Recreation
400 Hastings Road
(847) 234-6700 (main); Hotline (847) 234-6702
Director: Michael Wick
Lake Forest Parks & Recreation has it all – from sailing, summer camps, ceramics, dance, fitness, martial arts, gymnastics, sports classes, and leagues to so much more. We host a variety of special events throughout the year, including popular outdoor summer concerts and festivals that are a true Lake Forest tradition. Our Parks & Recreation Program Guides are mailed to every Lake Forest household three times per year, and you will find the most up-to-date information on our website, LFParksandRec.com.
Lake Forest has many community parks featuring baseball diamonds, tennis and pickleball courts, grills, pavilions, restrooms, play equipment, and walking trails. Our newly built 25.6-acre Deerpath Community Park includes the following amenities: 9.5 acres of lighted turf athletic fields (suitable for baseball, football, soccer, and lacrosse), two shaded open-air pavilions with restrooms, pickleball courts, a playground, fitness stations, batting cage, walking path, and nature area. Weather permitting, winter outdoor ice skating is available at West Park.
FACILITIES & SERVICES
Recreation Center
400 Hastings Road
Home to the Lake Forest Fitness Center, Kinderhaven Preschool Academy, Lake Forest Dance Academy, a gymnasium, racquetball/squash courts, CROYA, and administrative offices.
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500 W. Deerpath
The historic 18-hole course features spectacular mature trees, high-quality naturalized areas, and beautiful water features, including ponds and streams. Other features include a driving range, The Lawn practice area, clubhouse, lessons, pro shop, and dining at The Sandwedge Grill. Book tee times at Deerpathgolf.com.
Forest Park Beach
Deerpath & Lake Road
Open year-round, park amenities include sheltered pavilions, a fishing pier, boat launch ramps and storage area, walking paths, and a playground. There are sailing camps and classes through Lake Forest Sailing, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and concessions during the summer. A current Lake Forest vehicle sticker is required for parking. Call the beach hotline at (847) 634- 6702 for water conditions.
Stirling Hall Arts Center
60 E. Old Mill Road
The fully equipped, professionally staffed ceramics studio on the Grove Cultural Campus offers art classes for adults and children in ceramics, painting, mixed media, mosaics, and more. Stirling Hall is home to Twigs Art Camp in the summer and offers special workshops throughout the year.
Lake Bluff Park District
355 W. Washington Ave.
(847) 234-4150
Executive Director: John Bealer
The Park District enhances the community by providing recreational experiences in a fun, safe, and healthy environment by offering over 400 programs year-round for infants through seniors. Enjoy day camps, tennis, softball, dance, early childhood enrichment, basketball, youth sports, before and after-school care, gymnastics and more. Program details are shared in seasonal brochuresmailed three times per year.
The Park District also maintains eight community parks featuring athletic fields, tennis courts, playground equipment and restrooms. During the winter enjoy outdoor ice skating with shelter at Artesian Park, groomed cross country ski trails and a sledding hill at Blair Park.
FACILITIES & SERVICES
Recreation Center
355 W. Washington Ave.
Home to the Lake Bluff Preschool with five early childhood education rooms, full gymnasium, gymnastics room, dance studios, community room, childcare room and administrative offices.
Lake Bluff Health & Fitness Center
355 W. Washington Ave.
Features strength training, cardio and free-weight areas, cycle room, group exercise studio, indoor walking/running track and full locker/shower rooms.
355 W. Washington Ave.
Public 18-hole championship golf course with driving range. Clubhouse services include lessons, dining, and cart rental. lakebluffgolfclub.com
Sunrise Park & Beach
455 Sunrise Drive
Guarded swimming areas, two shelters with fireplaces, charcoal grills, restroom facilities, play equipment, complimentary games and complimentary beach chairs.
Blair Park Pool
355 W. Washington Ave
50-meter Olympic-size pool includes three diving boards, large umbrella shade areas, concession stand and locker rooms with showers.
Platform Tennis
355 W. Washington Ave.
Four well-maintained platform tennis courts and hut for year-round leagues and lessons.
Special Recreation
847-509-9400
The Lake Bluff Park District and Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department are members of the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA), which provides recreation programs for adults and children with mental, physical and emotional disabilities.
Senior Services
100 E. Old Mill Road, LF
847-234-2209
Dickinson Hall is your go-to resource if you are over 50, newly retired, or new to the area. Offerings include great parties, fabulous trips, fascinating lectures, classes and exciting fitness programs! Social Services are also available to help older adults maintain their independence and remain in their own homes, including transportation. Medicare guidance, a lending closet and a variety of other support services are also available.
Youth Services
Committee Representing Our Young Adults (CROYA)
400 Hastings Road, LF
847-810-3980
Open to all students Grade 7-12 living in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff and Knollwood, CROYA provides a safe, fun, accepting and inclusive place for young adults to hang out, break down barriers, make new friends, gain valuable life skills and experiences, and feel comfortable being themselves. Students can participate in a variety of programs and activities in the CROYA Student Union, attached to the Lake Forest Rec Center.
