New Dering Lane Park features soccer fields, youth camp, trail

The groundwork took place about a year ago but on Tuesday, Lake Villa Township officials will host an official dedication for Dering Lane Park.

Situated on 45 acres east of Route 59 adjacent to Olive C. Martin School, the development includes three soccer fields, a concession stand, picnic shelter, a youth camp ground and a multipurpose nature trail with exercise stations.

The ribbon cutting will be at 6:30 p.m. at the park, 38625 N. Route 59. The entrance is off Dering Lane.

Township Supervisor Dan Venturi said the excavation was done last summer and fall. It took time for grass to be established, but the soccer fields have been in use for about a month.

“Soccer programs are hugely popular,” he said.

The township was the lead agency on the project developed in partnership with Lake Villa Elementary District 41 and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The township paid half the approximate $2.2 million cost. The other half came from a state grant for acquisition of the acreage from the school district and development of the property.

“If they need it during the day for gym class or nature exploration, we’ll give them (the school) priority for use,” Venturi said.

Golf carts will be available to take visitors for a ride on the half-mile trail, which will serve as a future connection between the Grant Woods and Bluebird Meadow forest preserves.