Chart Our Future City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Master Plan | Page 30
RECURRING ITEMS
Improve Park and Facility Entrance Signage with Park Master Plans and Planned CIP Projects
• Develop signage standards for materials, size, and placement
• Provide identification signage at all vehicular entrances
• Consider directional/wayfinding at community parks with multiple playing fields and access points
Description
Several comments received during the Connect Phase indicated that not all Lake Forest residents are familiar with the parks, facilities, and programs offered by
the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Planning Team also observed inconsistencies with park signage standards and saw locations entirely lacking in
identification. All park properties should include a standard entry signage with consistent materials, colors, size, and location. The Department should also consider
park access and wayfinding for pedestrian and bicycle traffic and implement secondary signage to guide non-vehicular access where necessary. Developing and
implementing consistent standards will improve visitor recognition of Department parks and facilities by aligning each property with the established Parks and
Recreation Department brand.
Coordinate ADA Improvements with Park Master Plans and Planned CIP Projects
• Continue to improve accessibility at all parks and facilities in conjunction with other planned improvements
Description
Providing equal access to public facilities is a crucial requirement for any public agency. Adding paved trails and maintaining existing paths and amenities at ADA
accessible standards will ensure that the Department is providing the recreation opportunities for users of all abilities.
Identify Potential Partnerships to Provide Additional Indoor Recreation
• Consider partnerships with other public agencies and/or private parties to provide indoor recreation opportunities
Description
Due to the high demand for improved and expanded indoor recreation, the Parks and Recreation Department will consider making significant investments to meet
these needs. One method of sharing investment is through partnerships with governmental agencies and/or private parties. Public partnerships could be utilized to
gain Lake Forest residents access into existing recreation facilities in neighboring communities, or could utilize joint resources to develop new, shared facilities for
multiple communities.
Private partnerships could achieve the same goals to provide access to an existing facility or provide support for developing a new facility. Other Chicagoland
communities have also had success in establishing partnerships with like-minded private partners such as hospitals, physical therapy business, and other wellness-
related providers acting as renters or franchisees. For example, another north-shore community, Glenview Park District, has a successful partnership within their
recreation center in which a local health care provider leases office space and gym and pool use for their patients while another private business rents and operates
the cafe.
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CITY OF LAKE FOREST PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN
CHAPTER 1