City and Open Lands Partner on Land Exchange

Open Lands Park, a 1.25 acre open space parcel at the southeast corner of East Deerpath and North Green Bay Road in Lake Forest, has been transferred from the Lake Forest Open Lands Association to the city.

As part of the deal to exchange ownership, both organizations will engage in an approximately $3.5 million program for the large-scale habitat restoration of McCormick Ravine through the Great Lakes Fishery & Ecosystem Restoration program managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Lake Forest Open Lands will provide at least $600,000 in required matching funds for the habitat restoration program.

“Open Lands Park is a centrally-located parcel at the gateway to the City’s historic business district,” according to a news release the city made available Tuesday.

Also on Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch: Lake Bluff Woman Wins National Luminary Award

The swap was one of two made official by the City Council Monday night by the same entities. The other transfers approximately one quarter acre to the City’s Elawa Farm complex in order to complete the formal garden area. As part of this land exchange, once the restoration of McCormick Ravine is completed, the City will then transfer formal ownership of the 61-acre parcel and long-term management responsibilities to Open Lands.

“Creating a mechanism to take advantage of the substantial grant funding currently available to restore the habitat and hydrology of McCormick was a key element of the agreement,” according to the release.

Mayor Donald P. Schoenheider called the transaction “a real win-win” for the community.

“My compliments to City staff and Lake Forest Open Lands for their creative partnership approach to get this program off the ground,” he said.

Also on Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Patch: Groundwork Laid for Whole Foods to Open in Lake Forest