
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FRIENDS OF LAKE FOREST PARKS & RECREATION FOUNDATION
Fundraising Committee:
- Rick Amos
- Kendall Davis
- Nicole Fabiano-Oertel
- Pat Hoch
- PJ O'Neil
Parks & Recreation Staff:
- Joe Mobile, Interim Director of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation
Thank you Lake Forest!
Donations to Lake Forest Parks & Recreation through the Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation are always appreciated and can be made online or by mail.
MAIL: Mail your donation (payable to The Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation) to 400 Hastings Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045.
ONLINE: Donate Now
The Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) Illinois nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
