JULY/AUGUST 2025
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

July 9th – Food Truck Night
July 9th - Park District Meeting
July 12th – 12 hr. Scrapbook Crop
July 13th – Music by the Lake
July 23rd – Food Truck Night
July 27th – Music by the Lake
August 2nd – 12 hr. Scrapbook Crop
August 6th – Food Truck Night
August 10th – Music by the Lake
August 13th - Park District Meeting
August 20th – Food Truck Night

September 6th - 2025 Fall Fest
Food trucks, beer, live music by Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners, carnival-style games, large inflatable slide, a kids foam party, face painting, bonfire and .............

FIREWORKS!!!!

The Board of Commissioners of the Grandwood Park Park District meet once a month to conduct park district business. 

The meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of every month in the conference room of the community center located at 36630 N. Hutchins Road, Gurnee (meeting entrance is the 2nd door on the south side of the building). 

The meetings now begin at 6:00 p.m.

All meetings are open to the public and although the purpose is for the public to OBSERVE the meeting (not join in on all the discussions) there is a Public Comment section at the beginning of each meeting that allows members of the audience to comment. 

Click here to view the entire Public Comment Policy

The Meeting Schedule for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year is as follows:
MAY 14, 2025
JUNE 11, 2025
JULY 9, 2025
AUGUST 13, 2025
SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
OCTOBER 8, 2025
NOVEMBER 12, 2025
DECEMBER 10, 2025
JANUARY 14, 2026
FEBRUARY 11, 2026
MARCH 11, 2026
APRIL 8, 2026

FY2026
MAY 13, 2026 – Annual Mtg.

If you would like to receive the Agenda for the meeting each month in your inbox, please email the park district at parkdistrict@grandwoodpark.net, or complete the Contact Us form on our website.

After 15 dedicated years, Nancy Carlson has retired from the Grandwood Park Park District board, most recently, serving as president.  Nancy has been instrumental in the impressive evolution of our park district over these 15 years.  Specifically, Nancy played key parts in expanding and beautifying our parks and walking paths, developing processes around budgeting and management, as well as delivering key infrastructure changes such as the new damn in Lake Park and the parking lot adjacent to the community center.   Thank you to Nancy for her time, effort, and commitment to improving Grandwood Park.  We wish you all the best in the years ahead.  More details of Nancy's accomplishments can be found below as outlined by Nancy herself. 

2010 – I was president of GPCA and enjoying volunteering when Diane LeClair asked me to breakfast to talk about me joining GPPD to fill a vacancy.  John Badtke and Phil Homyak were also commissioners at the time.  The remodel of the park district building (financed by a state grant delivered by Steve Carlson and Sandy Cole) had just been completed and though everyone was proud of the outcome, there were tensions between commissioners.  We had a homemade web page, limited email, and spotty office coverage contributing to miscommunications. 

Due to a lack of understanding of fund-based budgeting, the budgets were very small and totally out of compliance with recommended park district accounting. Things like the Open Meetings Act offered some structure but were not closely followed. GPPD had no written policies, and the board meetings routinely took 3 to 4 hours to pay bills and get reports, solving problems presented by GPCA, and commissioners doing the grass cutting and landscaping.

2025 - Fast forward 15 years.  GPPD has come a long way, and I am proud of any part I may have had in it.  Commissioners, office and grounds staff have each played a significant and important role in the progress.  Meetings, decisions and budget cycles all evolved with the goal of aligning GPPD with good business practices and the strict policies and laws governing park districts and of course serving the residents of Grandwood Park and The Shires. Networking with neighboring park districts our goal was to understand and implement new processes and policies, making GPPD a more financially stable and efficient organization.

Some changes/accomplishments over that time include:

·      Creating names for the various areas of our property and creating branding and signage.

·       Developing a professional web site and branding the GPPD

·       Working with Lake County Public Works to create a walkway through Hidden Park, leasing Tower Park and later adding Unity Park at no additional cost to the park district.

·       Managing multiple studies by engineering firms and Lake County Storm Water Management we developed a plan to address our failing dam and years-long flooding issues.  For a time, it looked as though it might require a tax levy and/or bonds to correct the problem. The solution evolved over time, and with a generous grant from Lake County Storm Water Management a new dam was installed and dedicated in 2019.

·       Updating Hutchins Athletic Field, Lake and Adams parks by replacing equipment, picnic tables, trash cans, lighting, and adding security cameras.

