Village Hall anchors the Municipal Center. The Village Office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Village meetings are held in the Council Chambers. The municipal center has a Community Room with a 60 person capacity available to local residents for non-profit club and organization meetings on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservation and $25 key deposit are required. Contact the Administrative Assistant at 847-381-6010 to check for room availability.
Arboretum
An Arboretum was established on the Municipal Center grounds in 2008 with the planting of six unique trees in celebration of Arbor Day. Four native species trees were added to celebrate Arbor Day 2009. Arboretum trees can be identified by the information plaques which provide facts about each respective tree. For more information regarding the Arboretum, go to the In the Arboretum webpage.
A partnership of the Village and the Flint Creek Watershed Partnership (FCWP) was awarded an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) 319 grant which will fund 60% of the transformation of the detention basin located next to Village Hall into arain garden/bioswale.The community rain garden/bioswale provides habitat for plants to filter the runoff from the parking area prior to discharging to the basin.A sitting area and signage informing you of the benefits of vegetated swales, rain gardens, and native plantings are part of the project.The Village thanks Patsy Mortimer, FCWP Project Coordinator, and Trillium Native Landscapes, Inc., for the grant submittal.
Summer 2010 Project Update
The Flint Creek Watershed Partnership (FCWP) concluded its June meeting with a tour led by Kevin Rische, Trillium Native Landscapes, Inc., of the new rain garden and retrofitted detention basin.The area along the parking lot and the detention basin east of Village Hall that were formerly covered in grass are now abundant with native species plantings.
Mr. Rische noted vegetation growth in the retrofitted detention basin is significantly ahead of schedule due to the abnormally mild spring weather and reported, “Similarly, the rain garden area adjacent to the parking lot shows excellent development of the planted native species…much of the plants will flower this growing season.”
By replacing the turf grass with the select plantings, the need to mow the area is eliminated and runoff from the parking lot and playground area is filtered.The ecosystem is also enhanced with animals and insects.
November 2011 Update
Naturalized Basin Wins 2011 Conservation and Native Landscaping Award
TheLake Barrington Village Hall Detention Basinhas been selected by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Chicago Wilderness for a 2011 Conservation and Native Landscaping Award. The retrofit was completed through a partnership of the Village, the Flint Creek Watershed Partnership (FCWP) and Trillium Native Landscapes, Inc. The Conservation and Native Landscaping Awards recognize sites that are exemplary in the use of native landscaping, ecosystem restoration and protection, and/or conservation design. These practices create and protect habitat for a variety of native plant and animal species and result in important environmental benefits for both people and nature. The Village thanks Patsy Mortimer of the Flint Creek Watershed Partnership and Kevin Rische of Trillium Native Landscapes.
Click above to learn more about the naturalized basin
Lake County Forest Preserve District Grassy Lake Preserve Trail
The main trailhead is located at the end of a short walk between Village Hall and the tennis courts. Pets are allowed on a leash only and owners are asked to pick up after their pets. Bikes are not permitted on the trail.
Lake County Forest Preserves made land acquisitions to enlarge the Preserve. A Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves brochure that was released in 2011 illustrated the preliminary master plan to add three miles of trails to the existing 3.4 mile system, build a rustic canue landing, add bridges, boardwalks and scenic overlooks and create visitor learning opportunities focusing on the natural world and historic heritage of Lake County.
The Lake Barrington Countryside Park District (LBCPD) provides recreational amenities on the Municipal Campus through an intergovernmental agreement with the Village. Below are pictures regarding the LBCPD Tennis Courts, Water Spray Park, Playground and Pavilion Area, and Baseball Field provided by the District.
The Lake Barrington Countryside Park District welcomes new ideas for future recreation. Please contact Linda Peterson, District Secretary, via email at LInda@GraftBuilder.com with your ideas or questions.
CLICK HERE to visit the Lake Barrington Countryside Park District website to learn more about the park amenities.
Making a Splash!
The Lake Barrington Countryside Park District has begun installation of the water spray park and bathroom facility near the tot lot east of the Village Hall parking lot. The sprays will be activated by a personal control and a timing mechanism. Benches will be installed around the perimeter for chaperones to keep an eye on their children. Click on the picture on the right for more information.
Example of a spray park-for illustration only. Click above for more information.
Tennis Anyone?
Two tennis courts are available. A bracket racket was installed for those who arrive only to find the court occupied. Lights on timers are available with operating instructions posted on the fence as you enter. The lights can not be turned on after 10 p.m. The District hopes you take the opportunity to enjoy playing both in the daytime and into the evening hours.
Playground & Pavilion Area
Two sets of playground equipment are adjacent to a picnic pavilion. Going Green!Rubberized mulch made from recycled tires is used for the playground bed.It makes for a softer landing and will not decompose.It is made from recycled tires.Feel free to get a closer look. The District chose this material for its low maintenance and long term reduced costs. You will be amazed at how natural this looks.
Baseball Field - Play Ball!
The baseball field is properly sized for kids up to age 12.It makes for a perfect practice field.Barrington Youth Baseball and Softball has agreed to maintain the field with grass mowing still part of the Village's campus maintenance program.Remember to keep in mind less parking is available on the evenings when the Village Board or Park District meetings are held.Parking might become an issue on those evenings.
