Deerpath Community Park Improvement Project
Deerpath Community Park is open!
On November 30, 2023, Lake Forest families joined Mayor Tack, City Council Members, the Parks & Recreation Board and City staff to officially open the new and improved Deerpath Community Park! Deerpath Community Park is now open, so stop by to enjoy the park and playgrounds, take a walk along the path, try the fitness equipment, and stay tuned for programs and events at the park in the spring.
There are still a few finishing touches on the buildings that will be wrapped up this winter, so you may still see some construction activity in the coming weeks. Between now and February 2024, the park will operate as any other public park in Lake Forest, open for general recreational usage from dawn until dusk each day. The Lake Forest Recreation Department will begin taking rental requests in February 2024. Lights at the new park will be turned on in February, as well.
Mark your calendar for an Opening Day Celebration in early April with games, contests, and more. Stay tuned for details!
Find the latest park information on the Deerpath Community Park webpage.
Latest Construction Update
Update as of 10/30/23:
Over the last several months, crews have been working diligently to install the field turf system, native plant detention area, building foundations, and utilities. Upcoming milestones include completion of the north and south buildings, playground and fitness stations installation, sports camera installation, various concrete and asphalt work, and pickleball court installation. The project is expected to be complete by late November (weather permitting).
In response to strong community interest, the design was updated to include eight dedicated pickleball courts (instead of both tennis and pickleball courts). There will be eight pickleball courts total with a concrete sidewalk/gathering area in the middle. The new design also includes 24 new parking spaces to provide additional capacity for pickleball players. Converting all Deerpath Park courts to pickleball still leaves 16 tennis courts throughout other City parks, providing plenty of access to those who wish to play tennis. Pickleball court construction is still underway and the new courts will open in spring 2024.
Public Works Director Michael Thomas gave an update on the Deerpath Community Park Improvement Project at the City Council Meeting on Monday, October 2, 2023. View the video below or watch the video on YouTube.
Description
The Deerpath Community Park Improvement Project involves installation of synthetic turf athletic fields and additional amenities for the community park, including two restroom buildings with shaded open-air pavilions, dedicated pickleball courts, a playground, fitness stations, and natural area enhancements.
Background
This project is the culmination of a years-long planning effort that began with City Council approval of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan in 2019 that identified synthetic turf playing fields as a top recreational priority for the community. Beginning in the fall of 2021, the City undertook a robust community engagement process that resulted in the Park Board recommendation to pursue synthetic turf fields. In May 2022, the City Council formally approved engineering design funding for synthetic turf fields at Deerpath Park. Between May 2022 and January 2023, City staff worked with a professional consultant team and engaged a City Manger’s Advisory Group to provide recommendations for achieving the best possible design for the project. Learn more about the project background and history on the Athletic Field Improvements at Deerpath Community Park webpage.
Schedule
Construction is expected to last approximately 7-8 months (weather permitting).
Anticipated Impacts
During construction, you can expect:
- A majority of construction activities will be confined to the project site, which includes Deerpath Community Park fields and tennis courts.
- Access will remain open at all times to the Recreation Center, Public Safety Building, and Deer Path Middle School.
- Deerpath Community Park will be closed for the duration of the project. Please take the opportunity to visit some of the City’s other parks!
- Increased truck traffic along Deerpath Road and south of Deerpath on Golf Lane during portions of the project when trucks will be delivering and hauling away materials.
- To limit impacts to Deerpath Middle School families, students, and staff, the most impactful parts of the project are planned for the summer months when school is not in session. When school is in session, the contractor will work to limit impacts during pick up and drop off times.
- General construction impacts, including increased noise from construction equipment, dust, etc.
- Working hours are planned for Monday-Friday from 7 am-3:30 pm and Saturdays from 8 am-4:30 pm. However, work is authorized weekdays from 7 am-7 pm and weekends from 8 am-6 pm, if needed.
Envisioning the Project
What will Deerpath Community Park look like when the project is complete? View new amenities on the Concept Plan below or stop by the Recreation Center (400 Hastings Rd) to view the project display.
Concept Plan
* Please note - the Concept Plan pictured here does not reflect the proposed racket court alignment of eight dedicated pickleball courts (instead of both tennis and pickleball courts). Updated map coming soon!
Stay Informed
Regular updates will be posted here about the current project phase.
Construction Contacts
Superintendent of Parks and Forestry Chuck Myers, myersc@cityoflakeforest.com or (847) 810-3565
Assistant Public Works Director Jim Lockefeer, lockefej@cityoflakeforest.com or (847) 810-3542
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
During construction, Deerpath Community Park will be completely closed. Practices and games typically played at Deerpath Park will moved to other community and neighborhood parks in Lake Forest. While there will be a temporary inconvenience to be moved to other location during construction, this is an opportunity to visit some of the City’s other parks while these improvements are underway!
If you’d like to see what the project will look like and walk on the surface, visit the project display at the Recreation Center (400 Hastings Road).
Converting all Deerpath Park courts to pickleball still leaves 16 tennis courts throughout other City parks, providing plenty of access to those who wish to play tennis.
The improvements to Deerpath Community Park are for Lake Forest residents! The park features numerous elements that benefit the whole community including a walking path, playground, tennis and pickleball courts, fitness stations, and nature path and boardwalk.
Once the project is complete, there will be minimal traffic impacts to Deerpath Road. As part of the design process, a traffic study was completed for which existing traffic conditions and site parking were evaluated. The study concluded that no adverse traffic and parking impacts related to the project are anticipated after the project construction is completed.