Important COVID-19 Community Updates
Lake Forest entered into Phase 4 of the Governor's "Restore Illinois" Plan. View an updated version of Phase 4 Guidelines here .

 Please remember that face coverings, frequent hand sanitizing and 6-foot physical distancing are still required.

Most City buildings are open with limited staffing and safety protocols in place. Other City staff will continue to work remotely. Until further notice, the City encourages residents to continue using online City services as often as possible.

This E-Newsletter will continue to be issued every Monday, Wednesday and Friday or as necessary. Please dial 9-1-1 in case of emergencies only, and 847.234.2601 for non-emergencies. For all other City services, please call the City's general phone line, 847.234.2600. Check the City's website for additional information and continue to send any inquiries to cityhall@cityoflakeforest.com .
Lake Forest Library Re-Opening Plans

Lake Forest Library is excited to announce a planned reopening of the building for express service and limited computer use beginning Monday, July 20. We're calling this phase Lake Forest Library Lite: many of the Library services and resources you love, with quick and speedy service for limited numbers of patrons throughout the day.
 
Although the Library is not yet going back to "business as usual," your visit can still be enjoyable! We encourage everyone to also continue using the Library online and by phone when possible, and to make pickup quick and easy by placing items on hold at least 24 hours before coming to the building. As always, you will be notified when your hold is ready to pick up. Open hours will be announced on social media and on the library's website in the coming days.
 
We look forward to seeing everyone again and providing as many library services and resources as possible while maintaining safety for staff and patrons. Because library materials are shared and circulated, and due to the building’s narrow aisles and aging HVAC system (which make it more challenging to adhere to physical distancing and air handling guidelines), visiting patrons are required to follow new protocols including:

  • Wearing face coverings at all times.
  • Using Express Service by asking Library staff for help when possible. Public computer time will be limited to 1 hour. No study or tutoring spaces will be provided at this time. Library staff will limit the number of patrons in the building, and we ask that everyone keep their visit brief to ensure that others can have a turn, too.
  • Keeping 6 feet (or two bookcases) between people. Children 10 years and under must be accompanied by a caregiver and helped as needed to maintain physical distancing.
  • Washing hands and using hand sanitizer frequently and as needed.

The nature of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic means that reopening dates and procedures are subject to change, but we are hopeful that no delays will be necessary. Up-to-date information is always available on the Library's social media channels and website.
 
Please call 847.234.0636 to speak with a librarian.

We miss serving all of you in person and appreciate your patience as we work to restore limited services in the building in the safest way possible for everyone.
Lake Bluff Village President Kathy O'Hara and Lake Forest Mayor George Pandaleon, will provide overview of the latest information about our communities. All are welcome.
 
Though we can’t enjoy each other’s company at the Deer Path Inn this year, we can certainly pick up food in advance before jumping on the Zoom call (here’s a   link to DPI’s carry out menu )!
 
Complimentary. Advance registration required to receive Zoom Link. Register here! 

Luncheon Presented by:
Brandstorm
Flotstone
Lake Forest Book Store
Melichar Architects
What's Open in Lake Forest? Updates highlighted in yellow.
Parks & Recreation Facilities
  • Deerpath Golf Course
  • Forest Park Beach (including concessions and restrooms)
  • Park Grounds & Trails
  • Tennis Courts
  • Playgrounds at All Facilities
  • Park Restrooms
  • Volleyball nets at the beach
  • Stirling Hall 
  • Wildlife Discovery Center (outdoor exhibits and trails open, indoor exhibits & restrooms are closed)
  • Recreation Center (to registered program participants)
  • Fitness Center 
  • Lake Forest Library will open on Monday, July 20 (for express service and limited computer use)
  • Kinderhaven
  • Park and Beach Pavilions will remain closed through 2020 
*For a complete list of the status of recreation facilities visit the Lake Forest Parks & Recreation's website.
City Buildings 
  • Cemetery & Gatehouse
  • City Hall
  • Compost/Recycling Center
  • East Train Station - Restrooms, Silver Lining Barber Shop and Slick Shine (Metra ticket office closed)
  • Telegraph Road Train Station - Restrooms, AREA Coffee Shop
  • Municipal Services Building
  • Public Safety Building
  • Water Plant
*For a complete list of the status of City buildings visit the City's website .
The Lake County Board has allocated $10 million to fund the Lake County Small Business Assistance COVID-19 Grant Program. The grant program was created to assist small businesses in Lake County that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Beginning July 7, 2020,  businesses will be able to apply online for up to $30,000 to cover up to four months of occupancy costs (rent, mortgage, utilities) as well as expenses incurred due to COVID-19 (new equipment, plexiglass, masks, sanitization services/materials, employee training, etc.). 

The Lake County Small Business Assistance COVID-19 Grant Program will be administered by Lake County Partners with final grant approval and dispersing of funds performed by Lake County. 

Small businesses in Lake County that meet the following criteria are eligible to apply for the program:  
  • For profit, incorporated business (e.g., LLC, S Corp, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship, etc.) - Independent contractors are currently not eligible
  • In business prior to February 15, 2020
  • Earn less than $2.5 million in annual revenue 
  • Must be able to document a significant negative business impact from COVID-19 
  • Preference will be given to businesses that have not received Federal Assistance (i.e., Paycheck Protection Program or Economic Injury Disaster Loan)

Lake County small businesses that meet the above requirements may apply online at lakecountyil.gov/forward  beginning at 8 a.m. on July 7. The application period will be open for two weeks, with submissions accepted until July 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Stroll over to Lake Forest and Lake Bluff's shops Thursday-Saturday, July 16-18 and save on some spectacular sales and bargains. There's plenty to celebrate as we get back out to things we love to do - so plan on making a day of it (and don't forget to grab some food, too!) Click here for an up-to date list of participating merchants and their offerings...see you there!
Family Drive-In Movie Night - Saturday, July 18
8:30 p.m. at the Deerpath Middle School South Parking Lot

Drive up and enjoy a night out with the family! The Lake Forest Recreation Department will be presenting "How to Train Your Dragon".

For one night only, the South Deerpath Middle School parking lot will be transformed into a drive-in theater. Families MUST practice social distancing by either staying in their cars or sitting within their marked off area at all time. For Lake Forest residents only; $5 per person
Contact: John Eldridge, 847.810.3940. Click here to register.
Lake County Interactive Map
The Lake County Health Department's interactive map shares the number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in each municipality. According to the LCHD website, it is best viewed on a computer. You can view the map   here .
Local Resources
State/Federal Resources
The City of Lake Forest, Illinois | Website