eNews: Deerpath Athletic Fields Next Steps, Summer Camps, & More!

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By The City of Lake Forest

Feb 21, 2022

Lake Forest Community News

This week's eNews includes Deerpath Athletic Field Improvements, Summer Camp Registration, LF/LB Government & Business Breakfast, Lake Forest Love, Are You New Here?, Community Spotlight, Things to Know, Upcoming Events, City Meetings, and More.

Top Stories

Deerpath Athletic Field Workshop Recap

The second Deerpath Athletic Field Improvements Community Workshop was held virtually on Thursday, February 17. The purpose of the meeting was to answer questions from the first workshop (held on December 15) and provide the community an opportunity to evaluate different design approaches for Deerpath Community Park. If you couldn’t make the meeting and would like to submit a comment, watch the recording or view the presentation slides, and then submit a comment form. The comment form is open through Thursday, February 24. Visit the project webpage for more information.

Summer Camp Registration Opens Mar. 1 at 8:30 am Online and In-Person!

Just like the rock anthem “We Will Rock You” by Queen has whipped generations of kids into a frenzy, we are kicking off our 2022 summer camp season with the same energy and excitement! “We Will REC You!” (our marketing campaign) has launched and we can’t wait to share with the community all of our camp options for 2022. We have camps for all kids - from traditional day camps to sports, dance, nature, art, and more. Register on Tuesday, March 1 and follow @lfparksandrec to make sure your little rock stars aren’t left in the dust!

Please note:

Supply chain issues / paper shortages have affected the printing schedule of the Summer Program Guide, so there will be a delay in paper copies arriving in mailboxes. We encourage you to view our guide online or on our website, click over to our registration site, or even print out pages if needed!
Non-Resident Registration opens March 8 at 8:30 am online and in-person.
Online registration requires a user I.D. and password - please contact the office to get yours at 847.234.6700.

LF/LB Chamber Annual Business & Government Breakfast

You're invited to join the LF/LB Chamber on Friday, March 4 from 7:30-9:30 am for the annual “state of the towns” presentation by Lake Forest City Manager Jason Wicha and Lake Bluff Village Administrator Drew Irvin. Plated continental breakfast at the Deer Path Inn (225 E. Illinois Rd, Lake Forest). $25 Registration. All are welcome. Register here.

#LakeForestLove is in the Air

"We met our freshman year at Lake Forest High School (our lockers were across from one another). We both went to University of Michigan together (class of 2013) and got married in September of 2017 at St. Mary's Church. On our wedding day, we were able to go back and take pictures at LFHS by the lockers where we met." - April and Matt Vogrich

Continue the Valentine's Day vibes by sharing your #LakeForestLove on social media. Find more stories from Lake Forest couples on Lake Forest Love. Subscribe to the Lake Forest Love newsletter to receive stories straight to your inbox.

Are You New Here?

Welcome to Lake Forest!

Whether you recently moved here or you recently signed up for this newsletter, we're glad you're here! We're starting this "Are You New Here" series to share some things to know with all residents, especially those newer to the area.

First up - do you have the Lake Forest Now Mobile App? It's a great place to find out what's happening in the community. View Rec's Summer Program Guide, check the new beach water cam, and so much more - all in Lake Forest Now. Download the App today!

Community Spotlight

Lake Forest College Names 14th President

In a record-breaking year in which Lake Forest College welcomed its largest incoming class in history, the Board of Trustees has advanced the College’s history-making momentum by naming Dr. Jill M. Baren as the College’s first woman president. A renowned academic, physician, and administrator, Baren is an inspiring leader whose experience is centered in humanism, medical ethics, experiential education, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a strong belief in the liberal arts. Learn more.

Things to Know

LF/LB Chamber Honors Women in Business in March

In honor of International Women's Day on March 8, the LF/ LB Chamber is honoring women in business in March. If you are a female owned business or have a fantastic female employee or volunteer on your staff, the LF/LB Chamber would love to acknowledge you or your team member during the month of March. Send a sentence or two describing yourself or them and the business along with a photo and logo to Caroline Hayes to be featured on the Chamber's social channels. Submissions are due by Tuesday, February 22.

ComEd Bike Path Bridge Replacement

ComEd owns and maintains the Skokie Valley bike path bridge over Deerpath just east of Route 41. ComEd is replacing the bridge to increase the capacity rating for their maintenance vehicles and equipment. While construction schedules are tentative, ComEd has confirmed Deerpath Road will be completely closed to traffic from Ahwahnee Lane to Route 41 for one week while the existing bridge is removed. The closure is tentatively scheduled for March 18-27 (over spring break to limit impacts). We'll share more information as we have it.

Lake-Woodbine Bridge Public Information Meeting

The City hosted a second Public Information Meeting regarding the proposed replacement of the Lake-Woodbine Bridge on Wednesday, February 16. Learn more.

New Construction Projects Map

The City of Lake Forest invests in capital planning every year, which includes road improvements, utility upgrades, and general maintenance of infrastructure. Check out the new Construction Projects Map to see locations and details for the projects planned for this year.

COVID-19 News and Updates

Statewide Mask Mandate to be Lifted on February 28

In alignment with the Governor's announcement, the City of Lake Forest will no longer require masks indoors at City facilities starting on Monday, February 28. Mask requirements will continue where federally mandated, such as on public transit and in high-risk settings including healthcare facilities and congregate care. Masking requirements will also continue to apply in all daycare settings. Businesses may choose to continue to implement more strict public health mitigations, including requiring masks.

Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Available

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-⁠home rapid antigen COVID-⁠19 tests from the U.S. government. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order tests now so you have tests when you need them.

COVID Vaccines and Boosters

Anyone 5 years of age and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Search for your nearest vaccination location at vaccines.gov or call 1.800.232.0233.

Community Happenings

Featured Events

Teen Resume Workshop

Friday, February 18, 5 pm

Learn ideas for a detailed resume structure and tips for an eye-catching cover letter. Register now.

Tuesday on the Trail

Tuesday, February 22, 12 pm

Lake Forest Open Lands Association field educators will lead a small group tour along the newly restored river trail at West Skokie Nature Preserve. Learn about the specific habitat, plants, trees, animals and birds that call this preserve home. Learn more and register.

Lake Forest High School Talent Show

Thursday, February 24-Saturday, February 26, 7 pm

The Lake Forest High School Talent Show 2022 will be live and in-person at LFHS. The Association of Parents and Teachers (APT) is proud to sponsor this diverse show which features a variety of acts highlighting our students' talents in music, comedy, dance, and video. The Talent Show is the only fundraiser for the APT and with your support, the LFHS APT can continue to develop programs and offer grants to fulfill our mission: to create a stronger community for our kids, teachers, and families. Learn more.

Spin Doctors

Saturday, February 26, 7:30 pm

Get up close with the Spin Doctors in their exclusive Chicago-area concert at Gorton Center! Buy tickets.

Creating a Road Map for High School Facilities Improvement

Tuesday, March 1, 6-7 pm

Lake Forest District 115 invites residents to attend a Facilities Master Plan Community Forum at Lake Forest High School East Campus on Tuesday, March 1 from 6 -7 pm. A presentation will be shared regarding the evolution of the LFHS Facilities Master Plan, scheduled improvements, and District priorities for long-term planning to enhance and innovate our students’ learning environments. There will also be opportunity for dialogue. Guided tours will be available beginning at 7 pm. Learn more.

Community Events