The City of Lake Forest Suspends All Non-Emergency Operations
In response to guidance from public health officials regarding the most effective strategies to prevent the spread of illness, The City of Lake Forest is taking the following pre-emptive measures:
- The Recreation Center, Lake Forest Fitness Center, CROYA (400 Hastings Road) and Deerpath Golf Course (500 W. Deerpath) will close on Saturday, March 14 until Monday, April 6.
- All public meetings have been cancelled for the next two weeks, at which time the situation will be assessed. These meetings include the City Council Meeting on Monday, March 16 and meetings of all Boards and Commissions.
In addition, effective Tuesday, March 17, The City of Lake Forest is suspending all non-emergency operations. This will be re-assessed on a weekly basis. The following City buildings will be closed:
- City Hall (220 E. Deerpath)
- Municipal Services Building (800 N. Field Drive)
- Recreation Center (400 Hastings Road)
- CROYA (400 Hastings Road)
- Kinderhaven (400 Hastings Road)
- Lake Forest Fitness Center (400 Hastings Road)
- Deerpath Golf Course (500 W. Deerpath)
- Dickinson Hall (100 E. Old Mill Road)
- Stirling Hall (80 E. Old Mill Road)
- Wildlife Discovery Center (1401 W. Middlefork Drive)
- All park buildings at the City’s community and neighborhood parks
- Restrooms at the beach
There will be no disruption of emergency public services, including Police, Fire and Emergency Responders, Water, Sanitation, Refuse, Vital Records (birth and death certificates), and Cemetery.
The City will offer limited inspection services. Inspections of outdoor work can be scheduled by contacting staff directly at 847.810.3503 or 847.234.2600.
The Public Safety Building (255 W. Deerpath), will remain open during regular operating hours, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Birth and death certificates may be obtained at the Public Safety Building from 8 a.m.-4:30 on weekdays only.
The Cemetery Gatehouse (520 E. Spruce Avenue) will remain open by appointment only during regular operating hours, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The public should continue to call the City’s general phone number, 847.234.2600 , and phone calls will be directed to the correct staff person who will respond in as timely a manner as possible. Questions may also be sent to
[email protected]
.
Residents should still call 911 in cases of emergencies, and call 847.234.2601 for all other non-emergency events. If you are not already registered for the City’s emergency notification program, Smart911 please do so by visiting the
website
.
As this is a developing situation, The City will monitor and assess these protocols and adjust as needed. The City will alert the community via email, website and social media and through local media when the operations suspension period ends. Please sign up to receive email notifications
here
.
Mayor George A. Pandaleon reiterated that “The health and welfare of Lake Forest residents remains our foremost concern. Local leadership remains in constant contact with staff, with local, state and federal health agencies as well as our neighboring communities to monitor developments associated with COVID-19. After discussion and collaboration with these agencies, and in light of guidance from health professionals, we feel that these extreme but precautionary measures are in the best interest of our staff and residents.”
City Manager Jason Wicha states “These temporary modifications to City operations ensure that we focus on what’s most critical to serving our residents during this unprecedented time. We appreciate the support and guidance of the City Council and thank residents for their patience and understanding as we take these steps to ensure the public welfare of the community.”
The City’s
website
contains important and informative links for reference. For those not online, the Illinois Department of Health has set up a Hotline: 1-800-889-3931.
