We make our communities better.

About Us

Established in 2000 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Foundation (the "Friends") promotes excellence in our parks and recreation system by helping build and improve beautiful parks, organize and host community events and activities, and manage and execute philanthropic gifts relating to the parks and public spaces in Lake Forest. Lake Forest Parks and Recreation offers family-friendly events, beautiful parks, recreation facilities, and over 500 programs and activities to thousands of residents in the Lake Forest community.

The Friends is a volunteer-run organization that is not part of the city's government but works closely with the city's Parks and Recreation Department. Since 2000, the Friends has committed more than one million dollars in funding our mission of supporting Lake Forest Parks and Recreation, connecting our community and enriching lives. Additionally we help build beautiful parks, make improvements and expand recreational activities. The Friends' independent status gives us flexibility and latitude to execute our mission and the mission of our donors.

Support from corporate partners plays a critical role in helping the Friends reach our goal of enhancing the lives of Lake Forest residents.

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.

  • Created Malin Field at Everett Park and the Matthew Parsky Memorial Garden.

  • 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.

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

  • Kevin Magnuson

  • John Oertel

  • P.J. O'Neil

  • Rick Zigler

  • Alex Kane

  • Elizabeth Chung-Hall

  • Shelley Reynolds

  • Joe Mobile