Sally Swarthout
Director of Parks , Recreation , & Forestry
From the park bench
WINTER 2023
So many great things are happening at the Parks , Recreation , and Forestry Department .
First is our new , sleek , condensed program guide . To be more environmentally conscious , each page features a program area and QR code . Scan the code to be taken to the program area ’ s web page and its offerings for Winter and Spring . You will find a link to register , program details , and contact information should you have questions . Everything for each program area is right at your fingertips .
Second , we have expanded the West Park Ice Rink to include a new open area for the younger residents to practice their puck-handling skills . I can ’ t wait to hear the scritch of skates across the ice !
You can rent snowshoes at the Recreation Center and cross-country ski rentals are available at Heller Nature Center in Highland Park . With your own skis you can head over to Deerpath Golf Course or the groomed trails at Lake Bluff Golf Course . Winter is a beautiful time to visit your neighborhood parks to walk and play . Enjoy Lake Forest when it ’ s dressed in white !
Look to our Fun Guide for our holiday events , upcoming spring events , and plan to spend time with Lake Forest Parks , Recreation , and Forestry ! Your First Choice for Fun !
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
MEMBERS : Marc Silver - Chairperson , Kevin Carden , Patrick Marshall , Kaci Spirito , Timo Berger , Bill Sheridan , Mark Gorman
MEETINGS : All meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm .* The public is welcome to attend .* Occasionally , meetings have to be rescheduled . Visit www . cityoflakeforest . com for current dates and locations .
DEPARTMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Athletics |
4 |
Wildlife Discovery Center |
5 |
Lake Forest Dance Academy |
6 |
Lake Forest Fitness Center |
7 |
Kinderhaven Preschool Academy |
8 |
Early Childhood |
8 |
Stirling Hall |
9 |
Youth Recreation |
9 |
Sailing |
10 |
Friends Foundation |
10 |
Deerpath Golf Course |
11 |
CROYA & Dickinson Hall |
11 |
PAGE
Fun Guide
FREE !
ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
MARKET SQUARE � 2:30 - 8 PM
NOV 25
Don ’ t miss out on the 38th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony ! Enjoy an afternoon and evening of live entertainment , warm drinks , carolers , LFDA dancers and Santa ! Brought to you by the Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation
LETTERS FROM SANTA
RECREATION CENTER � $ 5 PER LETTER
Receive a personalized letter straight from the North Pole ! A special mailbox will be placed outside of the Lake Forest Rec Center to receive letters addressed to Santa . Santa will read and respond to each letter individually . Letters can be dropped off from Nov 30 through Dec 9 . Register with code 10390203 . Lake Forest residents only .
STIRLING HALL ART SALE
DEC 2-3
STIRLING HALL ART CENTER � FRI 6-9 PM � SAT 10 AM - 4 PM
Don ' t miss this great opportunity to purchase hand-crafted gifts during the holiday season . A portion of all sales helps support the art center . Come on out and show your support !
WINTER DANCE SPECTACULAR
RECREATION CENTER � 4 PM � $ 8 PER PERSON
DEC 10
Join the Performance Companies of Lake Forest Dance Academy as they present a performance that is sure to get the whole family in the holiday spirit . Don ’ t miss the unforgettable Rockette-style kick-line and the famous gingerbread house raffle !
COCOA WITH THE CLAUS ' S
DICKINSON HALL � 4:30 PM & 5:45 PM
NOV 30 - DEC 9
DEC 14
Save the date for Cocoa with the Claus ' s ! Dickinson Hall will be transformed into Santa ' s Workshop for teddy bear stuffing , hot cocoa sipping , and visiting with Santa ! Register with code 10390221 .
SANTA DRIVE-THRU
DICKINSON HALL � 10 AM - 12 PM
FREE !
NEW !
DEC 17
Take a magical drive to Dickinson Hall to visit with Santa at the North Pole ! Santa and his elves will be on site to spread the holiday cheer . Goodie bags will be provided for all the kids . Lake Forest residents only . Register one family member with code 10390220 .
FREE !