Lake Villa Township

Parks & Regulation

Lake Villa Township Parks

Lake Villa Township Park
Lake Miltmore Swimming Beach on Nathan Hale
Lake Miltmore PARK
Lake Miltmore Boat Launch on Paradise Lane
Sand Lake Boat Launch on Granada in Venetian Village

Lake Villa Township Park Ordinance
Boat Launch Use Guidlines
Swimming & Beach Regulations
Pavilions & Community Rooms
Sled Hill

THE LAKE VILLA TOWNSHIP PARK

THE LAKE VILLA TOWNSHIP PARK commonly referred to as "Caboose Park" is the largest of the township parks and houses the township offices. Caboose Park's main attraction is a real Soo Line train caboose on tracks, which is open to the public on weekdays.

The park has a primary age children's section that offers a variety of toys and playing areas. A large sandbox measuring 27 feet by 42 feet contains digging toys and a parent's observation bench. A new sand area, planned for spring construction, will be home to a "fossil find". Various spring toys, monkey bars, merry-go-round, swings, slide, and a combination unit are also located in the area and new equipment is planned for next year.

The park has three pavilions equipped with picnic tables and grills that are available for rent. A Volleyball and Horseshoe Court are also included with each shelter. Two full sized Tennis Courts, three Baseball Fields, a Football Field, Basketball playing area and a Sledding Hill are also in the park.

LAKE MILTMORE SWIMMING BEACH

The LAKE MILTMORE SWIMMING BEACH is located in the residential area of West Miltmore and Venetian Village subdivision. The grassy hillside is suitable for picnicking and a sandy play area extends into the water. A Porta-potty is located on site during the summer swimming season of June through August. The swimming areas are marked with ropes and buoys and there is no lifeguard on duty.

LAKE MILTMORE PARK

The LAKE MILTMORE PARK is also located in the same area. This large expanse of grassy area is suitable for picnicking and fishing from the shoreline.

The LAKE MILTMORE BOAT LAUNCH

The LAKE MILTMORE BOAT LAUNCH is on Paradise Lane in the West Miltmore residential area. There is room for parking a few vehicles with trailers. The security gate may be accessed with a key purchased from the Supervisor's Office.

The SAND LAKE BOAT LAUNCH

The SAND LAKE BOAT LAUNCH is on Granada Boulevard in Venetian Village. There is room for parking a few vehicles with trailers. The security gate may be accessed with a key purchased from the Supervisor's Office.

LAKE VILLA TOWNSHIP PARKS ORDINANCE

1.0 GENERAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

This document contains the regulations governing the use of the Lake Villa Township owned parks, beaches and boat launches on Lake Miltmore and Sand Lake. Also incorporated are existing rules set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act.

All the following regulations have been formulated with the intent of providing clear and concise rules for all residents in Lake Villa Township who choose to utilize the existing parks, beaches and boat launches. The purpose of these rules is to promote:

the safety of all users;
courtesy among neighbors and neighboring properties;
enjoyable places to live and play in Lake Villa Township;
protection of our resources in order to preserve these valuable assets for future generations.

This ordinance will be reviewed and revised when necessary as determined by the Town Board.

2.0 SHORT TITLE

This Ordinance shall be known as the Lake Villa Township Parks Ordinance.

3.0 DEFINITIONS

The following terms shall have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future; words in the plural number include the singular number and words in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.

1. "Township Park": The following properties all hereafter owned or operated by the Township of Lake Villa and designated as Township Parks.

Caboose Park, 37908 N. Fairfield Road, Lake Villa
Sand Lake Boat Launch, 20666 W. Verona, Lake Villa
Lake Miltmore Park, 20959 W. Genoa, Lake Villa
Lake Miltmore Beach, 36745 N. Nathan Hale, Lake Villa
Lake Miltmore Boat Launch, 21033 W. Paradise Lane, Lake Villa

2. "Town Board": The Board of Trustees of Lake Villa Township.

3. "Designee": The person designated by the Town Board to administer Township Parks.

4. "Park": A playfield, pool, pond, recreation center or any other area or facility devoted to active or passive recreation.

