We make our community better.

Who we are

The Friends are a 100% volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department by raising funds for its projects. We are a vital partner to our local parks, beach, playgrounds, athletic fields, and community centers, working to ensure these resources thrive and remain available to residents.

How we work

Many are surprised to learn that Lake Forest does not have a dedicated parks district. Instead, the city itself oversees and manages our parks and recreational facilities. Why is this distinction important? Because if budget dollars fall short of fully funding the Parks & Rec’s needs, the City of Lake Forest must make up the difference. That’s where the Friends come in. We serve as a voice for the community, unbound by the municipal process, helping to fulfill initiatives that may not be possible otherwise.

What we do

A little bit of everything! Have you enjoyed the new walking path at the beach? The Friends helped raise the money for that project. Have you noticed the rescue boat out on the beach? That was us, too! Is attending the annual Tree Lighting on Market Square or the Fireworks & Festivals on the 4th of July some of your family’s favorite traditions? You guessed it, the Friends,

Our events

Our fundraising events bring friends, families, and the entire community together! Proceeds from these events help support the enhancement of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Department's programs, services, facilities, and need-based activity scholarships for families in the community.

Making a Lasting Impact in Lake Forest

The Friends Foundation has been a vital part of the Deerpath Golf Course Renovation Project, funding major upgrades like a new clubhouse, cart paths, drainage, tree work, a comfort station, and a cutting-edge golf cart fleet. This spring, The Lawn at Deerpath, a world-class short game and putting area, will debut.

Beyond Deerpath, our impact spans the entire community:

  • Funded Lake Forest’s first Fire & Rescue Boat.

  • Built the Townline Park Pavilion and Waveland Park basketball court.

  • Supported the Malin family to build the baseball field at Everett. 

  • Supported Lake Forest Sailing with new boats and the Junior Olympic Regatta.

  • Provided scholarships and teacher grants at Kinderhaven.

Our signature events—like the Fred Jackson Golf Classic and Lake Forest Festival & Fireworks—continue to bring the community together.

Together, we’re shaping a vibrant future for Lake Forest.

Current Rec Needs

Outdoor batting cage

Sailing Instructors Boat and Trailer 

Donate to our General Fund as we work to supply the other needs of the Rec Center…

Stirling Hall Slab Roller 

Fitness Ellipticals (5) 

Fitness Recumbent Bikes 

Tackle Football Equipment 

Rec gym Basketball Hoops 

Everett Classroom Furniture Tables / Chairs 

Kinderhaven Program Equipment Indoor / Outdoor Play 

Kinderhaven Classroom Furniture 

Baseball Equipment 

Stirling Hall Art Equipment - Annual Replacement 

Stirling Hall Gas Kiln 

Disc Golf Course - Northcroft Park 

Stirling Hall Raku Kiln 

Stirling Hall Electric Kiln 

Stirling Hall Pottery Wheels 

Rec gym Bleachers 

Rec Gym Acoustics 

Dance Marley Floor Replacement 

Pitching Machine 

Fitness Group Exercise Equipment

Board of Directors

  • Jackie Greca

    President

  • Nicole Fabiano-Oertel

    Vice President

  • Brian Larisey

    Secretary and Treasurer

  • Rick Amos

  • Kendall Westrich Davis

  • Fred Jackson

  • Steve Malin

  • Mike MacDougal

  • Rick Hall

  • John Oertel

  • Alex Kane

  • Elizabeth Chung-Hall

  • Shelley Reynolds

Ambassadors

  • Kevin Magnuson

  • PJ O'Neil

  • Rick Zigler

  • Ara Goshgarian

Rec Staff

  • Mike Wick

  • Joe Mobile