Lakewood Forest Preserve, the county’s largest forest preserve spanning 2,835 acres, is undergoing a transformation as the initial construction phase of a comprehensive master plan continues.
Once complete, the improvements will enhance accessibility and create a more enjoyable experience for visitors. The preserve will be better equipped to meet future needs, appropriately sized and designed to lower both short- and long-term operating costs.
Many of the new features are in place, but not all plants, grasses, trees, shrubs and flowers have been established. The following features are expected to open in late-spring 2025 for public use:
• A 1.6-mile paved loop trail with access to a fishing pier at Taylor Lake.
• A grassy area with picnic spaces and scenic lake overlooks.
• The relocated and reconstructed main parking lot.
• A centrally-located picnic shelter with updated accessible parking, walkways, amenities and restrooms.
The interior roads have been realigned and reconstructed. The majority of the roads will reopen in late-spring 2025, while portions will remain closed due to ongoing construction and related traffic.
A Nature Play area is under construction and is planned to open in fall 2025. The area will provide varied experiences ranging from structured play elements composed of both natural and human-made materials. An area nestled among mature, native trees will lead to an exploratory zone with an immersive nature experience.
A net-zero energy maintenance facility was finished in June 2024. From September to November 2024, the Millennium Trail segment between Fairfield Road and Route 176 was closed for realignment and reconstruction.
All trails, parking lots and open areas south of Ivanhoe Road and east of Fairfield Road, as well as all the Millennium Trail remain open. We appreciate your patience during this time.
In 2018, we initiated the master planning process to evaluate existing conditions and uses of Lakewood. The plan identified potential recreation, education and conservation improvements for the preserve.
In January 2020, our Board of Commissioners approved a master plan for the preserve. Site preparation work took place from 2021 through early 2023.
Global supply chain disruptions and construction industry volatility affected bid prices, resulting in the completion of some initial improvements while postponing others until additional funding becomes available. Unfunded improvements may become priorities under the recently approved referendum funding, pending approval from the Board in spring 2025. Learn more »
Project Area
Acquired in 1968, Lakewood has 2,835 acres and is the largest forest preserve in Lake County. It contains a diverse mix of land uses, facilities and natural resources. When combined with adjacent 1,039-acre Ray Lake Forest Preserve, contiguous holdings in this area total 3,874 acres or over six square miles. Lakewood is located east of Wauconda and lies within parts of Wauconda and Fremont Townships. The preserve is intersected by Illinois Route 176, Ivanhoe Road and Fairfield Road.
Project Goals and Objectives
The new master plan for Lakewood supports the methods and systems needed to reach our 100-Year Vision and Strategic Plan by providing leadership and sound conservation practices, and by promoting an active, healthy lifestyle for people of all abilities to enjoy.
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Provide an improved public access and recreation experience that is ADA compliant, properly sized, accommodates future needs, and reduces short-term and long-term operating costs.
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Provide a new, more efficient design that consolidates uses within a smaller footprint, supports educational programs and community events, and satisfies current and future public access needs.
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Replace and/or renovate critical operational infrastructure.
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Dedicate new areas for restoration consistent with natural resource goals.