Lake County Gazette

The City of Lake Forest is proceeding with plans to convert the Waveland Park Pavilion into an open-air structure as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvement Program. Resident feedback has been instrumental in shaping this project.

On September 24, 2024, the city hosted a Slices & Spaces: Waveland Park Pavilion Project Open House at the pavilion, presenting four conceptual design options. Approximately 40 attendees participated, and an additional 206 responses were collected via an online survey from September 26 through October 15, 2024. This feedback has helped refine the project design.

The final pavilion design incorporates elements from two options: "Our updated pavilion design incorporates elements from design option three (roof type) and four (opens towards the park)," said a city representative.

Key design preferences include:

- **Open to the Park**: Designs that open toward the playground, pond, and tennis courts were favored for improved visibility and connection to the park.

- **Roof Design**: Gable and arched roof styles were praised for their aesthetic appeal.

- **Fireplace Feature**: Many respondents supported including a fireplace or fire pit to extend use into cooler months.

- **Restrooms & Amenities**: There was strong support for restrooms with changing stations, a water station with bottle filler, and additional picnic seating.

- **Architecture & Materials**: Respondents emphasized using high-quality materials consistent with Lake Forest's character.

Construction is tentatively planned for fall 2025. Updates will be provided later this summer.

The Waveland Park building was constructed in 1975 as an entirely enclosed structure featuring restrooms, an interior utility room, a maintenance garage area, and a central open space area. The conversion to an open-air pavilion has been considered for some time.

In Fall 2023, comments from residents during the Ward 2 “Coffee in the Park” event reaffirmed support for converting it into an open-air pavilion like those at Northcroft Park and South Park.

This project aligns with key priorities from the City’s FY2025-2030 Strategic Plan including Infrastructure and City Facilities, Recreation and Community Well-Being, and Community Engagement.