Built for the Community. Made Possible by You.

Your time, talents, and generosity help bring our parks to life.

Group of volunteers smiling

Who This Is For

Looking to Get Involved? This Is for You If You Are:

  • Eagle Scout Candidates seeking meaningful, approved project opportunities

  • Residents & Families who want to give back locally

  • Students in need of volunteer or service hours

  • Local Businesses & Sponsors looking to support community spaces

At the Long Grove Park District, we believe parks are built by the community, for the community. As a non-taxing park district, everything we create and maintain is made possible through the generosity of volunteers, sponsors, and residents who care deeply about preserving our natural spaces.

Our Wish List highlights current needs, upcoming projects, and meaningful ways you can get involved—whether you’re looking to give back, complete service hours, support a project, or leave a lasting impact on the community.

From Eagle Scout projects to hands-on volunteer opportunities to sponsorships and donations, there’s a place for everyone to contribute.

Why It Matters

Many of the improvement you see in our parks—from trails to benches to restored habitats—has been made possible through community support. Your contribution, big or small, directly impacts the beauty, accessibility, and sustainability of Long Grove’s open spaces.

How to Start:

  • Volunteer: Join one of our projects or monthly volunteer days

  • Donate Materials or Funds: Support a specific project or general needs

  • Sponsor a Project: Make a lasting impact with recognition opportunities

Wish List Projects & Needs

Below are projects and needs where your support can make an immediate impact:

  • Help us restore a well-traveled section of trail at Reed-Turner Woodland by repairing and rebuilding existing timber-framed steps. Over time, portions of the wood have begun to rot and shift, creating gaps and uneven footing that can pose a safety concern for visitors.

    This project involves removing and replacing damaged timber, reinforcing step frames, and refilling each step with gravel to create a stable, level walking surface. Once installed, materials will be compacted to ensure long-term durability and improved accessibility along the trail.

    Restoring these steps will enhance safety, improve the overall trail experience, and help protect the surrounding natural area from erosion caused by off-trail foot traffic.

    Estimated Project Cost: $1,500 – $3,500

  • Support the long-term health of our woodlands by helping relocate and replant young oak saplings throughout Long Grove Park District properties. Carefully selected saplings—approximately 8 feet tall—have already been identified for transplanting to areas where they can thrive and contribute to a stronger, more sustainable forest canopy.

    This project involves digging, transporting, and replanting saplings in designated locations, giving these trees the space and conditions they need to mature. Proper placement of oaks plays a critical role in supporting native ecosystems, providing habitat for wildlife, and preserving the natural character of our parks for future generations.

    This is a volunteer-driven project requiring no financial contribution—just a willingness to dig in and make a difference.

    Estimated Project Cost: $0 (if completed by volunteers)

  • Help restore a central gathering feature at Buffalo Creek Park by repairing or replacing the existing pergola located in the heart of downtown Long Grove. This structure serves as a welcoming focal point for visitors and provides a shaded space to relax, gather, and enjoy the surrounding park.

    Over time, the pergola has experienced weather-related wear and deterioration. This project includes evaluating the current structure, repairing salvageable components where possible, and replacing sections—or the entire pergola—as needed to ensure long-term safety, durability, and visual appeal.

    A renewed pergola will enhance the character of this highly visible park space and continue to serve as a functional and inviting feature for the community.

    Estimated Project Cost: $5,000 – $15,000.

    Full project sponsorship includes on-site recognition acknowledging your support.

  • Help enhance both the safety and appearance of Buffalo Creek Park by replacing the existing perimeter fence along Old McHenry Road and Robert Parker Coffin Road. This highly visible boundary defines the park’s edge in the heart of downtown Long Grove and plays an important role in protecting park users while maintaining a clean, welcoming aesthetic.

    The current fencing has experienced wear over time and is in need of repair or full replacement. This project includes removing deteriorated sections and installing new fencing designed for durability, safety, and visual consistency with the surrounding area.

    Upgrading the perimeter fence will not only improve safety for visitors, but also elevate the overall look and feel of one of the community’s most prominent park spaces.

    Estimated Project Cost: $15,000 – $40,000+

    Sponsorship opportunities are available for key sections of the fence, including Old McHenry Road and Robert Parker Coffin Road, each with an on-site recognition plaque.

  • Help restore a peaceful lakeside feature within Reed-Turner Woodland by repairing and refreshing the existing observation deck overlooking the water. This quiet vantage point offers visitors a place to pause, take in the scenery, and observe local wildlife in its natural habitat.

    Over time, sections of the deck have experienced wear and weathering. This project includes replacing damaged boards, sanding rough surfaces, and general cleanup to improve both safety and appearance while preserving the natural character of the space.

