Lincolnshire Parks and Paths - Enjoy #NatureNearby!
Lincolnshire proudly maintains 11 unique parks, 182 acres of natural areas, and over 5 miles of paths throughout the Village for active and passive lifestyles to enjoy! View the Parks of Lincolnshire webpage for an interactive overview of all Village Parks.
While hitting the trails, dipping your toes in the water at Spring Lake Beach, or playing on the playgrounds and athletic fields, we hope you love our clean and accessible recreation areas. Join the conversation on social media and share photos of you and your family enjoying the natural beauty around our parks and paths by using the hashtag “#NatureNearby."
As you patronize Lincolnshire’s amenities, please remember to be courteous to those around you.
Park Donations - Click for More Information
Memorials and plaques are an excellent way to recognize a loved one, a favorite coach, or a special event by making a donation to a Village park.
There are 11 parks in the Village of Lincolnshire. Each park has its own unique personality. If you are interested in donating to a Village Park, we recommend that you visit the parks to determine which park suits your needs.
Items that might be considered for donation | |
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Park Bench | Costs vary depending on the type of bench selected. Bench fees run from $600 to $1800 per bench. |
Trees | Most trees' costs are $500 to $700 per tree. However, if you want a larger tree or one that is unusual the costs may be higher. |
Bricks |
Bricks may be purchased at North Park. Small bricks 4” by 8” $100 (3 lines of text, 12 letters per line) |
There are many other amenities that might be considered and which differ based on the park and what the park’s current needs are. Contact Brad Woodbury to discuss donation opportunities. Donations made to the Village of Lincolnshire parks are tax-deductible as far as allowed by law.
Park Rules - Click for More Information
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Leashed pets are allowed in the Village’s passive parks, which include Memorial Park, Trailhead Park, Rivershire Park, Florsheim Nature Preserve, and all recreational paths. Pets are not allowed in any other Village park.
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No parking is allowed in Village parks between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Parking in Village parks is for park users only.
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No person shall dump or deposit any material anywhere on the park grounds but shall use waste or trash receptacles where provided. If no receptacle is provided, the material shall be carried away from the park by the individual.
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No person shall use or operate any loudspeaker or amplifier in any park.
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Musical bands are prohibited.
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No person shall erect any building, tent, or other structure in any park.
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It is unlawful for any person to feed any wildlife at any Village park.
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It shall be unlawful for any person to remove any natural thing from the natural areas of any parks.
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It shall be unlawful for any person to burn wood found in any of the parks or natural areas.
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No individual, organization, or entity of any kind shall use the parks or park facilities for any for-profit activity.
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No park may be used for assembling people, loading or unloading buses, vans, or other vehicles for a for-profit entity.
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For a comprehensive overview of all Park regulations, read Title 8, Chapter 1 of the Village Code.
Park, Park Restroom, and Tennis/Pickleball Court Hours - Click for More Information
Park Hours- Daily
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Balzer Park: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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North Park: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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All other parks: Sunrise to Sunset
Park Restroom Hours - Daily
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North Park Restrooms: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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Spring Lake Park Restrooms: 7 a.m. – Sunset
Tennis/Pickleball Court Hours- Daily
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Balzer Park Tennis Courts: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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North Park Tennis and Pickleball Courts: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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Spring Lake Park Tennis Court: 7 a.m. – Sunset
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Whytegate Park Tennis and Pickleball Courts: 7 a.m. – Sunset
Paths - Click for More Information
The Village of Lincolnshire maintains a series of mixed-use recreation paths allowing access to different parts of the village. The path system connects neighborhoods, retail shopping centers, village parks, schools, commercial areas, the Vernon Area Library, and the Prairie View Metra station. The map includes existing paths and proposed paths included in the Village’s Bike Pedestrian Plan. Click HERE to view more.
Neighborhood Access Paths
A number of pathways connect the different "neighborhoods" throughout the Village. These paths serve as connectors for residents to move easily about the Village on foot or bicycle.
