Meet the City Council

City Council Welcome Letter 

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

It has been another great year for the City of Crystal Lake. As has been the case for the last several years, we will see Crystal Lake continue to improve the quality of life for its residents, in all facets. Crystal Lake continues to be a good place to live and a great place to do business. The City’s economic development programs have been a catalyst for new business activity within the City’s viable commercial corridors. In addition, the excitement surrounding the Three Oaks Recreation Area has heightened the interest within the Route 14 corridor.

Economic Development is an important function of the City, including business attraction and retention. In 2011, new businesses leased or occupied over 571,000 square feet of vacant commercial space in Crystal Lake. Even during challenging economic times, the Crystal Lake business climate continues to provide a positive environment to do business. Through the City's partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Crystal Lake, our business community continues to thrive and grow.

The Three Oaks Recreation Area, the former Vulcan quarry, is now open. Various amenities are located on the pristine waters of the lake, including a beach, trails, a spray park, playground, concessions, and picnic sites with benches and grills. Patrons can rent watercraft at the marina. The Three Oaks Recreation Area offers a variety of activities, from simply relaxing near spectacular views to fishing, hiking and swimming.

Historic Downtown Crystal Lake has established a reputation as a destination spot in the region. The Raue Center for the Arts has an exciting line-up of entertainers and productions for its 2012/2013 season. During the summer months, the downtown business district, part of the Illinois Main Street program, hosts many fun-filled special events, including the Farmers’ Market and Johnny Appleseed Festival. There is something fun for every member of the family.

Crystal Lake is also home to many other events which draw regional and national attention. The America’s Cardboard Cup Regatta has been memorialized in the Library of Congress. MCYSA/USSSA Open International Summer Baseball Championships will bring people from all over the world. Families will enjoy the various summer festivals.

The Crystal Lake Park District continues to actively protect open space while, at the same time, overseeing an exceptional park system. Also, patrons can enjoy the Crystal Lake Public Library, which circulates more than one million items each year and is a twice-rated top ten library in the United States according to Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings.

With all the good things that continue to happen in Crystal Lake, it is important to recognize the contributions of all those responsible, including City staff, the Park Board, the School Boards and the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce. If the recent past is any indication, Crystal Lake residents will have much to look forward to.

Very truly yours, 
 

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