Vandalism Delays Hidden Lakes Trout Farm Projects

BOLINGBROOK, IL — The Forest Preserve District continues to make progress on planned improvements at Hidden Oaks Nature Center and Hidden Lakes Trout Farm since acquiring the site from the Bolingbrook Park District in February, according to a release from the preserve.

Hidden Lakes Trout Farm opened to the public earlier this spring, and Hidden Oaks Nature Center will open to the public in early summer, the preserve said.

Prior to the acquisition being finalized, the Forest Preserve outlined plans for improvements, including replacing the bait shop at the trout farm and reopening and improving the nature center. Since then, work has begun, but the District has encountered unexpected delays on some projects, according to a release from the preserve.

"Unfortunately, Hidden Lakes has had a wave of vandalism that is complicating the Forest Preserve's efforts," said Forest Preserve Executive Director Ralph Schultz.

The water level in the lakes was impacted, after an electrical panel that services the well was damaged by vandals, the preserve said. The incident happened in mid-May, and caused $18,000 in damage and rendered the entire panel inoperable. A new panel is being made, and will be installed in early July, and the lakes should return to their previous levels.

Vandals also attempted to remove the circuit breakers for the electrical cabinet that controls the aerators for the lakes, the preserve said. The damage has been since repaired.

In response, Forest Preserve police have increased patrols and building checks in the area. A trail camera has been installed, as have signs indicating police are monitoring the preserve. A number of verbal warnings and citations have been issued for after-hours use of the preserve, the district said.