Willow Walk subdivision busy with activities
Dave Berkowitz likes to work at the kitchen table where he can look away from his papers and see what's going on at the pond. It's not people walking around. It's ducks, geese, egrets, red fox, deer and a family of hawks that have provided Berkowitz with many hours of enjoyment.
"I love all the wildlife here," Berkowicz said. "The pond has been a great neighbor."
Berkowicz and his wife, Nancy, are among the few original owners remaining in Palatine's Willow Walk subdivision.
Years ago, Berkowicz learned of the subdivision from a co-worker. "We went out there, looked around and picked out a lot. And we closed three weeks before we got married in 1975," he said. The couple liked the neighborhood so much that when they outgrew their home after their second child, they moved into a larger home in the same subdivision.
"The neighborhood pool was a huge thing for us in the summer; our kids could walk there, and they were there almost every day. Sometimes I or my wife would go with them. It's a wonderful gathering place for everyone.
"There's always something going on in the neighborhood, and there are events all year long. A popular activity in the summer is fishing and the fishing competition for the kids. And in the winter, kids are out playing hockey and ice skating as soon as the ice freezes on the pond.
"Before we moved out here, we knew the school district was good, and the homes were on big lots. That was important to us. And we thought it would be a good place to raise a family."
Situated off Illinois Avenue east of Roselle Road, Willow Walk is an enclave of 99 quality-built homes by Kennedy. The homes were built in the 1970s and are typically traditional homes of the time, said Denise Curry, broker associate with Baird & Warner.
"The neighborhood is desirable for its universal care and maintenance by the homeowners. Lawns are well maintained as are the exteriors. The interiors usually have some updating, and new buyers will often expand and open up the floor plan to accommodate today's lifestyle.
"Schools are definitely the draw to this neighborhood. All three schools are award-winning schools. Children walk to one of the most popular and successful elementary schools, and it is also within walking distance to William Fremd High School, which is one of the top schools in the state."
The association dues are $710 per year, which mostly covers the pool and common grounds. The association holds an annual hayride in the fall, community yard sale, Easter party, summer pool party and annual fishing derby for children.
There are a few remaining homeowners who were original owners. It is typical to find a young homebuyer returning to Willow Walk where they were raised
The location is convenient to Route 53, the Palatine Golf Course and the Metra station. Downtown Palatine offers several restaurants, boutiques, hair salons, coffee shops and community events. And nearby Deer Park also offers shopping, good restaurants and a movie theater.
Palatine offers a community aquatic center, parks, lakes, golf courses, festivals and concerts. The Twin Lakes recreation area features a walking path, nine-hole golf course and driving range, paddleboats and fishing. They also have a concession house with good food and picnic tables. Many people enjoy sitting outside looking out on the lake.
Listing sheet
<span class="fact box text bold">Price range: </span>$368,500 to $569,900
<span class="fact box text bold">Age of homes:</span> 39 to 43 years
<span class="fact box text bold">Schools:</span> Hunting Ridge Elementary and Plum Grove Junior High schools in Palatine Township Elementary District 15 and William Fremd High School in Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211.
<span class="fact box text bold">Parks:</span> Palatine Park District