Sun April 20, 2025
Big changes are coming to the Forest Park Beach Playground. Originally built in 2004, the existing playground at the beach has reached the end of its typical 15-20-year lifespan. Thanks to careful maintenance over the years, it has remained safe and enjoyable, and now it’s time for an upgrade.
In alignment with the priority of Community Engagement outlined in the City’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, residents played a central role in shaping the new playground. Two design concepts were created, featuring play areas for both 2-5 and 5-12 year age groups. Last summer, the City invited the community to weigh in through an online survey – and more than 570 residents responded with ideas, preferences, and thoughtful suggestions.
That feedback directly influenced the final design, which was enhanced to reflect community input:
“The newly designed playground ensures children and adults of all abilities can interact, play, and explore together,” said Mike Wick, Director of Parks and Recreation. “With accessible ramps, imaginative sensory features, shaded areas, and challenge levels for all ages, this space was carefully crafted to support play for everyone.”
The result is an inclusive, adventure-filled space that fosters physical, cognitive, and social development while staying true to the lakeside charm of Lake Forest.
In keeping with the City’s sustainability goals, Lake Forest has partnered with Kids Around the World, a Rockford-based nonprofit that refurbishes playground equipment for underserved communities. Two major components from the current playground will be repurposed and reinstalled elsewhere, giving them a second life and providing joy to children in need.
“We’re thrilled that our playground can live on in another part of the world,” said Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry. “It’s a great example of how we can reduce waste, give back, and support play for all.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in early Fall 2025, with completion anticipated by the end of October.
