Forest Park Rehabilitation on Schedule

The first phase of Forest Park infrastructure replacement is well underway, with completion still anticipated around Nov. 22.

That was the message from Lake Forest Mayor Donald Schoenheider and Forest Park Project Corp. Chairman Ralph Gesualdo, who issued an update on the project to residents and asked for the community's support.

“The Ring Road is being restored and realigned, the non-functioning storm sewer system is being replaced and the electrical service is being upgraded,” they wrote in their letter, which is posted on the city’s website.

Once that work is complete, the first layer of asphalt for the new road will be poured. The road will remain closed to vehicles over the winter, but the city plans to plow a path that will allow walkers and joggers to use the park.

Landscaping, hardscape and new amenities will be installed in the spring, followed by the final layer of Ring Road, which will then be opened to traffic. Schoenheider and Gesauldo said the goal is for the work to be completed by the end of May.

The project is expected to cost about $4 million, and $2.5 million has been contributed in cash and pledges to date, including $100,000 from Lake Forest Bank & Trust. Community members can contribute toward the project on its website.

“In the spirit of past public/private partnerships that have benefited our entire community so well, we ask every citizen to consider how they can best support the project,” Schoenheider and Gesauldo said.

Visit www.forestparkproject.com for more information.