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Des Plaines Park District to buy church land at Lake Opeka

The Des Plaines Park District is set to buy a church building nestled between two of its properties.

The park district board will meet Monday to approve the $1.4 million purchase of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1177 Howard Ave.

The 3.3-acre site on the northern shore of Lake Opeka separates Lake Park and the Lake Park Golf Course and Marina. The purchase will make all the park land there contiguous, Executive Director Don Miletic said. It also will give the district full ownership of the 76-acre lake, he said.

"It is a great opportunity," Miletic said.

Church officials approached the district about a potential sale in December. The congregation size has decreased through the years, Miletic said.

A church representative couldn't be reached for comment on the sale or the congregation's future.

Parks officials long have identified the Good Shepherd property as a potential asset. The site already is part of the district's master plan, Miletic said.

The park district runs a summer camp on the church property, and those activities will expand once it owns the site, Miletic said. Additionally, the district wants to make the 19,500-square-foot building available for banquets and event rentals, he said.

"Major" building improvements are likely down the road, Miletic said.

The real estate closing is scheduled for May 5.

Lake Opeka and the park district facilities there are prime attractions in Des Plaines. Sailing, boating, fishing and golf on an 18-hole course are among the activities that usually are available.

A memorial to military veterans from Des Plaines, an entertainment pavilion, picnic shelters and a memorial to the victims of the 1979 Flight 191 disaster are there, too.

In 2007, the district purchased more than 2 acres at Howard Avenue and Lee Street from the church to create what's now North Lake Park. Located just east of the church land, the park opened in 2012 and features a fishing pier, a picnic shelter and gazebo, a family play area and other amenities.

Monday's park board meeting is set for 3 p.m. at the district headquarters, 2222 Birch St.

  The Des Plaines Park District is buying Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, which is between Lake Park and the Lake Park Golf Course and Marina. The district wants to make the building available for banquets and event rentals once it owns the site. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
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