5. "Person": Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, governmental unit, company or entity or organization of any kind.

6. "Vehicle": Any wheeled conveyance, whether motor powered or self-propelled. The term shall include any trailer of any size, kind or description in tow. "Vehicle" does not include baby carriages, wheelchairs and service vehicles used in connection with any Park.

7. "Powerboat": Any motorboat, jetski, waverunner, or watercraft powered by a motor.

8. "Resident": Any natural person who actually resides in Lake Villa Township more than 180 days per year.

9. "Seasonal Resident": A person who does not reside in Lake Villa Township more than 180 days per year although owns residential property.

4.0 PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

No Person Shall:

1. Deface, disfigure, tamper with or displace or remove park property.

2. Dig or remove any beach sand, whether submerged or not, or any soil, rock, stones, down-timber, or other wood or materials, or make any excavation by tool, equipment, blasting, or other means or agency.

3. Damage or remove any tree or plant in any Park.

4. Construct or erect any building, structure or wiring of any kind, whether permanent or temporary without a written permit from the Board.

5. Cause any unsanitary condition in any restroom facility.

6. Hunt, molest, harm, chase, or trap any animal or wild life.

7. Throw, discharge, or otherwise place or cause to be placed in any park waters (including storm sewers or drains) any substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid, which will or may result in the pollution of said waters.

8. Dump, deposit or leave any bottles, broken glass, ashes, paper, boxes, cans, dirt, rubbish, waste, garbage, construction debris, or other trash in the Park.

9. Fail to comply with all applicable provisions of any Governmental Motor Vehicle Traffic Laws in regard to equipment and operation of vehicles.

10. Fail to obey all traffic officers and park employees who are authorized and instructed to direct traffic.

11. Fail to observe all traffic signs and traffic control signals.

12. Drive any vehicle on any area except the paved park roads or parking areas.

13. Park in any restricted area.

14. Leave any vehicle unattended in any park more than 24 hours.

15. Change any parts or make repairs or perform maintenance functions of any kind to any vehicle, except as necessary to remove such vehicle from the Park.

16. Ride a bicycle in any Park.

17. Use or operate any snowmobile in any Park.

18. Bring into, possess or consume alcoholic beverages in any Park without written Board approval.

19. Bring into any Park, possess, consume or use any illegal substances.

20. Bring into any Park, possess, use, or set off or otherwise cause to explode or discharge any firecrackers, explosives or inflammable materials.

21. Bring any animals into any Park.

22. Solicit for contributions for any purpose whether public or private, without prior written Board consent.

23. Build or attempt to build a fire except in such areas and under such regulations as may be designated by the Town Board.

24. Enter an area posted as "Closed to the Public".

25. Gamble or participate in any game of chance unless a written permit has been obtained from the Board and any other applicable governmental authority.

26. Go onto the ice on any of the pond waters on township property except such areas as are designated as skating fields.

27. Engage in loud, boisterous, threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting language or engage in any disorderly conduct or behavior.

28. Disturb or interfere unreasonably with any person or party occupying any area pursuant to a permit.

29. Fish within 50 feet from any area designated a swimming area or boat launching area.

30. Launch or operate any boat within 50 feet from any area designated as a swimming area.

31. Use, carry or possess firearms of any description, or air rifles, spring-guns, bow-and-arrows, slings or other forms of weapons. Shooting into park areas from beyond the park boundaries is forbidden.

32. Take part in any game involving thrown or otherwise propelled objects such as stones, arrows, javelins or lawn darts, but not including balls.

33. Expose or offer for sale any article or thing, or place any stand, cart, or vehicle for transportation, sale or display of any such article or thing, without obtaining a permit from the Board.

34. Operate remote or radio controlled model airplanes or toys. Golf, skate, skateboard, rollerblade, ride a horse, camp, or launch rockets. Swimming, boating, and fishing are restricted to areas designated for said activities.

