Lake in the Hills receives state grant for park expansion

Lake in the Hills will receive a $277,700 state grant for the expansion of Turtle Island Park at Woods Creek Lake.

The village was among 89 governmental agencies statewide awarded $29 million in Open Space and Land Acquisition grants. Lake in the Hills was the only McHenry County agency to receive funding this year.

"This is a great opportunity to add another quality venue to our park inventory," said Megan Croy, assistant director for parks and recreation. "Woods Creek Lake is a centerpiece for the village, and this will further enhance the outdoor experience for those who use our lake. The ability to do this work now, and at a lower total cost to the village's residents, is a big win for everyone."

The goals of Turtle Island Park's expansion are to improve a quality fishing venue, demonstrate examples of green infrastructure, and create a great family gathering site.

The park, which is east of Crystal Lake Road and south of Hilltop Drive, is a destination for anglers. Planned improvements include enhanced access through adding a handicap-accessible fishing pier and better visitor parking, erosion control of the shoreline and island, a new picnic shelter with rain barrels to demonstrate green infrastructure techniques, a butterfly garden, and other native plantings.

The OSLAD grant will reimburse 50 percent of the project cost, with the village covering the remainder out of its capital improvement fund.

Turtle Island Park was named in 1998. It was originally called Indian Trail Boat Launch.

In 2006, the village purchased an adjacent lot with the intent to rent out the house until the park could be expanded. The house was demolished in 2017 when the village developed its master plan to improve and expand the park.