Elgin to hold 'campout' at Lord's Park

Camping is illegal in Elgin city parks, but for one night in July, it will not only be permitted, but celebrated.

The city's Parks and Recreation Department will host a campout on Saturday July 17 in Lords Park, at Grand Boulevard and Hiawatha Drive.

"Some people don't know about Lords Park. There's so many great things there," said Deb Barr, program supervisor with the city's Parks and Recreation Department. "It's such a beautiful setting."

The city first held the "Great American Campout" at Lords Park in 2008 and 28 people registered for it.

Fewer than 20 people were interested last year, so the city is hoping more will sign up by the July 10 deadline to make it happen. The maximum number is 40 tents.

Barr said the 2008 event provided a great venue for people to go canoeing in the lagoon, to tell stories around the campfire, see the stars and watch the Lords Park Zoo animals eat breakfast in the morning.

Families pitched tents in the fenced in area at the zoo and the police provided patrol.

"A lot had young kids and want to go camping but didn't want to go too far from home," Barr said. "You can't camp out in any of our parks. We thought it would be a neat activity and a way to showcase Lords Park."

Families may check in at 3 p.m. July 17 and go swimming at the Lords Park Family Aquatic Center. Dinner is at 6 p.m. and other activities include a lightning bug hunt, dinner at 6 p.m. and an evening snack.

The cost $15 per person for Elgin residents and $18 per person for nonresidents and includes pool admission.

Families can still participate even if they don't spend the night.

For details, call (847) 531-7009. Registration must be done in person at the city.