5.0 PARK OPERATIONS

1. A Lake Villa Township Park Sticker is required on the lower corner of the windshield on the passenger side of all vehicles parked in the desidnated parking areas at the following Parks:

Sand Lake Boat Launch, 37533 N. Granada, Lake Villa
Lake Miltmore Park, 20959 W. Genoa, Lake Villa
Lake Miltmore Beach, 36745 N. Nathan Hale, Lake Villa
Lake Miltmore Boat Launch, 21033 W. Paradise Lane, Lake Villa

These stickiers are available at the township office for residents and seasonal residents who present proof of residency.

2. Parking Retrictions:

(a) Parking of vehicles is permitted only during park hours in specifically designated areas. No vehicle shall be parked (i) in any area not so designated, or (ii) in any designated parking area during hours that the Park is not open.

(b) Parking a vehicle on a roadway or driveway in such manner as to leave available less than 20 feet of width of the driveway for free movement of vehicular traffic is prohibited, except with respect to one-way driveways where such limitation shall be 10 feet.

(d) Parking on any driveway or road in any park area is prohibited between the hours of sunset and 8:00 A.M.2. Except for unusual and unforeseen emergencies, Parks shall be open to residents of Lake Villa Township and their guests during designated hours.The opening and closing hours for each individual park shall be posted therein for public information. Hours for general park use shall be from day-break until sunset unless otherwise posted.

3. Except for anusual and unforeseen emergencies, Parks shall be open to residents of Lake Villa Township and their guests during designated hours. The opening and closing hours for each individual Park shall be posted therein for public information. Hours for general park use shall be from day-break until sunset unless otherwise posted.

4. Any section or part of any Park, including ponds and beaches, may be declared closed to the public by the Town Board at any time for any intervals (daily or otherwise) in the Board's sole discretion.

5. The Town Board may set reasonable fees for any recreational or instructional programs provided by the Township in any Park.

6.0 PERMITS

A permit from the Town Board shall be obtained by township residents in order to reserve areas for the following park activities: picnics, meetings, and use of ball fields.

1. A person seeking issuance of a permit shall be a resident of Lake Villa Township and shall file an application with the Designee. The application shall state where applicable:

(a) The name and address of applicant.

(b) The name and address of the person, corporation or association sponsoring the activity, if any.

(d) The area for which the permit is desired.

(e) An estimate of the anticipated attendance.

(f) Any other information which the Town Board shall find reasonably necessary to a fair determination as to whether a permit should be issued hereunder.

2. The Designee shall issue a permit hereunder so long as:

(a) The proposed activity or use of the Park shall not reasonably interfere with or detract from the general public enjoyment of the Park.

(b) The proposed activity and use will not reasonably interfere with or detract from the promotion of public health or safety.

(d) The proposed activity will not entail unusual, extraordinary or burdensome expense.

(e) The facilities desired have not been reserved for other use at the day and hour stated in the application.

3. Any person whose application is denied shall have the right to appeal in writing to the Town Board, which shall consider the application under the standards set forth in subsection (2) hereof and sustain or overrule the Designee's decision at the next regular Town Board Meeting. The decision of the Town Board shall be final.

4. A permittee shall be bound by all park rules and regulations and all applicable ordinances fully as though the same were inserted in said permits.

5. The Designee, or the Town Board may, in its sole discretion require permittee to hire an off-duty police officer to patrol the park area during any scheduled event for which a permit is issued.

6. The person to whom a permit is issued shall be liable for any loss, damage, or injury to any park property, or to any person or individual. The Town Board shall require a security deposit of not less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) nor more than Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) to apply against any damages, loss or injury to park property.

7. The Town Board shall have the authority to revoke a permit upon a finding of violation of any rule or ordinance, or upon good cause shown.

7.0 LAKE VILLA TOWNSHIP - BOAT LAUNCH USE RULES

SECTION I BOATING REGULATIONS

The provisions of the State of Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act, as now enacted or hereafter amended, are incorporated by reference and made a part of these regulations as fully as if set forth verbatim herein.

1. GENERAL REGULATIONS

(a) Every boat operator is required to know the Boat Registration and Safety Act, and any violation of such act is a violation of these regulations. You are reminded, for example, that proper lights must be displayed on any boats operating between sunset and sunrise.

