By David A. F. Sweet Significant upgrades are planned for Northcroft Park. One of six neighborhood parks in the City of Lake Forest, the 30-acre park west of Route 41 will enjoy a number of firsts, including the city's first disc golf course and first handball courts. Pickleball courts will also be built, along with a splash pad for family fun.
A youngster shares her choices about what she'd like to see at Northcroft Park.
Another improvement is the enhancement and expansion of the walking path, which will better connect park features and amenities. “This will make it easier for visitors to enjoy the park and access different areas more seamlessly,” said Superintendent of Parks, Forestry, and Natural Resources Chuck Myers, who noted the overall work at the park will occur in phases. “We are happy to introduce all of these exciting new features, These improvements will make Northcroft Park an even more vibrant and enjoyable destination for all.” The changes – which will take place during the next 3-10 years and which will be paid out of the City’s Capital Plan fund -- were included in a master plan approved by the Parks and Recreation Board earlier this year and by the City Council in September. Myers noted feedback from residents – through engagement sessions at the park and online surveys -- was crucial in shaping the master plan. “Residents provided insights into how they use the park, what facilities or features they value, and what improvements they would like to see,” Myers said. “Residents, being regular users of the park, could highlight practical issues or opportunities that planners might overlook. Their firsthand experience provided valuable, on-the-ground information for informed decision-making.”
A Pizza and Planning event drew families to Northcroft Park.
According to the city website, the 2019 Parks and Recreation Master Plan was developed as a comprehensive 10-year strategic plan to guide future improvements for all City parks and recreation facilities. The City also develops individual master plans to dive deeper into details for each park.
Today, Northcroft Park contains tennis courts, an asphalt walking path loop, turf fields for soccer and lacrosse, a playground, a picnic pavilion with restrooms and a maintenance shop.