Des Plaines Parks to hold grand opening of North Lake Park June 2

On Saturday, June 2, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., the community is invited to join the Des Plaines Park District staff and Park Board of Commissioners to celebrate the grand opening of North Lake Park, Howard Avenue at Lee Street.

The park district has planned games, demonstrations, and light refreshments.

Lake Park, designed around Lake Opeka, has long been one of Des Plaines' premier recreational areas. The addition of the north park area was made possible by the purchase of that land from Good Shepherd Church in 2007.

“When they sold the property to the Park District, the congregation made a significant contribution to the green space available to the residents of Des Plaines” said John Hecker, executive director.

Design and construction of park amenities was started in 2010 and include a large fishing pier, a picnic shelter, a gazebo, interpretive signage, an extended walking path with benches, a sensory garden, and native trees including red maples, Ohio buckeyes, sugar maples, swamp white oaks, black tupelos, bald cypress, and American hornbeams. The new north park area also has a water spray for children, two bags courts and a bocce ball court.

“The development of the north side of Lake Park still allows for plenty of open space for families to enjoy games, picnicking, and relaxing in the park,” said Hecker. “Lake Park has always been a favorite in the community,” he said, “and now it has even more to enjoy.”

For a complete list of all Des Plaines Park District parks, facilities, classes, and events, visit www.DPParks.org or call (847) 391-5700.