(b) The racing of power boats is not permitted.

(d) No docking or beaching of boats is permitted in any area, or on the shoreline of a privately owned lot unless the owner has previously given permission. Temporary beaching is allowed at the launch site only for the purpose of loading and unloading of boats.

(e) Any boat operator involved in a boating accident must report such accident to the Lake County Sheriff's Department. The Sheriff's Department enforces boating regulations and will be ticketing boaters on Miltmore and Sand Lakes.

2. REGISTRATION OF BOATS

(a) Any boat operated upon the lake must be registered with the State of Illinois. All such boats must clearly display the State Registration number.

3. SPEED LIMITS

(a) Boats must never exceed a speed which is safe and reasonable for the prevailing conditions, and never above 40 M.P.H.

(b) No boat should exceed a slow, "NO WAKE" speed while within an absolute minimum of 100 feet from the shoreline of restricted areas. "NO WAKE" means flat water without any froth behind the boat, a maximum of 5 M.P.H.

(d) Traffic flow for Powerboats should be in a generally counterclockwise direction around the lake.

SECTION II WATER SKIING REGULATIONS

1. GENERAL REGULATIONS

(a) The provisions of the State of Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act, as now enacted or hereafter amended, are incorporated by reference and made a part of these regulations as fully as if set forth verbatim herein and have been adopted by the Board to be applicable to all water skiing activities on the lake. Any violation of State Law is a violation of these regulations.

(b) Neither a Powerboat towing a skier nor the towed skier may enter any "NO WAKE" restricted areas which are marked by buoys or other appropriate designation.

(c) All skiers must remain 100 feet from the shore or 50 feet outwardly of buoys, rafts or other markers designating restricted areas.

(d) The intentional "dropping" of one or more skis is not permitted except down-wind and within 100 feet outwardly of the shoreline or 50 feet outwardly of the buoys, rafts or other restricted areas.

(e) Ski "STARTS" and "STOPS" must not begin or end at the Lake Villa Township owned shoreline.

(f) When towing a person on skis, tubes, etc., a driver and at least one observer must be in the boat.

2. HOURS FOR SKIING

(a) No water skiing should take place before 10:00 A.M. Illinois law prohibits water skiing after sundown.

SECTION III SWIMMING FROM A BOAT

Any swimmers beyond buoyed areas shall only be from a boat and accompanied by at least one observer.

SECTION IV INTOXICATION; DRUG USAGE

No person shall operate a watercraft while the alcohol concentration in such person's blood or breath is 0.08 or more based on the definition of blood and breath units in section 11-501.2 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, as amended; or any other drug to the degree which renders them incapable of safely operating such watercraft.

SECTION V BOAT LAUNCH GATES

1. Locked gates are in place at the Lake Miltmore and Sand Lake Boat Launches. Keys to the boat launch gates may be purchased at the township office annually beginning April 1st. A fee schedule for residents/seasonal residents and non-residents is available at the township office and proof of residency/seasonal residency is required to qualify for the reduced fee. The Lake Villa Township Parks Ordinance 98 and a Park Sticker will be provided with the key purchase. Boat launch users must ensure that the gate is locked after launching and upon removal of the watercraft to prevent unauthorized use of the lake.

2. Boat Launch keys will fit both Sand Lake and Lake Miltmore Launches.Your key is for your personal use only. Transferring or loaning your key to unauthorized individuals shall result in suspension of your launch use privileges.

8.0 LAKE MILTMORE SWIMMING BEACH RULES REGULATED BY THE STATE OF ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

The Lake Miltmore Swimming Beach owned and operated by Lake Villa Township is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. The following rules govern the use of the beach and will be enforced.

1. The beach water is not suitable for drinking. Avoid swallowing beach water.

2. Admission to the beach may be refused to all persons having any contagious disease, infectious conditions such as colds, fever, ringworm, foot infections, skin lesions, carbuncles, boils, diarrhea, vomiting, inflamed eyes, ear discharges, or any other condition which has the appearance of being infectious. Persons with excessive sunburn, abrasions which have not healed, corn plasters, bunion pads, adhesive tape, rubber bandages, or other bandages of any kind may also be refused admittance. A person under the influence of alcohol or exhibiting erratic behavior shall not be permitted in the beach area.