·       Adding Unity path, and three new open areas when the Shires subdivision was developed and added to the park district base.

·       Purchasing the house next door in 2017, after it went into foreclosure.  Meeting with Lake County Planning, a parking lot was tentatively approved in 2018. However, based on engineering studies the dam was considered an urgent public safety issue, and completing the parking lot project was delayed until 2024.

I am also personally proud of the way the park district responded to the many challenges over the years including surviving the COVID pandemic, remaining open and continuing the mission of community engagement by sponsoring Music in the Park and the traditional “fest” at Hutchins Athletic Field; and adding Food Truck Nights, Touch a Truck and more.

I am equally proud of the current and elected commissioners continuing the important volunteer work needed to support our community and the park district.  It is with some sadness that I leave this wonderful organization, but I know it is in capable and caring hands.  I look forward to continuing to support for as long as I am able to.

Nancy Carlson

It was a hot day for the concert on June 22nd with Joe Cantafio. But the brave souls that ventured out in spite of the heat enjoyed themselves! Hopefully the weather will treat us more kindly for the July/August events.

Based on feedback from the community, we have replaced the larger limestone rocks on the Unity Walking Trail with finely crushed limestone.  Feedback from residents is that the path is now more conducive for walking, biking, strollers, and dogs.   Step onto the newly improved walking path and enjoy a smoother stroll! 

Great news for local cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts! A new bike path has been built near the Knowles water tower, providing a new route to Rollins Savannah Forest Preserve. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or an active way to explore nature, this new path offers a fresh way to enjoy the area.

On June 7th, 25 members of the Lake County Coyotes RFC worked on clearing downed trees in Mill Creek to help prevent beaver dams and other potential flow stoppages that have caused flooding in Grandwood Park in the past. Not everything was cleared out of the creek as downed trees that are not impeding the flow of water are left for wildlife habitats.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF OUR COMMUNITY !!!

Your Grandwood Park Park District recently installed a Little Free Library at the entrance to Hidden Park.  Let us know how you like it. The exact location is Streamwood Drive and Rae Lane.

Little Free Library Etiquette

The standard “take a book, leave a book” motto is good, but here are some further, more nuanced, rules.

-Don’t Empty the Library
-Do Tidy It UP
-Don’t Overstuff the Library
-Do Remove Garbage
-Don’t Fill It With Propaganda

Now, go forth and be good Little Free Library neighbors, okay?

Enjoy

The park district is responsible to preserve and manage open space, which can include natural areas, woodlands, and other environmentally significant lands. We provide recreational opportunities and manage public parks and open spaces within a defined geographic area, and offer a variety of recreational programs and activities for residents. 

We cannot address complaints about people that do not mow their lawn, that keep abandoned cars in their driveways, or plays their music too loud late at night. We receive calls about the laws/rules about keeping chickens, and questions about permits. 

If you have a complaint similar to these, need a permit, or want to know if you need a permit, you should contact Lake County directly at the numbers provided below.

Property/Noise Complaints
The park district receives many calls during the year for matters that we cannot address or that we have no authority to do anything about.  Some calls we receive are calls from residents reporting

The Planning, Building and Development Department is responsible for the enforcement of:

• Chapter 151: Unified Development Ordinance of the Lake County Code identifies zoning regulations, sign regulations, natural resource protection standards, stormwater detention, drainage and soil erosion and sediment control standards.
• The Building Codes (structure’s compliance with the codes)
• Chapter 94 of the Lake County Code regulates junk and debris, inoperable vehicles, construction hours and noise.

Who to Call
If you have a complaint regarding building and zoning related violations including: 

• Work without permits, improper use of the property, building code violations, junk and debris and inoperable vehicles, please call:  Building and Engineering Division - Telephone: 847-377-4444
• Drainage, storm water detention, soil erosion and sediment control, floodplain and wetlands, please call:  Building and Engineering Division - Telephone: 847-377-4444
• Woodland disturbance, please call:  Planning and Development Services Division - Telephone: 847-377-4444
• Noise, please call:  Lake County Sheriff's Office - Telephone: 847-377-4000

The following information is required to follow up on your complaint:

• Address, specific location or Property Index Number (PIN), if available, of the property where the violation exists
• Nature of specific violation
• Time/day of week that the violation usually occurs

If you would like, you may provide your name and telephone number; however this information is not required.

