Lake County Gazette

The Round Lake Area Park District will host a Grand Opening Celebration for Hero Park, its new accessible playground, on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hero Park, located at 2041 N. Orchard Lane in Round Lake Beach. The celebration is free and open to the public, with no registration required.

The event will include trackless train rides, an airbrush artist, treats, and giveaways while supplies last. Hero Park is designed as one of the most inclusive playgrounds in Lake County and aims to remove physical and social barriers so that children of all abilities can play together safely.

Features of the park include smooth surfacing for accessibility, high-back swings, specialized seating and handholds, ramps connecting different levels of the playground, full fencing around the area, a splash pad for water play during summer months, and fully accessible restrooms.

“Hero Park is more than a playground; it’s a space where every child can experience the joy of play without limitations,” said Round Lake Area Park District Executive Director Katie Gamroth. “We’re proud to create a place that fosters connection, confidence, and community for children and families of all abilities.”

Plans for Hero Park were first announced by the district in 2022. The site previously housed a preschool building until its removal in 2020 and an earlier playground that was dismantled in 2023. The equipment from the old playground was donated to Kids Around the World for refurbishment and use overseas.

Construction began in 2024 with staff working toward creating an inclusive environment for local families. A soft opening took place in late June 2025 while final touches were being completed ahead of the official grand opening.

“Seeing Hero Park open to the public is incredibly rewarding,” said Ane Olivares, superintendent of parks at the Round Lake Area Park District. “From navigating challenges, to keeping construction on track, it’s been a full journey, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished for this community. It’s exciting to see it already bringing people together.”

Hero Park operates daily from dawn until dusk; its splash pad runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during summer months while restroom facilities are available during daytime hours but locked overnight.