Look for treasure while cleaning Grays Lake shoreline

The Grayslake Park District will host the Grays Lake shoreline cleanup and treasure hunt at Jones Island Park Saturday, June 8.

The event has grown into a popular gathering place for community members who want to spend a few hours outdoors in a scenic setting and help preserve the jewel of the village at the same time.

The cleanup focuses on two sections along the lakeshore, where volunteers can help clean debris and trash and search for hidden treasures at the same time.

“We’ve had a tremendous amount of support from local businesses and sponsors who help cover the cost of the program by providing food, drinks, T-shirts and prizes for the treasure hunt component of the event,” Park District Executive Director Jeff Nehila said.

“The giveaways are a token of our appreciation for the community wanting to spend a few hours with us on a Saturday morning.”

The event, which has carried the theme of “Discover the Treasure” of Grayslake, includes a treasure chest hunt in which chests are stashed throughout the designated cleanup areas.

The chests are filled with prizes such as certificates from Sammie’s restaurant, gift certificates from Sports Authority and the chamber of commerce, and even cash from State Bank of the Lakes. There are also gold coins stashed around the areas that participants can redeem for prizes at the conclusion of the event.

The event, which begins at 9:30 a.m. with complimentary breakfast snacks, registration and area assignments, concludes at 11 a.m. with volunteers redeeming prizes, followed by a light lunch. Breakfast is supplied by Something’s Brewing and lunch by Papa Johns.

Persons interested in participating should call Jeff Nehila at (847) 223-7529 or email jnehila@glpd.com to preregister for proper shirt sizes.