PERMITS - If you have a question about whether or not a permit is required for something, you can check the Planning, Building, & Development Department on the Lake County Government website.  You may also call 847-377-2600.

Although we are happy to help our residents in any way that we can, calling the correct entity can save you time and frustration.

Summer has arrived and so has warmer weather. Many of us are out enjoying the nice weather,  but that also means our vehicles and homes might be more vulnerable to break-ins. 

Here are a few quick and easy tips to help protect your vehicles and home. 

Lock Doors and Windows – Always lock your vehicle doors and double-check that all doors and windows are locked before you leave. Also, do not leave valuable items visible through windows. 

Install Motion-Sensor Lights to the exterior of your house. They’ll deter intruders and alert you to any movement around your property! If you don't have motion-sensor lights, keep your front and rear lights on.

Make sure your garage is closed. Every evening, confirm your vehicle doors, garage door and house doors and windows are all locked. 

Keep an eye out for suspicious activity in our neighborhood and let your neighbors know of any unusual activity. 

Let's all keep our homes and our community safe. 

During the summer months the park district experiences residents dumping yard waste on our properties. The park district has to use your tax dollars to pay our landscaper to clean up the waste. Please know that we will send a letter to the resident requesting that the dumping stop, and if that is ignored we will be forced to report it. Please dispose of your yard waste properly.

Are you interested in what the Highway Department does? What they offer their residents? What projects they are currently working on?  Where they are located or how to contact them?

You can find out that information and MORE by visiting their website.

A message from your Township Highway Commissioner, Amy Sarver.

Dear Residents,

The Brush Removal Program is for homeowners' convenience. We have a brush chipper designed to chip limbs and branches that do not qualify as yard waste. Our equipment is not designed to grind small twigs and evergreen trimmings. Our chipping equipment runs weekly, year-round, weather permitting. However, due to other work, it may be necessary to miss a week at certain times. Pick up days are not scheduled due to not knowing how much brush has been placed out for pickup. We have many subdivisions and areas that have property that belongs to a homeowner’s association (HOA). It is the responsibility of the contractor that the HOA has hired to remove any and all brush that is created from the project. The township is not responsible for the chipping of HOA brush. As a result of the brush removal service, wood mulch is available for Warren Township residents.

A few guidelines for our brush removal service:

• All brush must be cut no longer than 8 to 10 feet in length and no larger than 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Anything larger is considered firewood and the township will not take it. No root balls will be picked up.
• Brush piles must be placed so the chipping equipment and crew can have access.
• Piles need to be adjacent to a driveway or street. Piles placed in fields will not be chipped.
• It is easier and more efficient to chip the piles if they are wider and spread out rather than taller.
• All cut ends need to be facing the same direction towards the street. Please do not allow brush to extend into the street. The equipment does not chip individual branches that are small (rakings) or old-decayed wood well. Recently removed vegetation will chip better than old dried out branches and shrubs.
• Keep all piles free of rocks, dirt, wire, lumber, spiny plants and poison oak. The chipper cannot chip piles of pine needles or leaves. Yard waste can be disposed of through Waste Management.
• Brush may not be brought to Township for disposal.

If you have any questions, please call the Highway Department office at 847-244-1101, ext. *301.

Amy L. Sarver
Warren Township Highway Commissioner

Read their June E-News newsletter here to get all the up-to-date information on what is going on!

Or better yet, sign up to receive each newsletter directly to your inbox. Sign up here.

THANK YOU to all our participants and the folks that came to the event. We can't wait until next year!

We have a set of car keys that were found at the bridge in Lake Park, and a set of prescription glasses that were found during our Touch a Truck event on June 6th.

To claim your items - please call the park district office at 847-356-0008.

The Grandwood Park Park District is looking for sponsors for our upcoming summer events - Music by the Lake and Fall Fest.

WHY MARKET YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH OUR PARK DISTRICT THROUGH AN EVENT SPONSORSHIP OR GENERAL DONATION?

•Increase Business Visibility – Your business will be featured in promotional materials giving your business another venue to not only increase visibility but also to create a year-round positive image.

•Connect with the Community – Choose from a variety of Park District events to show your support for the community.

•Find the Right Fit – Whatever your budget, the Park District offers several options for businesses of all sizes. Your sponsorship and/or general donation includes advertising in our e-Newsletter, on our website, Facebook page, Instagram, and fliers distributed at all our events.

For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email the park district, or call 847-356-0008 to receive a copy of our 2025 Sponsorship brochure.