Steve Carlson began helping Grandwood Park in the 1990s when he was Sargent-at-Arms for the Grandwood Park Civic Association (GPCA). The GPCA board evolved quickly as members moved on, and within a few months Steve was President. His love of history, politics and the community came together, and GPCA invited politicians for debates and forums bringing focus to the neighborhood. You could see Steve at most community events, talking to friends, sharing stories and having a beverage.
It was when he was waiting in line for liquor permits for a GPCA summerfest with our then County Board Commissioner, Al Westerman, that they discussed the county and the responsibilities of the County Board. As Grandwood Park is an unincorporated community, it relies on the county for many services, like the
sheriff's department, planning, building and zoning, utilities, the health department and permits. In January 2002, Al called Steve to say he was moving, and asked if he was interested in running for his seat.
Steve was elected as the commissioner for County Board District 7 in 2002. A friend, and the state representative for Grandwood Park, Sandy Cole, called Steve to ask what he could do in his district with some capital project money; and how much he would need. Steve knew the community center needed upgrades so he called Al Oller, President of Grandwood Park Park District (GPPD). As a result, a large grant ($400,000) was given to GPPD to help upgrade and renovate the community center.
Over the next 18 years, Steve worked for Grandwood Park and his district to bring focus to the
needs of the community. He helped GPPD obtain a long-term lease for the community center parking lot, which was expanded to include Tower park, and Unity Park. Working with the county he was able to get Hidden Park opened to Tower Park and a new adjoining Mill Creek forest preserve just to the north. He brought the new water tower to ensure sufficient water storage capacity, and Lake Michigan water to us at a time when drought threatened to completely dry up the wells.
When Grandwood Lake dam was found to be a danger to the community, Steve helped with the dam rehabilitation project in Lake Park. A five year long project culminating in a grant from Lake County that saved taxpayers millions in potential costs, while enabling GPPD to have a fully permitted, functional and insured dam.
Steve has always been enthusiastic when it comes to neighborhood projects. He’s encouraged involvement in “Save the Lake” days, the Ash Hole project (removing dead ash trees) and the replanting of trees to replace the dead ash trees in Grandwood Park parks. When needed, Steve got involved in problem solving issues with the county for any of his constituents (including lots of permits).
When our pandemic days are over and we are out again enjoying Grandwood Park and our neighbors, we hope to see Steve Carlson enjoying a beverage at one the Grandwood Park neighborhood events.
Thank you, Steve Carlson, for your years of service to Grandwood Park as our
Lake County Board Representative!