North/South Path System
This path runs along the east side of Riverwoods Road. The path extends from Everett Road on the north to the entrance to Ryerson Woods on the south.
East/West Path System
This path runs along the north side of Route 22 from the west Village limits at Stevenson High School to Olde Half Day Road. The path continues along the south side of Route 22 from Barclay Boulevard to the Village Hall. The path then returns to the north side of Route 22, east of the Village Hall. It then continues east to Hewitt Drive/Westminster Way/east Village limits. A path on the south side of Route 22 extends from Oxford Drive to the east Village limits at the Tollway where the path connects to the Village of Bannockburn's path system.
Olde Half Day Road
The first path along Olde Half Day Road runs from the South Village Green to the Village Hall along the south side of Olde Half Day Road. This path links the residential and commercial properties downtown to the Village Hall. The second path is located by the Village Hall, on the north side of Olde Half Day Road. This paved link directly connects to sections of Village paths that were previously only connected by a winding gravel trail through the forest preserve.
Route 22 Paths
Paths along Route 22 extend the length of the Village. The path connects to the Village of Bannockburn on the south side of Route 22 at I-94. Proceeding west, the path is located along both the north and south side of Route 22 from Westminster Way on the east to Oxford Drive. At Oxford Drive, the path only runs along the north side of Route 22 as the path crosses the Des Plaines River. The path shifts back to the south side of Route 22 at Olde Half Day Road and continues west to Barclay Boulevard. From there, the path again runs along both sides of Route 22 to the eastern Village limits at the Village of Buffalo Grove.
Pedestrian crossings are located at Westminster Way, Riverwoods Road, Oxford Drive, Olde Half Day Road (connecting to the Des Plaines River Trail), Milwaukee Avenue (accessing Lincolnshire's downtown), Barclay Boulevard (with connection to the Vernon Area Public Library), and Stevenson Drive (connecting to Stevenson High School).
Permits - Click for More Information
Picnic Permits are required for groups of 30 or more in the North Park Concession and Pavilion Areas, and picnic areas are located at Spring Lake Park and Whytegate Park. No large group picnics are permitted in Bicentennial Park, Balzer Park, Creekside Park, Memorial Park, Old Mill Park, Rivershire Park, or Trailhead Park. No picnics of any size are allowed at the Florsheim Nature Preserve.
Five seasonal Rivershire Park Canoe Rack Permits (one per address/per year) are issued annually. Seasonal permits are issued from May 1 – October 31 for $50/permit. Residents may apply beginning April 1, and non-residents may apply beginning June 1. Daily permits are issued on a 3-day basis for $5/permit contingent upon availability during the season.
For all Parks and Paths permit applications, visit the Village’s Applications and Permits webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions - Click for More Information
Spring Lake
- Why is Spring Lake a "fake" green color?
- Is Spring Lake tested for bacteria?
- Why is it advised that I not swim at Spring Lake after a storm event?
- At what age may I send my child to Spring Lake unattended?
- May I fish in Spring Lake?
Park Permits
- Do I need a picnic permit?
- When may I submit a request for a picnic permit?
- I am planning a party. May I bring a band, large inflatable toys or other amusements for my picnic?
- Is alcohol allowed at picnics in Village Parks?
- I would like to reserve field space for an activity. How do I do that?
- I have a team and would like to reserve field space. How do I do that?
- Why does Lincolnshire Sports Association get priority use of the North Park playing fields?
Parks
1. Does Lincolnshire have a Park District?
No.
2. Does the Village of Lincolnshire have a Public Pool?
No, however, Spring Lake is a wonderful, natural alternative.
3. Are there restrooms in the parks and are they open year-round?
There are restrooms at Spring Lake and North Park. The restrooms are open throughout the year.
4. Are pets allowed in the parks or nature preserves?
No. Pets are not allowed in any of the Village parks, natural areas, or Nature Preserves. Pets are allowed on the Village's main pedestrian and bike paths. Owners are required to pick up after their pets.
