Important COVID-19 Community Updates
Lake Forest is currently in Phase 4 of the Governor's "Restore Illinois" Plan. View the Phase 4 Guidelines here.

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

  • Wear a Mask
  • Wash Your Hands
  • Watch Your Distance

If you have noticed you are not following COVID-19 precautions closely, you may be suffering from caution fatigue. This may cause you to have lower motivation to social distance and increase your risk of getting COVID-19. There are ways to combat caution fatigue.

  • Take care of your physical and mental health.
  • Reframe risks and benefits.
  • Rebuild your routine.
  • Make altruism a habit.
  • Switch up your media diet.
Almost all City buildings are open with limited staffing and safety protocols in place. The City encourages residents to continue using online City services as often as possible.

This E-Newsletter will continue to be issued every 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.
Forest Park Beach Parking starting September 1
Reminder: Starting on Tuesday, September 1, all residents that wish to park at Forest Park Beach North Lot and Upper South Lot must display a 2020 City of Lake Forest Vehicle Sticker per City Ordinance.

2019 stickers will no longer be valid after August 31. Please view the details here.

If you have any questions, please call 847.234.6700. Thank you!
City Departments Extend Heart-Felt Gratitude
Over the past several months, the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments have received many donations of PPE and meals. The City gratefully acknowledges donations from:


  • 28 Mile Vodka Company
  • Abbott
  • Abbvie
  • Bella Canvas
  • Boy Scouts
  • Buffo's
  • Chief's Pub
  • CIA Medical
  • Donati's
  • Lake County Health Department
  • Lake Forest Food & Wine
  • Luke's
  • Mission BBQ
  • North Shore Distillery
  • Peanut Gallery
  • Visconti Cheese Market and Deli

Everyone has shown extreme kindness and support for our employees. Thank you!
Financial Assistance for Rent and Utility Bills

Lake County renters and homeowners who have been impacted by COVID-19 are invited to apply for a new program that offers financial assistance to help pay for rent, gas and electric bills.  

The COVID Housing Relief Program is being funded by the Lake County Board, using federal dollars the county received through the federal CARES Act. The program offers financial assistance for up to three months of rent and/or utility bills for qualified residents who meet certain income guidelines. In order to qualify:

  • You must be a Lake County resident.
  • You must have recently lost income due to COVID-19, because of a job loss or other reasons, such as because you have to miss work to care for your school-age children. You can also qualify if you have a large unexpected medical cost.
  • You must have limited savings.
  • Your household must meet annual household income requirements. 

To apply for the program, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 for more information and to get help. Applicants will be asked to fill out an application and provide evidence of their income and expenses. If approved, the money will be sent directly to the landlord or utility company.
Waukegan COVID Testing Site

Visit the state-operated Community-Based Testing Site at 102 W. Water Street, open every day from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Testing is free, but you will need a photo ID. 

Type of testing at this site
Molecular (viral) testing only, via nasal swab.

Who can be tested
Community-based testing sites are available to anyone to get tested, regardless of symptoms or other criteria. No appointment, doctor referral, or insurance is needed at state operated drive-thru sites and testing is available at no cost to the individual. 

Know Before You Go

Walk-Ups: The Waukegan Community Based Testing Site (CBTS) is now accepting walk-ups. Walkers should enter off of Genesee Street and follow the line marked by orange cones. 

Drive-Thru: If arriving by car, anyone who will be tested must be seated at a functioning window. Once you get in line at the CBTS, you will not be permitted to exit your car.

Visit www.dph.illinois.gov/testing for more information.
Photo courtesy of the 2017 Lake Forest Police Department's Bike Rodeo.
Still haven’t Responded to the Census?

Census workers have begun knocking on doors in Lake County between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., visiting every household that hasn’t yet responded to the census. Make sure to answer the door and get counted! The census taker will show you an ID badge that includes their name and picture, and will be carrying an electronic device, like a laptop or smartphone, that has the Census Bureau logo.

Fill out your form now at 2020census.gov, or call 844.330.2020.
What's Open in Lake Forest?
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 
  • Dickinson Hall (by appointment; call 847.234.2209)
  • Wildlife Discovery Center (outdoor exhibits and trails open, indoor exhibits & restrooms are closed)
  • Recreation Center (to registered program participants)
  • Fitness Center
  • CROYA 
  • Lake Forest Library
  • Lake Forest Cemetery Gatehouse (by appointment; call 847.615.4341)
  • 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.
Community Facilities

Visit their websites for the most up to date information:
 
Lake County Interactive Map
Lake County occupies 1/2 of Region 9 according to the latest revisions to the Restore Illinois Plan. The western 1/2 of Region 9 is McHenry County.

The Lake County Health Department's interactive map shares the number of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 in each municipality. You can view the map here.
Local Resources
State/Federal Resources
The City of Lake Forest, Illinois | Website