‘Parks & Recreation Truly Does It All’: A Look at the Department’s Robust Offerings

By Cameron Wacker For Fred Jackson, working at Lake Forest Parks & Recreation was more than a job; it was his lifelong passion.

Jackson was just 15 years old when he started umpiring games at the Recreation Center, which was once housed behind Marshall Field’s. At 16, Jackson started to supervise activities at the center. He was always eager to get his hands on any job, whether it was coaching games or even cleaning the center’s floors. Eventually, as a hard-working college student,  a major career decision loomed.

“I had an epiphany,” Jackson said. “I should do what I love!”

And so he did.

The Parks & Recreation staff is always ready to have fun.

Jackson followed his heart back to the Recreation Center. After 48 years, he retired as the Parks & Recreation Director, having watched the department grow and evolve into the strong organization it is today.

Mike Wick joined the team as Director of Parks & Recreation in May 2024. Wick brings over eighteen years of experience in parks and recreation, serving most recently as Director of Recreation for the Gurnee Park District.

“From providing exceptional youth programming to hosting beloved community events, Lake Forest Parks & Recreation truly does it all,” said Wick. One of the things that sets Lake Forest Parks & Recreation apart from neighboring communities is that it is a City department, not a park district. As a City department, Parks & Recreation is easily able to work with all operating departments in the City, providing unique opportunities for our community’s residents.

In July, Parks & Recreation hosted a GO Lake Forest walk with our Fire Department. GO Lake Forest, a movement in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, promotes healthy living through walking in our community. Over 180 people attended the family event, which featured an exciting fire truck demonstration and educational experience for the children. Parks & Recreation has planned numerous GO Lake Forest events this fall, with events ranging from nature walks through beautiful Open Lands preserves to architectural tours at Lake Forest College.

“The amount and variety of activities offered to the community is nothing short of amazing,” said Parks & Rec Board member Kaci Spirito. “My kids have participated in T-ball, basketball, football, and karate through the Recreation Department. In these sports, they’ve learned important life skills, met new friends, and stayed active. Parks & Rec works diligently, listens closely and engages with the community to make these opportunities accessible for everyone.”

Parks & Recreation offers far more than sports, promoting creative arts in many of its programs. Stirling Hall, a local gem tucked away off Old Mill Road, has fostered artistic innovation for years. The charming brick art center focuses primarily on ceramic work, offering both adult and youth classes. For nearly 50 years, the Lake Forest Dance Academy (LFDA) has fostered a supportive environment that challenges dancers and gives a space for students to express themselves on the stage.

“Being a part of the dance academy means you are part of more than just learning movement,” said LFDA Director Valerie Gonzalez. “Students are building confidence, learning perseverance, and fostering creativity in their dance classes. The experiences they share with their peers cultivates friendships and creates a shared respect and unity.”

Parks & Recreation is also home to many beloved events and concerts, giving Lake Foresters places to gather and connect with one another. In the Community-Wide Survey, community events and outdoor concerts were rated by respondents as the most important programs. Parks & Recreation is excited to host some community favorites this fall:

·    The Haunted Trail: To kick off the spooky season, Parks & Recreation is relocating its Haunted Trail event to the new pathway at Forest Park Beach. Be prepared for scary sights and thrilling frights.

·    Wicked Wonderland: This new Halloween Party will be filled with family fun featuring games, spooky stories, crafts, music, and more geared toward the littlest trick-or-treaters. Come in costume and prepare for a frightfully good time.

·    Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration: Thanks to The Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation, this Lake Forest tradition has brought joy to our community for 40 years. Family and friends will gather in Market Square to drink hot cocoa and enjoy live entertainment. When the switch is flipped, the holiday lights will illuminate downtown.

Looking towards the future, the Parks & Recreation Department is excited to continue innovating and working on new projects to ensure they cater to our community’s needs. In addition to preschool, athletics, dance, art, and community events, they also connect your teens with CROYA (Committee Representing our Young Adults), and anyone 50 or better will thrive at Dickinson Hall Senior Center, ensuring programs are designed to engage and support residents of all ages.

In addition to programs and events, Wick is looking forward to the completion of the Forest Park Beach Pathway. “The universally accessible boardwalk with beautiful views of Lake Michigan will be a wonderful community asset. The fact that the community contributed over one million dollars to match the City’s contribution to the project highlights what a truly unique community Lake Forest is,” he said.