Master Plan for Key Parks

Which Parks are in the new Master Plan?

The objective of the Parks Master Plan is to optimize the Village’s existing key park properties while strategically planning for the future allocation of resources and potential redevelopment of these parks over the next 5 to 10 years. 

The Master Plan will focus its attention on Kuechmann Arboretum, Oak Ridge Park, Old Mill Grove Park, Staples Park and Zurites Park.  Parks were chosen based on a variety of criteria, including public and affiliate use (Placer AI data), known infrastructure needs and Park and Recreation Advisory Board input.   

Village Board Chooses Upland Design Ltd

Based on the Lake Zurich Village Board's actions at the June 16, 2025 meeting, Upland Design Ltd. was selected to develop a master plan for the Village's key parks. 

This decision was made after a review process of twelve proposals submitted in response to a Request for Proposal announced on March 3rd. A multi-department review team determined that Upland Design Ltd. offered the expertise that best matched the Village's park development and renovation needs. 

The agreement with Upland Design Ltd. for the Key Parks Master Plan is for an amount not exceeding $98,910. The village's FY 2025 budget includes $100,000 to support the development of this master plan,

Upland RFP Submission

Draft Concept Plan & Feedback Survey (December 2025)

Statistically Valid Survey

Upland Design partnered with ETC Institute in October to distribute a statistically valid survey to a selected group of Lake Zurich residents. With the target response count now met, the results of the survey can be viewed here. Lake Zurich Findings Report

View the Draft Plan Feedback Survey and findings survey.

Community Update - Key Parks Master Plan

In June of 2025, Upland Design Ltd. was chosen as the consultant to complete the plan and initiated a six-month planning process, beginning with data collection and site analysis conducted concurrently with community engagement and concept development for the parks included in the plan. Throughout 2025, Lake Zurich residents and park users were offered multiple opportunities to provide input on potential park improvements that assisted in concept design, including:

  • August: Open house events at each park, followed by an online survey for those unable to attend in person.
  • October: Launch of a statistically valid community survey by ETC Institute. Once the targeted number of responses was achieved, the survey was opened to the community at large. 
  • December: An open house at the Paulus Park Barn to present initial park concepts and gather final feedback. An online survey was also made available for those unable to attend in person.

Upland Design Ltd. has concluded all the agreed upon master plan phases and has prepared a draft plan for the review of the Park and Recreation Advisory Board and Village Board.

View and download the Draft Plan

Key Parks Master Plan Survey