Frequently Asked Questions

Parks

1. Does Lincolnshire have a Park District?
2. Does the Village of Lincolnshire have a Public Pool?
3. What time do the parks open? What time do the parks close?
4. Are there restrooms in the parks and are they open year around?
5. Are pets allowed in the parks or nature preserves?
6. Are there unique rules for the nature preserves?
7. I would like to be notified when pesticides are used in the parks. How may I get on a list for notification?
8. I would like to be notified when prescribed burns are going to take place. How may I get on a list for notification?
9. Why does the Village conduct prescribed or controlled burns?
10. What do the red and green flags mean at North Park?

Spring Lake

1. Why is Spring Lake a "fake" green color?
2. Is Spring Lake tested for bacteria?
3. Why is it advised that I not swim at Spring Lake after a storm event?
4. Are lifeguards on duty throughout the summer at Spring Lake?
5. At what age may I send my child to Spring Lake unattended?
6. What is the "swimming test"?
7. Do I have to pay the beach fee even if I don’t plan to swim?
8. What are the Daily Fees for Spring Lake Beach?
9. May I fish in Spring Lake?
10. May I get a credit for daily beach fees if I decide to buy a season pass?

Park Permits

1. Do I need a picnic permit?
2. When may I submit a request for a picnic permit?
3. I am planning a party. May I bring a band, large inflatable toys or other amusements for my picnic?
4. Is alcohol allowed at picnics in Village Parks?
5. I would like to reserve field space for an activity. How do I do that?
6. I have a team and would like to reserve field space. How do I do that?
7. Why does Spring Lake Sports League get priority use of the North Park playing fields?
8. What is the field usage hotline?

Park Donations

1. I would like to make a donation to a Village park. How do I make a donation?

Parks

1. Does Lincolnshire have a Park District?
No.

2. Does the Village of Lincolnshire have a Public Pool?
No, however, Spring Lake is a wonderful, natural alternative.

3. What time do the parks open? What time do the parks close?
The Village parks open at 6:00 a.m. North Park is open until 10:00 p.m., unless it is permitted to stay open later. Spring Lake Park, Balzer Park, Old Mill Park, Bicentennial Park, and Whytegate Park close at 10:00 p.m. Florsheim Nature Preserve and its additions North Park and Old Mill Nature Preserves open at dawn and close at dusk. Rivershire Park is open from dawn to dusk.

4. Are there restrooms in the parks and are they open year around?
There are restrooms at Spring Lake and North Park. The restrooms are open throughout the year.

5. Are pets allowed in the parks or nature preserves?
No. Pets are not allowed in any of the Village parks, natural areas, or Nature Preserves. Pets are allowed on the Village main pedestrian and bike paths. Owner’s are required to pick up after their pets.

6. Are there unique rules for the nature preserves?
Yes. Florsheim, North Park and Old Mill Nature Preserves are dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves. These areas have special protection and, as such, have different rules. Following are the rules for the Nature Preserves:

• Visitors are to stay on the paths.
• No vehicles are allowed – including bikes.
• Nothing may be brought into or taken out of the nature preserve.
• No picnicking is allowed.
• No pets are allowed.

7. I would like to be notified when pesticides are used in the parks. How may I get on a list for notification?
Send an email or call Wendy Moderhak, Public Works Secretary at wmoder@village.lincolnshire.il.us or 847.883.8600. She will place you on the list.

8. I would like to be notified when prescribed burns are going to take place. How may I get on a list for notification?
Send an email or call Kimberly Jurco, Public Works Secretary at kjurco@village.lincolnshire.il.us or call 847.883.8600.

9. Why does the Village conduct prescribed or controlled burns?
From time to time, the Village burns portions of its natural areas. Prescribed burns are standard maintenance of native natural areas. The burning helps to reduce the numbers of non-native invasive plants and thereby improve the numbers and diversity of native plants and wildlife. If you have a pulmonary condition (asthma, bronchitis, etc.) please contact the Village and you will be placed on a list to be contacted if a burn will take place in your area.

10. What do the red and green flags mean at North Park?
The flags, located on the flag pole at the entrance to the park, provide a quick visual cue to park users as to whether the fields are open for play. The green flag means it is okay to play. The red flag means the fields are closed.

Spring Lake

1. Why is Spring Lake a "fake" green color?
Dye packets are dissolved in the lake. The dye keeps the sunlight from penetrating the water surface and keeps the amount of algae growth down. The dye is a food grade dye and is not harmful to people or wildlife.