5. Are there unique rules for the nature preserves?
Yes. Florsheim, North Park, and Old Mill Nature Preserves are dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves. These areas have special protection and, as such, have different rules. Following are the rules for the Nature Preserves:
- Visitors are to stay on the paths.
- No vehicles are allowed – including bikes.
- Nothing may be brought into or taken out of the nature preserve.
- No picnicking is allowed.
- No pets are allowed.
6. I would like to be notified when pesticides are used in the parks. How may I get on a list for notification?
Email Emily Land, Public Works Facility administrative assistant. She will place you on the list.
7. Why does the Village conduct prescribed or controlled burns?
From time to time, the Village burns portions of its natural areas. Prescribed burns are standard maintenance of native natural areas. The burning helps to reduce the number of non-native invasive plants and thereby improves the numbers and diversity of native plants and wildlife. If you have a pulmonary condition (asthma, bronchitis, etc.) please contact the Village and you will be placed on a list to be contacted if a burn will take place in your area.
Spring Lake
1. Why is Spring Lake a "fake" green color?
Dye packets are dissolved in the lake. The dye keeps the sunlight from penetrating the water's surface and keeps the amount of algae growth down. The dye is a food-grade dye and is not harmful to people or wildlife.
2. Is Spring Lake tested for bacteria?
Yes. The Lake County Health Department tests the lake monthly to verify it is safe for swimming. Spring Lake Beach is one of the cleanest lakes in Lake County, partially because the lake is constantly fed by lake Michigan drinking water.
3. Why is it advised that I not swim at Spring Lake after a storm event?
The Village complies with the State Bathing Beach Regulations, and Lake County Health Department Recommendation, which advises residents not to swim in the lake for 24 to 48 hours after a rain event. This direction has been provided to protect residents from encountering bacteria that have washed from the sides of the lake into the water.
4. At what age may I send my child to Spring Lake unattended?
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
5. May I fish in Spring Lake?
Yes. Fishing is allowed on the west end of the lake. Fishing is catch and release only. Fishing permits are not required. Please contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for more information.
Park Permits
1. Do I need a picnic permit?
If you are going to hold a picnic in a Village park and anticipate thirty (30) or more people to attend, you are required to obtain a Picnic Permit. Large group picnics (30 or more people) are not allowed in Balzer Park, Old Mill Park, or Memorial Park. No picnics are allowed in Florsheim Nature Preserve. No large group picnics are allowed in Spring Lake Park from May 1 - October 30.
2. When may I submit a request for a picnic permit?
Village residents may apply up to ninety (90) days in advance of a picnic. Non-residents may apply up to twenty (20) days in advance of a picnic.
3. I am planning a party. May I bring a band, large inflatable toys or other amusements for my picnic?
No. The Village Parks are public places and the Village does not allow bands, loud music, large inflatable toys, petting zoos, or other amusements without approval from the Mayor and Board of Trustees.
4. Is alcohol allowed at picnics in Village Parks?
Yes. Alcohol is allowed to be consumed but not allowed to be sold.
5. I would like to reserve field space for an activity. How do I do that?
You need to complete a Field Usage Permit Application and submit it to the Village for approval. You will be contacted once it is determined if field space is available.
6. I have a team and would like to reserve field space. How do I do that?
If you plan to use the playing fields for more than 5 hours in a season, you are required to submit an application for field usage under Classification C of the Field Usage Permit Application. This application requires Park and Village Board approval. Applications may not be submitted more than 120 days in advance. Applications may take up to two months to approve.
7. Why does Lincolnshire Sports Association get priority use of the North Park playing fields?
Lincolnshire Sports Association is a volunteer organization that provides sports activities for children who live within the boundary of School District 103. The Village has committed to supporting Lincolnshire Sports Association because of its service to the children of Lincolnshire.
General Questions/Report Vandalism - Click for More Information
If you have any questions about our parks/paths, please email Forestry/Park Foreman Tim Baynon or call at 847-913-2382.
To report vandalism, you may also contact Tim Baynon or submit a service request.