The city of Lake Forest and the Lake Forest Open Lands Association are trading property in the first-ever land swap between the two entities.
The city of Lake Forest and the Lake Forest Open Lands Association are trading property in the first-ever land swap between the two entities.
Under the agreement, Open Lands will give the city Open Lands Park, a 1.25-acre historic park at the southeast corner of East Deerpath and North Green Bay Road. Open Lands will also hand over a .25-acre parcel in the Elawa Farm complex adjacent to the formal gardens.
In return, the city will transfer ownership of the 61-acre McCormick Ravine to Open Lands.
“We’re really aligned the expertise of the respective organizations with the properties,” said City Manager Robert Kiely. “The city had stewardship over McCormick Ravine for years. It’s a great place for a day camp, but we haven’t put much time or effort into caring for or maintaining the property. It isn’t a high priority with other infrastructure needs in the community.”
In contrast, restoring natural areas such as McCormick Ravine is part of the reason the Lake Forest Open Lands Association was formed back in 1967.
“We’re in the preservation business,” said Open Lands President John Sentell, who came up with the concept of the land swap. “We’ll be able to do what we do best.”
The Army Corps of Engineers will begin restoration of McCormick Ravine in 2016 to help with invasive species and excess storm water flow. The restoration will cost $3.5 million total with Open Lands paying at least $600,000 and the rest coming from a federal grant.
Meanwhile, Kiely is pleased that the city will get Open Lands Park.
More Top Picks Best Smart Rings For Heart Rate Variability Tracking
“That’s a parcel that really could function for a number of community events and activities,” Kiely said. “It’s much more consistent with other types of parks we have around town.”
All three properties will remain open to the public