    Enhancing this observation area will create a more welcoming and accessible place for visitors to connect with nature, reflect, and enjoy one of the woodland’s most serene views.

    Estimated Project Cost: $1,000 – $3,000

    Sponsorship opportunities available with on-site recognition.

  • Help improve the safety, accessibility, and overall experience of Reed-Turner Woodland’s trail system by replenishing wood chips along key pathways. Over time, natural trail surfaces wear down due to weather and foot traffic, leading to uneven terrain and muddy conditions.

    This project involves spreading existing wood chips across designated trail sections to create a more stable, comfortable walking surface while helping to reduce erosion and protect surrounding natural areas.

    Regular trail mulching is essential to maintaining a high-quality trail system and ensures visitors of all ages can continue to enjoy the woodland year-round.

    This is a volunteer-driven project requiring no financial contribution—just time, energy, and a willingness to pitch in.

    Estimated Project Cost: $0 (Volunteer-led project)

  • Help complete the development of the Hayrake Trail by installing a finished walking surface along this newly cleared woodland path. The corridor has already been established through volunteer and supported efforts, and this next phase will transform it into a more accessible and enjoyable trail for the community.

    This project involves spreading wood chips along approximately 2,500 feet of trail, creating a 5-foot-wide path with a consistent surface depth. The improved trail will provide a more stable and comfortable walking experience while helping to reduce erosion and protect the surrounding natural environment.

    Due to the length of the trail, materials will need to be transported along the corridor using equipment such as a bobcat, with wood chips distributed and leveled throughout the path.

    Completion of this project will turn an initial clearing into a fully functional recreational asset for the community to enjoy year-round.

    Estimated Project Cost: $4,000 – $12,000

    Sponsorship opportunities available to support completion of this trail, with on-site recognition.

  • Support the restoration and long-term health of Reed-Turner Woodland through a professionally managed prescribed burn. Prescribed burns are a critical land management tool used to reduce invasive species, promote native plant growth, and restore natural ecological balance within woodland and prairie environments.

    Conducted under controlled conditions by trained professionals, this process helps return essential nutrients to the soil, encourages biodiversity, and strengthens the resilience of the ecosystem.

    Prescribed burns are one of the most effective and natural ways to maintain healthy landscapes, ensuring that Reed-Turner Woodland continues to thrive for future generations.

    Estimated Project Cost: $2,500 – $6,000

    Sponsors will be recognized across our website, social media, and community communications as supporters of Long Grove’s parks and natural spaces.

  • Help restore and maintain the ecological health of Longview Meadow through a professionally managed prescribed burn. This process is essential for controlling invasive species, encouraging native grasses and wildflowers, and supporting a diverse and thriving habitat.

    Prescribed burns mimic natural cycles that many native ecosystems depend on, helping to rejuvenate the landscape and improve long-term sustainability.

    By supporting this effort, you are directly contributing to the preservation and enhancement of one of Long Grove’s valuable open spaces.

    Estimated Project Cost: $2,500 – $6,000

    Sponsors will be recognized across our website, social media, and community communications as supporters of Long Grove’s parks and natural spaces.

  • Help improve the functionality, cleanliness, and overall appearance of Lemmon Hill Park by replacing and enhancing key site infrastructure. This project includes the construction of a new dumpster enclosure and a screened structure for a portable restroom, with potential relocation to better serve park operations and visitor access.

    The existing setup has deteriorated over time and has become a safety concern. This project will involve removal of current structures and installation of new enclosures designed to properly screen utilities, withstand regular use, and blend with the surrounding park environment.

    While often behind the scenes, these improvements play an essential role in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming space for the community. Upgrading these facilities supports both daily operations and future park development.

    Estimated Project Cost: ~$20,000

  • Help enhance a small but meaningful feature of the Reed-Turner Woodland courtyard by replacing two existing bird feeders. These feeders provide visitors with the opportunity to observe local bird species up close and contribute to the welcoming, nature-focused atmosphere of the space.

    Over time, the current feeders have experienced wear and are ready to be replaced with new, durable options that are easy to maintain and suitable for year-round use.

    Refreshing these feeders will continue to support local bird activity while creating an engaging and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

    Estimated Project Cost: $50 – $500

Have an Idea?

We welcome creative ideas and partnerships! If you have a project in mind that aligns with our mission of preserving and enhancing natural spaces, we’d love to hear from you.

Get Involved Today!

Whether you’re looking to give your time, support a project, or make a lasting impact, there are many ways to get involved with the Long Grove Park District.

You can choose to support a project in full or contribute to a portion of a larger effort. Donations of materials, volunteer time, or financial support all play an important role in bringing these projects to life.

Every contribution—big or small—helps us care for and improve our parks for the entire community.