Fox Lake officials marked the start of a long-delayed lakefront park project, as ceremonial shovels broke ground for the first phase Monday.
Amenities for the south Nippersink Lake shore site, adjacent to the Route 12 Bridge, are expected to be completed by Memorial Day 2024.
The first phase includes an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and community events, pickleball courts, an enhanced splash pad and playground, expanded parking, a shade structure with picnic tables, new restrooms, a sloped path to fishing spots, and a volleyball area.
The main attraction will be a swimming beach and cove.
The project has slowly taken shape since 2019. It became the first capital improvement of the village’s master parks plan, and gained momentum when the village began acquiring nearby properties to tie various parcels together.
Three years later, the village approved $7.5 million in general obligation bonds over a 20-year term to fund the project. Refinancing of other general obligation bonds was also a consideration, and Fox Lake Mayor Donny Schmit noted that no tax increase was involved.
“When this project is completed, there will be a beach, and we’ll have an area to come with a blanket, enjoy the water, let the kids swim,” Schmit said. “The people who come here will be strangers, but they’re going to sit next to another person and leave as friends. To me, that’s what community is all about.”
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“This is going to be a very special space, and it’s going to be a community space,” U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Highland Park, said. “The idea that it does take a village, a whole community coming together, to create something that will make the community stronger.”
Schneider also advocated for funding on the lakefront park through the annual congressional appropriations projects line item entry. It was approved by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, and $750,000 was secured for the Fox Lake site.
“The project is being done in a financially responsible way,” he said. “The park would have an impact on the village and beyond, and the moneys that will be invested would have a broad and significant impact.”
The $750,000 is being earmarked for the park’s second phase, that will see the construction of a 15,000-square-foot boardwalk and pier.
The expectation is that the upgrades to the lakefront area will make it a centerpiece for the village. The location at 71 Nippersink Boulevard is also a short walk to the historic downtown area, with a Metra train station, restaurants and shops.
“This is a tremendous project, and can do so much for the village,” said Grant Township Supervisor Kay Starostovic. “The mayor has worked hard, and accomplished a lot during his tenure.”
Schmit added, “We’re looking forward to Memorial Day next year, when the first phase will be finished. A groundbreaking ceremony is nice, but a ribbon-cutting is even better.”