When most people think about a park, they picture a playground full of swings and slides. Encompassing more than a dozen sites, the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department offers playgrounds and so much more.
Including a 100-year-old working farm, a waterpark, and a children’s learning center, Lake County Parks and Rec goes beyond the average parks department.
“Our constant driving force is to create memorable experiences,” said Emily Trisler, Lake County Parks and Rec’s communications director. “We hope the parks will be a positive part of people's life and experience in Lake County.”
Active golfers can find wonderful amenities at both Cedar Creek Family Golf Center and Turkey Creek Golf Course. Naturalists won’t be disappointed by a visit to the Gibson Woods Nature Preserve. Stargazers can head to Buckley Homestead for a one-of-a-kind visit to the observatory.
Lake County Parks and Rec’s rationale for this wide variety of options comes from the wide variety of people they serve.
“There’s something for everybody,” Trisler said. “No matter who you are or what your skills, interests, or abilities are, there's something in the parks for you.”
Beyond just the structure of the parks, Lake County Parks and Rec develop activities and programs for all ages and interest types. Events ranging from clubs, hikes, and arts and crafts can be found on both the park calendar and the activities site.
“Our guided events, hikes, and programs exist as a way to show all that the parks have to offer,” Trisler said. “Eventually, you can enjoy the parks by yourself, or you can keep enjoying them with us.”
The pure scope of this work could be overwhelming, but Lake County Parks and Rec doesn’t want to go it alone.
“One of our favorite things in the last few years has been what we call a ‘parknership,’” Trisler said. “All of the local parks department directors come together every other month to discuss and learn from each other.”
Collaboration across counties and departments not only provides valuable information but also guides and improves the work of these dedicated workers.
“Working for the parks department is a passion career,” Trisler said. “We're not in it for the big bucks or for the glory. Getting to meet with other people who share that same passion to improve their communities is so refreshing.”
Not wanting to stop there, Lake County Parks and Rec partners with additional community groups as well.
“We also meet with other organizations to support all aspects of the natural world,” Triseler said. “No one can do it all.”
Working alongside the National Audubon Society, the Calumet Astronomical Society, and the Shirley Heinze Land Trust to name a few, these partnerships are created to provide the best possible resources and advocacy for the people of Lake County.
With over 7,000 acres of land, 100+ miles of hiking trails, and over 1 million visitors, Lake County Parks and Rec provides an overwhelming opportunity for all Region residents to enjoy our area, visit a new habitat, and connect with our neighbors.
“There's no wrong way to enjoy the parks,” Trisler said. “You can go out and choose your own adventure–365 days a year. There is a park open to you, no matter what.”
To learn more about Lake County Parks and Rec, please visit https://lakecountyparks.com/.
