HomeParks and nature
Parks and nature
Lansing is home to a large number of parks that are managed by the Lan-Oak Park District, a branch of local government separate from the Village Board. In addition, we are part of a larger community that includes Cook County Forest Preserves and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. All these entities develop programs that are a resource for residents who are interested in outdoor activities, climate, environment, and animals that surround us and impact community life.
Freedom Trail Hike to offer a glimpse of the Underground Railroad
Saturday, November 10, 1:00pm
information provided by the Little Calumet Underground Railroad Project
CHICAGO, Ill. (October 10, 2018) - Professor Larry McClellan, foremost authority on the...
Lansing Beautification Committee finishes seasonal changes
"It was a huge project, but we got it done," says Vivian Payne, Chair
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (October 3, 2018) - Since its first...
Oktoberfest at Lan-Oak Park
SSSRA hosts picnic and games for regional members
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (October 6, 2018) - Although 97 people had registered for the annual SSSRA...
Zombie Zip Lines: a Friday feature at Edge Adventures
Every Friday in October
information provided by Big Splash PR
CROWN POINT, Ind. (September 27, 2018) - Zombie Zip Lines will provide new thrills throughout the...
Avian Wildlife Rehabilitator Kat Podgorski to speak on swifts
Wednesday, October 17, 6:30pm
information provided by the Lansing Public Library
LANSING, Ill. (September 19, 2018) - As part of the Lansing Public Library's ongoing series...
Public invited to Cal-Sag Trail update
Open meeting on September 24 to discuss remaining construction, schedule for completion
information provided by the Forest Preserves of Cook County
BLUE ISLAND, Ill. (September...
Midwest Paintball Championship returns to Chicago Gaelic Park
September 14–16, 2018
information provided by the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau
OAK FOREST, Ill. (September 6, 2018) – The 2018 National X-Ball League (NXL)...
Illinois EPA authorizes use of closed landfill for solar project
information provided by the Office of the Governor
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (August 27, 2018) – Illinois EPA Director Alec Messina announced the issuance of a supplemental...
Park district plans adjustments for next year’s Movies in the Parks
"A success worthy of repeating," says Superintendent Desjardins
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (August 28, 2018) - Starting on Friday, June 15, Lan-Oak Park District offered...
Prairie Heritage Ride combines biking and agritourism
Five-day bicycle ride will travel through the heart of central Illinois ag-country
information provided by the Illinois Department of Agriculture
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (August 16, 2018) –...
Dog park is not the only upgrade to Bock Park
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (August 9, 2018) - Lansing's new dog park—which will be named Paws 'n Play—is giving the park district an opportunity...
Scenes from the Schultz Park movie night
Greater awareness, perfect weather, and a popular movie all factors in movie night success
photos and text by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 13, 2018) -...
More than 700 sign Coolidge chimney swift petition
Reasons include conservation, history, and benefits to Lansing
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 12, 2018) - "Delay the Coolidge chimney demolition until October for the...
News of Coolidge chimney swifts reaches Kansas
by Melanie Jongsma
MANHATTAN, Kan. (July 3, 2018) - "I heard about the tremendous colony of Chimney Swifts at Coolidge School. That is really cool!...
Incoming storm forces fireworks adjustment
Show begins early, finishes before downpour
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 4, 2018) - "The crowd was larger than last year," said Sharon Desjardins, "—until...