Lake County Gazette

Lake Forest is set to commence the Elawa parking lot improvement project in early April, aiming to add approximately 30 parking spaces to the heavily frequented lot.

The enhancement plan for the parking lot at 1401 Middlefork Drive includes reconstructing the existing asphalt parking lot, expanding it northwards, improving traffic flow within the lot, and enhancing the landscaping near the street. This information was provided in a Facebook post by the City of Lake Forest.

According to another post by the City of Lake Forest, both the current capacity of Elawa's parking lot and that of Lake County Forest Preserve's gravel parking lot are often exceeded due to high usage. The area attracts a diverse range of users including those visiting Middlefork Savanna via Lake County Forest Preserve, Elawa Park visitors, Elawa Farm patrons, and members of the Lake Forest Open Lands Association.

The City of Lake Forest indicates that while an early April start is scheduled for this project, its completion is expected by mid-May depending on weather conditions.

Visitors can anticipate access to the existing parking lot for most of the project's duration. As per a City of Lake Forest Facebook post, majority of construction activity will occur in the footprint of the expanded northern section. Temporary closures of some spaces in the existing lot will be necessary for reconfiguration work and concrete placement. Material hauling trucks and gravel delivery vehicles will be present during excavation work on the expanded area - an operation expected to last several weeks.

According to another update from City authorities on Facebook, both parking lots will require temporary closure for a few days while paving and painting works are carried out. This is projected to occur in mid-April, subject to weather conditions. Notices will be posted ahead of these closures. Residents should expect some noise and dust from construction activities such as milling, paving, and grading.

In terms of staff provisions during this period, employee parking will be arranged along Jensen Drive as per information from the City of Lake Forest. Working hours will primarily be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, with additional hours as needed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. These hours will be adjusted to avoid disrupting evening and weekend programs at Elawa Farms.