Parks and Recs in Action

Summer is the busiest time of year for the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Department, and according to Director Mike Wick, this season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. From classic summer camps to arts programming and community events, there’s something going on nearly every day, and a program for just about everyone.
“Our main focus this summer is on special events, camps, and beach operations,” Wick said. “Of course, we also support large events like the Fourth of July celebration and the Fred Jackson concert series in partnership with the Foundation.” Sterling Hall continues to host adult arts and crafts programming, while the fitness center is seeing renewed interest following recent equipment upgrades.
Camps remain one of the biggest summer operations, with popular options like All-Stars and McCormick for younger kids, and more specialized offerings including sports camps with the Chicago Bears, sailing sessions, and the long-running Twigs Theater Camp. One standout is Teens on the Go, a program where teens explore the North Shore by bike, having a new adventure each day. “Sailing always fills up—it’s consistently on a waitlist every summer,” Wick added.
Community engagement has been strong this year, with more residents signing up for programs than last summer. Wick credits this rebound to a post-COVID appreciation for local spaces and events. “People were reminded during the pandemic how valuable community parks are,” he said. Membership at the Senior Center, for example, dipped after COVID but has now fully recovered, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers after nearly five years.
As for what’s working well, full-summer programs consistently stand out. Twigs, sailing, and Teens on the Go tend to sell out early, while shorter specialty camps can vary in popularity depending on timing and interests. The summer concert series remains one of the department’s most beloved offerings, drawing large crowds to Market Square and, more recently, Northcroft Park as well. “They feel like neighborhood block parties,” Wick said. “People really connect with them.”
Facility upgrades are based on a mix of community surveys and internal assessments. The recent gym renovation, for example, came after staff reviewed equipment usage and lifespan. “Some of our treadmills were 12–14 years old—far beyond their useful life,” Wick explained. “We want to offer a high-quality experience at a community-accessible price, even if we’re not a premium club.”
The department’s long-term capital plan helps guide decisions like this. This year’s investments also included inflatable coach boats for the sailing program, three purchased by the city, with a fourth donated by the Foundation. “It allows us to expand safely and take on more campers,” Wick noted.
Still, there are challenges. Summer staffing can swell to 250 seasonal employees, which requires a big push each year to recruit and train. Space and budget limitations are ongoing factors, and the recreation center itself is due for an upgrade. Meanwhile, newer residents, about 20% of households, have turned over in the last five years, bringing fresh expectations. “We’re adapting with more preschool offerings and programming for active seniors. Pickleball has really taken off, especially for the 55 to 75 age group,” he said.
Wick encourages residents to share feedback often. “We hear requests for adult leagues all the time, but when we offer them, they don’t always fill up. That could be timing or scheduling conflicts. But if something doesn’t take off after a few tries, we have to redirect those resources.”
Surveys are sent out regularly, and community input plays a big role in shaping future offerings. “If people are attending a program but not loving it, we need to know. Feedback, good or bad, is essential,” Wick emphasized.
Looking ahead, Wick expressed appreciation for the city’s supportive and engaged community, and for the strong working relationships across departments. “Police, fire and public works—we work with them all. That collaboration, combined with community involvement, allows us to keep improving and evolving.”