‘Not a big burden’: Parking fee on summer concert nights at Independence Grove to double to $20

The parking fee on summer concert days at Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville will double next season to $20 per vehicle.

Though representing just a sliver in the big revenue picture, the decision followed spirited discussion at the committee level before a 10-6 decision this week by Lake County Forest Preserve District commissioners made the increase official.

Supporters said the hike was needed and will still be a good deal.

“I don't feel $20 is a big burden when you can bring four or five people in your car,” said Commissioner Gina Roberts of Beach Park. She chairs the board’s finance committee, which unanimously recommended the higher amount Nov. 6.

“I just don't know of any place in Lake County or anywhere else where you can take your family out for 20 bucks,” added Commissioner Linda Pedersen of Antioch.

Others said they would support an increase to $15 but $20 was too much.

“I really don’t feel that $10 to $20 is appropriate,” said Commissioner Kevin Hunter of Ingleside. “I think the timing and the optics are terrible.”

Carissa Casbon of unincorporated Warren Township said she supported $15 but couldn’t justify $20.

“I feel this is an out-of-touch decision at a really rough time,” she said.

A $10 parking fee on concert nights at Independence Grove was included in the overall annual fee ordinance approved in August with the understanding it would be revisited.

District guidelines say special events with an entertainment theme, like Concerts in the Plaza, are expected to recover 100% of the costs of putting them on.

Officials said revenue for the nine-concert season would not exceed costs if the fee remained at $10. The 2025 season basically was a wash and that was with no weather-related cancellations.

“We will lose money next year at $10 a car, hands down,” said Ty Kovach, executive director.

The concert series is a designated fundraiser for the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves, a charitable organization designed to extend and accelerate district goals.

Forest board President Jessica Vealitzek said $20 per car is the prudent choice.

“Getting rid of the concerts, I can’t imagine that would go over very well,” she said.

Admission to Independence Grove on Route 137 east of Libertyville is free for Lake County residents and $6 per car Monday through Thursday.