Forest Park Master Plan Implementation
The City of Lake Forest adopted a comprehensive Forest Park Master Plan prepared by Stephen Stimson Associates to restore, enhance, and preserve the City's preeminent park. Originally founded in 1856 by the City's original planner, Almerin Hotchkiss, Forest Park was established as Lake Forest's first conserved open space and envisioned as a natural resource for passive enjoyment. In 1896, landscape architect O.C. Simonds further shaped the park through a formal planning effort.
The Master Plan serves as a long-term guide for park improvements, honoring the historic legacy of Hotchkiss and Simonds while addressing modern needs for accessibility, environmental stewardship, and passive recreation.
Bleck Engineering prepared civil engineering construction documents for the 37-acre park in support of the Master Plan's vision and goals. Construction began in 2013, and Forest Park reopened to the public in 2014.
Environmental stewardship was central to the project, as the park drains directly to Lake Michigan. Improvements focused on reducing impervious surfaces, enhancing stormwater treatment, restoring native landscapes, and realigning walking paths and roadways to create improved circulation and new vistas from the tableland toward the lake.
The City of Lake Forest adopted a comprehensive Forest Park Master Plan prepared by Stephen Stimson Associates to restore, enhance, and preserve the City's preeminent park. Originally founded in 1856 by the City's original planner, Almerin Hotchkiss, Forest Park was established as Lake Forest's first conserved open space and envisioned as a natural resource for passive enjoyment. In 1896, landscape architect O.C. Simonds further shaped the park through a formal planning effort.
The Master Plan serves as a long-term guide for park improvements, honoring the historic legacy of Hotchkiss and Simonds while addressing modern needs for accessibility, environmental stewardship, and passive recreation.
Bleck Engineering prepared civil engineering construction documents for the 37-acre park in support of the Master Plan's vision and goals. Construction began in 2013, and Forest Park reopened to the public in 2014.
Environmental stewardship was central to the project, as the park drains directly to Lake Michigan. Improvements focused on reducing impervious surfaces, enhancing stormwater treatment, restoring native landscapes, and realigning walking paths and roadways to create improved circulation and new vistas from the tableland toward the lake.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Lake Forest, Illinois 2014