2. Is Spring Lake tested for bacteria?
Yes. The Lake County Health Department tests the lake monthly to verify that it is safe for swimming. Spring Lake Beach is one of the cleanest lakes in Lake County, partially because the lake is constantly fed by lake Michigan drinking water.

3. Why is it advised that I not swim at Spring Lake after a storm event?
The Village complies with the State Bathing Beach Regulations, and Lake County Health Department Recommendation, that advise residents not swim in the lake for 24 to 48 hours after a rain event. This direction has been provided to protect residents from encountering bacteria that has washed from the sides of the lake into the water. This would be fecal matter or other bacteria that could cause illness. Spring Lake Beach is one of the cleanest lakes in Lake County and is tested monthly by the Lake County Health Department during the swimming season.

4. Are lifeguards on duty throughout the summer at Spring Lake?
Lifeguards are provided at Spring Lake beginning the weekend of Memorial Day through the Labor Day weekend when they are available. The availability of lifeguards is dependent upon when they get out of school and when they have to return to school. If you want to know if lifeguards are on duty at the lake you may call the Village and ask for Stephanie at 847.883.8600. Swimming is allowed at Spring Lake beginning Memorial Day weekend through October 1st. If no lifeguard is on duty, swimmers swim at their own risk.

5. At what age may I send my child to Spring Lake unattended?
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

6. What is the “swimming test”?
A swimming test is required for children or adults who wish to use the raft or slide at Spring Lake. The lifeguards will require that all who use these lake features pass a swimming test to verify they are capable swimmers. The swimming test requires that a swimmer swim from the shallow end of the lake around the raft and back to the shallow end. A swimmer may take the test once per day as often as they wish.

7. Do I have to pay the beach fee even if I don’t plan to swim?
Yes. Anyone who is on the beach is required to pay the beach fee.

8. What are the Daily Fees for Spring Lake Beach?
For the 2010 season, Daily Fees for Residents of Lincolnshire are $3.00 per person and $5.00 per person for Non Residents.

9. May I fish in Spring Lake?
Yes. Fishing is allowed on the west end of the lake. Fishing is catch and release only. Fishing permits are not required. Please contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for more information.

10. May I get a credit for daily beach fees if I decide to buy a season pass?
Yes. Hang onto the daily wrist bands and return them to the Village Hall when you purchase your season pass. One wrist band is credited towards each individual season tag.

Park Permits

1. Do I need a picnic permit?
If you are going to hold a picnic in a Village park and anticipate thirty (30) or more people to attend, you are required to obtain a Picnic Permit. Large group picnics (30 or more people) are not allowed in Balzer Park, Old Mill Park, or Memorial Park. No picnics are allowed in Florsheim Nature Preserve. No large group picnics are allowed in Spring Lake Park May 1st through October 30th.

2. When may I submit a request for a picnic permit?
Village residents may apply up to ninety (90) days in advance of a picnic. Non-residents may apply up to twenty (20) days in advance of a picnic.

3. I am planning a party. May I bring a band, large inflatable toys or other amusements for my picnic?
No. The Village Parks are public places and the Village does not allow bands, loud music, large inflatable toys, petting zoos or other amusements without approval from the Mayor and Board of Trustees.

4. Is alcohol allowed at picnics in Village Parks?
Yes. Alcohol is allowed to be consumed but not allowed to be sold.

5. I would like to reserve field space for an activity. How do I do that?
You need to complete a Field Usage Permit Application and submit it to the Village for approval. You will be contacted once it is determined if field space is available.

6. I have a team and would like to reserve field space. How do I do that?
If you plan to use the playing fields for more than 5 hours in a season, you are required to submit an application for field usage under Classification F of the Field Usage Permit Application. This application requires Park and Village Board approval. Applications may not be submitted more than 120 days in advance. Applications may take up to two months to approve.

7. Why does Spring Lake Sports League get priority use of the North Park playing fields?
Spring Lake Sports League (SLSL) is a volunteer organization that provides sports activities for the children who live within the boundary of School District 103. The Village has committed to support SLSL because of its service to the children of Lincolnshire.

8. What is the field usage hotline?
This is a line provided for park users to verify that fields are open for play. You may reach this line by calling 847-913-2375.

Park Donations

1. I would like to make a donation to a Village park. How do I make a donation?
See the Donations page for information on making a donation.