eNews: Masks Optional on Feb. 28, Splashpad at Townline Park, & More!

Contributed photo

By The City of Lake Forest

Feb 28, 2022

Lake Forest Community News

Just 23 days until spring, but who's counting...

This week's eNews includes Mask Mandate Lifted on Feb. 28, LF/LB Chamber "State of the Towns," Summer Programs and Camps, Splashpad at Townline Park, Summer Jobs, ComEd Bridge Replacement, Community Spotlight, Things to Know, Upcoming Events, City Meetings, and More.

Top Stories

Statewide Mask Mandate Lifted on Feb. 28

Starting on Monday, February 28, the City of Lake Forest will no longer require masks indoors at City facilities, in alignment with the Governor's decision to lift the statewide mask mandate. Mask requirements will continue where federally mandated, such as in healthcare settings, public transportation, long-term care facilities, and congregate settings. Businesses may choose to continue to implement more strict public health mitigations, including requiring masks.

"State of the Towns" Annual Breakfast on Mar. 4

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. $25 registration for plated continental breakfast at the Deer Path Inn. All are welcome. Register by February 28.

Summer Registration Opens Mar. 1 at 8:30 am

It's still winter, but now is the time to start making your summer plans with Lake Forest Parks and Recreation! Resident Registration opens online and in-person on Tuesday, March 1 at 8:30 am. Non-Resident Registration opens on Tuesday, March 8 at 8:30 am. View the Summer & Camp Program Guide, the Summer Camp Guide, or click over to the registration site.

Splashpad Coming to Townline Park

There will be a new place to stay cool this summer – a splashpad at Townline Park! The first of its kind in Lake Forest, the splashpad will be a place for children to gather, play, and cool off during the summer months. Interactive features including different spouts, sprays, fountains, and bubblers will offer sensory rich, creative, and engaging play opportunities. Construction will begin around April 18 and is expected to be complete by June 17.

City Council approved plans for the splashpad during their meeting on Tuesday. Watch the City Council Meeting to see Superintendent of Cemetery, Parks & Forestry Chuck Myers’ presentation on the splashpad.

Apply for Summer Jobs

Come have fun working in the sun! The Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department is looking for Lifeguards and Beach Guards to work the 2022 Summer Season! Apply today.

Deerpath Road to Close for ComEd Bike Path Bridge Replacement Project

When you're driving west on Deerpath Road, ComEd owns the first bridge you see that runs parallel to Route 41. ComEd is replacing the bridge to increase the capacity rating for their maintenance vehicles and equipment. While construction schedules are tentative, Deerpath Road is expected to be completely closed to traffic from Ahwahnee Lane to Route 41 from Saturday, March 19-Sunday, March 27 while the existing bridge is removed. We'll share more information closer to the closure. Learn more.

Community Spotlight

Read Between the Ravines

What is fast fashion? Do sustainable clothing choices really make a difference? Join the Lake Forest Library for the fourth annual Read Between the Ravines, where the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff communities come together to read one nonfiction book and discuss real-world issues. This year's title is "Unraveled: The Life and Death of a Garment" by Maxine Bédat. Copies of the book are available to borrow from both libraries, and events begin in March, culminating in an author visit on April 4. For more information about the book and author, events, and more, visit readbetween.org.

Things to Know

West Park Ice Rink Closed for the Season

We hope you had a chance to visit the West Park Ice Rink this season! Thousands of skaters visited the rink during the 42 days it was open. With the shift to warmer weather, the rink is closed for the season so the grass can recover this spring. We'll see you next year!

What's New on Lake Forest Love?

This week on Lake Forest Love - find Longtime Friends Think Outside the Box to Generate Love of Reading Among Children, All the #LakeForestLove, and more. Subscribe to the Lake Forest Love newsletter to receive stories straight to your inbox.

Lake County Community Health Survey

The Lake County Health Department is currently collecting data through a county-wide Community Health Survey. This survey gives insight into how the community’s health is currently and how it can be improved. The results will help guide future planning by creating priorities and strategies for achieving the highest level of health and wellness for everyone in Lake County. Take the survey.

Community Happenings

Featured Events

Lake Forest High School Talent Show

Friday, February 25 & 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. 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 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. Register to attend in-person or watch the livestream.

Mass Incarceration: Reducing Recidivism through Court Programs

Wednesday, March 2, 7 pm

Lake Forest College Lecturer in Politics and Pre-Law Stephanie Caparelli leads a discussion with Gabe Conroe, Senior Assistant Public Defender and George Allen, Lake County Drug Court graduate on how specialty court programs can help reduce recidivism. Learn more.

An Evening with Madeline Miller

Thursday, March 3, 7 pm

Join the Lake Forest Library for an evening with Madeline Miller, one of the leaders in Greek retellings, to discuss her works, "The Song of Achilles" and "Circe." Register today.

Mother & Son Pancake Breakfast: Flannels & Flapjacks!

Saturday, March 5, 9-10:30 am

Moms and your little lumberjack(s): put on your flannel and come on out for a fun-filled pancake breakfast! This action packed morning includes lumberjack themed activities (including Paul Bunyan's inflatable ax throwing!), crafts, and a hearty breakfast! Registration includes both mother and son (ages 5-12 years old). Sponsored by Forest Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry. Register today.

Community Events