3. Littering is prohibited. In addition, no food, drink, gum, or tobacco is allowed in the water. Glass containers are prohibited throughout the beach area.

4. All infants shall wear tight fitting rubber or plastic pants.

5. No lifeguards are on duty. No one should swim alone.

6. Persons under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a responsible person 17 years of age or older.

7. Personal conduct within the beach must be such that safety is not jeopardized.

8. Diving in shallow water is not permitted. Caution shall be exercised in the use of diving facilities.

9. No pets are allowed in the beach area. Feeding of the wildlife in the beach area is prohibited.

10. Lake Villa Township is providing a pay phone for public safety as required by the Illinois Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Code. The beach cannot remain open unless there is accessibility to a phone. Should the public phone be damaged to the extent that it is inoperable, you are required to bring a portable phone while at the beach.

11. The Lake County Health Department recommends that persons refrain from swimming 24-48 hours after a rain event because of the higher levels of bacteria that may be present.

12. Swimmers itch caused by water fowl fecal material may be controlled by bathing with soap and water soon after swimming in the lake.

9.0 ENFORCEMENT; FINES AND PENALTIES

1. Any vehicle violating any of the restrictions of this Ordinance may be towed at the owner's expense.

2. Any person violating any of the parking restrictions set forth in this Ordinance shall be fined $50.00 for each violation. Each day shall be considered a separate violation.

3. Any person violating any other clause, provision or section of this Ordinance shall be asked to leave and fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00 for each violation. Each day shall be considered a separate violation.

10.0 SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect the provisions or applications of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications, and to this end the provisions of this Ordinance are declared to be severable.

11.0 REPEAL OF PRIOR ORDINANCES; EFFECTIVE DATE OF ORDINANCE

All ordinances in conflict or inconsistent with any provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed, and this Ordinance shall be in full force from and after its passage and approval and publication in pamphlet form.

ADOPTED JANUARY 13, 1998 BY THE LAKE VILLA TOWN BOARD

PAVILIONS and COMMUNITY ROOM

Applications for renting the Lake Villa Township Park Shelters and Community Rooms are available in the Supervisor's Office to residents beginning January for the current year. For any given event, the large Shelter A, recommended for 50 people, is leased for $75 and the smaller Shelter's B and C, recommended for 30 people or less, is leased for $50. Lower level Community Room A is leased for $60 and upper level Community Room B is leased for $60. Residents are also required to pay a security deposit that will be refunded providing that the facilities are cleaned and all the equipment if borrowed is returned. The fees are due with the application. Since the shelters are in great demand throughout the summer, we recommend that you get your application in early.

SLED HILL

For your recreational pleasure the toboggan and sled hill at "Caboose Park" will be lit for evening use between the hours of 5:30 and 10:00 p.m., weather and conditions permitting. Easy access can be gained from the Grand Avenue parking lot.

TOT PROGRAM

The Lake Villa Township Tot Program meets in Community A during the school year. Junior Tot classes for three year old students are held on Monday and Wednesday. Every attempt is made to keep the child to instructor ratio at 8 or 9 to one. Junior tots focus is on active play in small and large groups. Social, fine and large motor skills are developed through games, movement, exercises and music. Such skills a counting, name, color and shape recognition are also learned. Beginning writing and scissor use are also introduced. Senior Tot classes for four year old students are held on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Every attempt is made to keep the child to instructor ratio at ten to one. This program embellishes on skills begun in the Junior Tot program in a more structured manner. There is great emphasis on fundamental readiness skills such as number and letter/sound recognition. There will be worksheets related to development of these skills.

Fall registration for the program occurs in February. If you have a Tot you would like to register for either class, please call 356-2284 now, and have your child's name placed on the appropriate waiting list. Tots must be three years old by September 1st of the enrolling year for the Junior Tot Program, or four years old by September 1st of the enrolling year for the Senior Tot Program. Enrollment is limited. Give us a call and be part of the fun!

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