What I like about Lake County

Editor's note: This is another installment in our weekly series highlighting what people like about living in Lake County. This week, we asked that question of Elroy Reed, publisher of "The People's Voice."

Elroy Reed has a nice place to get away from it all, even though it's in Lake County's biggest city not far from a major thoroughfare.

Reed, a North Chicago resident, is in his 11th year as publisher of "The People's Voice." It's a monthly publication with a strong following in Waukegan, North Chicago and Zion, but it circulates throughout Lake County.

Waukegan's Hinkston Park trail, near Baldwin and Grand avenues, is one of Reed's favorite spots to go on five-mile walks with a group of 20 to 30 others. The park covers a little more than 21 acres.

Squirrels, birds, ducks and other wildlife are common in the park in wild, grassy areas, Reed said.

"It's a nice, relaxing, enjoyable and scenic experience for people who like to walk," Reed said.

Another top pick from Reed is the Lake County Forest Preserve District's Greenbelt Cultural Center between North Chicago and Waukegan. The center is part of the 558-acre Greenbelt Forest Preserve.

Reed said the variety of events at Greenbelt is impressive. As an example, the traditional Mexican and Honduran holiday celebration of La Posada -- also known as the journey -- commemorating the Holy Family's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the cultural center.

"It's just a nice, cozy, safe place," Reed said.

--Bob Susnjara