Important COVID-19 Community Updates
We appreciate the chance to bring you up to speed on what we are learning from local and regional sources now every Monday, Wednesday and Friday or as necessary. There will be no E-News issued on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Enjoy your holiday weekend!

Please dial 9-1-1 in case of emergencies only and call 847.234.2601 for non-emergencies.

Check the City's website for additional information and continue to send any inquiries to cityhall@cityoflakeforest.com . During this time, residents should continue to practice 6-foot physical distancing, and wear face coverings when maintaining physical distancing is not possible.

Many staff members are working remotely and will respond to you at the earliest opportunity.
Compost/Recycling Center Re-Opening on May 30
 The Compost/Recycling Center (located on the south side of Rte. 60, west of Waukegan Road) will re-open for business on Saturday, May 30.

Regular summer hours will be in effect, which are Saturdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

 Please note that the last day for free curbside service for items intended for the Compost Center is Thursday, May 28.

Call the Sanitation automated phone system at 847.615.4264 for further information.

Click here to view the Memorial Day sanitation schedule for next week.
Lake Forest Coming Together - Outdoor Expanded Dining Options
With the Governor's recent announcement that restaurants and specialty food establishments to include outdoor dining beginning May 29, the City is excited to explore some creative options including:
  • Creating expanded outdoor dining space on private properties
  • Enhancing use of public sidewalks
  • Potentially using street parking spaces or portions of streets
  • Other creative ideas!

More to come as the Governor's Order fleshes out.
Beach Opens Tomorrow at 9 a.m.
Enjoy and Stay Safe!


Click here for all beach information.

In order to remain in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order and capacity limitations, some changes have been made and new strict protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of both visitors and the beach staff. 

  • Staff will wear masks and gloves
  • Staff will be using pool “noodles” to measure 6-foot physical distancing
  • Visitor and parking maximum capacities will be in effect
  • Some amenities, including the playgrounds, will be unavailable
  • Concessions will open in early June for call-in/pick up 
  • Docks are in and ready for you to launch your boat 

What can you do to help? Thank you!

  1. Have your mask with you and wear it when you visiting the restrooms, concessions, or can’t keep a safe 6-foot distance. 
  2. Follow the new protocols and procedures; and don’t worry…there will be reminder signage everywhere.
  3. Because the parking lot will likely fill up quickly, plan on walking or biking to the beach and if you do…don’t forget your ID.
  4. Finally, check the Rec Center’s website and City's Facebook pages for the most recent updates.
  5. Please encourage everyone in your family to behave responsibly - we’re on track to moving on from this pandemic!
COVID-19 Community Forum: Save the Date
"Moving Forward. Together. An Update on COVID-19 and Next Steps with Leaders of the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff Communities."

Join Lake Forest Mayor George Pandaleon and Village President Kathy O'Hara with local municipal, medical and education leaders for a live, online community update on Tuesday, June 2 from 7-8 p.m.

Residents will have an opportunity to hear the latest from:
  • Thomas McAfee, President, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital and Senior Vice President, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare
  • Jeffrey Kopin, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
  • Jason Wicha, Lake Forest City Manager
  • Drew Irvin, Lake Bluff Village Administrator
  • Steven Schutt, Lake Forest College President
  • Michael Simeck, Superintendent of Lake Forest Schools, Districts 67 and 115
  • Jean Sophie, Superintendent of Lake Bluff School District 65

In anticipation of the Zoom webinar, community members may submit questions that will be addressed by local leaders during the event by sending them to: LFLBCommunityForum@gmail.com .

More information will be announced next week.
The Library is Open Online and by Phone
From under the dome to safe at home, Lake Forest Library is here for you! The Library is open online and by phone to answer your questions, connect you with resources and support during the pandemic, and issue library cards so that you can access free eBooks, streaming movies, online learning tools, and more. The book boxes at the Library and Telegraph Road Train Station are open and accepting returns (excluding Takeout Tech and oversize items). With our new Curbside Collect service, Library patrons can place holds on physical library materials for pickup at the back dock starting June 3. For details on all of the resources and services available to you, visit lakeforestlibrary.org and the Library Facebook page . 
Memorial Day
Although the traditional Annual Memorial Day Ceremony in Market Square has been cancelled due to the Governor's Order, American Legion McKinlock Post 264 will be posting American flags around town.

Please display your American flag proudly at your home to help Lake Forest celebrate Memorial Day!
In case you missed this week's Message from the Mayor
Don't Forget...
It's Easy

Lake Forest's current response rate is over 70% - thank you!


The Census paper questionnaire was mailed on April 8 to anyone who has not yet responded. Please complete the questionnaire and return it or respond online at my2020census.gov or by phone at 844.330.2020.

In the coming months, when it is safe to do so, Census takers will follow up with in-person visits to addresses for which responses have not been received.

Completing the Census questionnaire is easy, secure and important. Thank you for helping Lake Forest and Illinois achieve a Complete Count!
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