Fort Sheridan parking to increase

The number of parking spaces at the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve in Highland Park will increase from 20 to 100 by spring 2013. The first new parking installment took place this summer when 20 spaces were added to the current lot off Gilgare Road, bringing the total spaces to 40. The Lake County Forest Preserve District will increase parking spaces over the next six months at two locations within the preserve. The Gilgare Road parking lot will increase by 40 spaces, bringing its total to 80 spaces prior to next summer’s busy season. An additional 20 parking spaces will be installed at the Fort Sheridan Cemetery and will serve a dual purpose of trailhead parking and overflow parking for the approximately 40 funerals held there annually. Gates will be installed at both locations to close the parking lots from sunset to sunrise, eliminating unauthorized use of the parking areas after the preserve is closed.