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.
Why they’re called ‘swifts’
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (July 2, 2018) - This video clip is only seven seconds, and within the first three, a chimney swift is...
IDNR reminds display sponsors to check credentials of fireworks vendors
Fireworks safety reminder: Leave displays to those who are licensed and trained
information provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (July 1, 2018)...
Lions Park movie night rescheduled
Heat warning prompts Park District to change showing to August 10
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (June 29, 2018) - The second film of the Lan-Oak...
Fireworks: Park District, Village both want what’s best for Lansing
Celebration at Lan-Oak Park starts at 5:00pm, with fireworks at 9:30pm
by Katie Arvia
LANSING, Ill. (June 28, 2018) - Each year, thousands of Lansing residents...
Movie series continues in Lansing parks
Paddington 2 was a neighborhood success; Wonder Woman showing Friday, June 29, at Lions Park
by Katie Arvia
LANSING, Ill. (June 27, 2018) - Early indications...
Cook County Forest Preserves offer dockless bikesharing
First ride using HOPR bikeshare app to “Bike the Preserves” is free for limited time
by Melanie Jongsma
COOK COUNTY, Ill. (June 26, 2018) - As...
District 158 School Board discusses Coolidge chimney swifts
"Definitely a learning opportunity—for all of Lansing," says Superintendent Heiberger
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (June 20, 2018) - Dr. Ceal Heiberger was surprised to learn...
Of swifts and Swifties
Lansing residents gather to watch Coolidge chimney swifts
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (June 15, 2018) - Julie Blackwood and her sons, Logan and Alex, were...
Coolidge chimney swifts make Lansing their summer home
Large colony is a unique summer tradition in Lansing
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (June 14, 2018) - Coolidge Elementary alums might not be the only...
Strategic roadside mowing to conserve monarchs, pollinator species begins successful second year
Adjustment by IDOT aims to re-establish food source for official state insect, other species
information provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (June 1,...
Coyote puppies tagged, health work-ups conducted in the Forest Preserves of Cook County
information provided by Cook County Forest Preserves
COOK COUNTY, Ill. (June 2, 2018) - In addition to migrating birds and colorful wildflowers, springtime also means...
Park District offers movies in Lansing parks
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (June 1, 2018) - Lan-Oak Park District has scheduled a "Sizzling Summer Movie Series" that will include showings of six...
Dog park progress
by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (May 24, 2018) - As one of the first visible steps in creating Lansing's first dog park, crews began pouring...
Edge Adventures Deep River Aerial Park—review and updated offer
UPDATE: After we posted this story, Edge Adventures added another promotional offer—on Father’s Day Weekend, June 16–17, guests will receive one free pass when...
Summer projects in Lansing parks
information gathered by Melanie Jongsma
LANSING, Ill. (May 10, 2018) - With the approval of the Fiscal Year 2018–2019 operating budget at their April 23...