June 17, 2024:

The project will begin in early July and be complete in September 2024 (weather permitting). In order to move efficiently through the space, crews will be constructing the steel frame and placing the decking as they go. Landscape restoration will occur afterwards and tree planting will occur in October after the summer heat. Lighting will be installed after the boardwalk is in place.

Updates to the construction will be posted on the City of Lake Forest's website: https://cityoflakeforest.com/pathwayproject/.

March 5, 2024:

Exciting news, Lake Foresters! Thanks to significant individual contributions from the Lake Forest community, we reached our fundraising goal to make the Forest Park Beach Pathway Project a reality. Later this year, you'll be able to walk down to Forest Park Beach on a new boardwalk that is ADA-compliant, stroller-friendly, and a beautiful asset to Lake Forest. Lake Forest has a long history of public-private partnerships and this is yet another testament to what a remarkably generous and giving community this is. We can't wait for you to enjoy this beautiful new amenity.

Want to learn more about the Pathway Project?

  • Watch a virtual tour of the pathway and see the conceptual plan in action!
  • Read the story posted on Lake Forest Love. This article perfectly describes the fond memories of the old boardwalk that the community has been missing for the past five years.

A BRIEF HISTORY:

  • The wooden boardwalk at the south end of Forest Park Beach opened in 1987.
  • In 2018, the boardwalk was closed due to deterioration and removed. Recreation staff and community stakeholders met at the South Pavilion and shared their thoughts and ideas for replacing the boardwalk.
  • 2019: Due to damage from storms and flooding, the focus shifted to the North Beach Access Road and Bluff Restoration.
  • 2022: Plans and proposed costs submitted for the new pathway design.
  • 2023: Fundraising is underway to rebuild and re-imagine the boardwalk.

THE IDEA

  • This project presents a unique opportunity to provide a new pathway that is safe, functional, ADA compliant, and a beautiful asset to Forest Park Beach.
  • With support from private donors and the City of Lake Forest, the community will enjoy this enhancement to the bluff for generations to come.

THE PURPOSE

  • Walking access between Forest Park bluff and the beach.
  • ADA-compliant access for persons with disabilities.
  • Easy access for strollers, wagons, etc.
THE DETAILS
  • The construction materials are wood and steel.
  • Landscaping will complement and carry the aesthetic of Forest Park Beach.
  • The pathway will start at the upper south parking lot and end at the playground.
  • There will be two overlooks to rest and enjoy the view.
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FRIENDS OF LAKE FOREST PARKS & RECREATION FOUNDATION

Fundraising Committee:

  • Rick Amos
  • Kendall Davis
  • Nicole Fabiano-Oertel
  • Pat Hoch
  • PJ O'Neil

FriendsLFPR@cityoflakeforest.com

Parks & Recreation Staff:

  • Joe Mobile, Interim Director of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation

mobilej@cityoflakeforest.com