Summer: A Time of Concerts, Camps and Community Connection in Lake Forest

By Kayla Moore

Summer is always the busiest season for Lake Forest Parks & Recreation – but according to Director Mike Wick, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. From sailing camps to street concerts, something is happening almost every day for residents of all ages.

“Our main focus this summer is on special events, programs and beach operations,” said Wick, who noted Parks & Rec supports large community gatherings like the Fourth of July celebration and the Fred Jackson Golf Tournament presented by the Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation.

The Summer Concert Series in Market Square is always popular.

The department’s signature programs and events continue to draw big crowds, especially the Summer Concert Series in Market Square and Townline Park.

  “People really connect with these events,” Wick said. The final Concert in the Square and Classic Car Show has been rescheduled to Thursday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m., so there’s still time to enjoy live music.

Camps remain one of Parks & Rec’s largest summer operations. Popular staples like All-Stars and McCormick Day Camp keep younger kids busy, while specialized programs attract niche interests:

• Sailing — Expanded with three new inflatable coach boats purchased by the City and a fourth donated by the Friends Foundation.

• Sports Camps — Including partnerships with professional athletes and organizations.

• Twigs Theater Camp — A long-running tradition that sells out quickly.

• Teens on the Go — A biking-based program where teens explore the North Shore, with a new adventure every day.

Participation is up compared to last summer, a trend Wick credited to a renewed appreciation for local spaces after the pandemic. Dickinson Hall Senior Center, for example, has surpassed pre-COVID membership levels for the first time in nearly five years.

“People were reminded during the pandemic how valuable community parks and services  are,” Wick said. “That connection has stuck.”

Recent upgrades, guided by community surveys and staff assessments, aim to improve the user experience. The Fitness Center received new cardio equipment; some treadmills had been in service for over a decade. The Sailing Program expanded fleet improves safety and capacity for campers.

“We want to offer the  highest-quality experience at a community-accessible price for all,” Wick noted.

Resident feedback plays a key role in program planning. While requests for adult leagues are common, participation can be inconsistent. Wick said the department adapts quickly if a program doesn’t take off after a few tries. Program evaluations are sent out regularly, and all feedback – positive or constructive – is valued. Based on feedback from last summer, camps started earlier in 2025.

“If people are attending a program but there are areas we can make the experience better, we need to know,” Wick said. “Feedback is essential.”

Parks & Recreation invites residents to share their ideas year-round and stay engaged through events, programs, and volunteer opportunities. With the support of the community – and close collaboration with other City departments – summer in Lake Forest will continue to be as vibrant as ever.