Depot Park  - Under Construction

The improvements at Depot Park include allowing for better pedestrian access in the park, adding more seating areas, shade structures, performance space, a water feature, and landscaping to promote community gathering.

The project area includes the Crystal Lake Metra Station, the Pace Bus stop for the 550, 806 and 808 bus routes, and a central gathering area for local events. The enhancements are an economic development investment to energize the Downtown Crystal Lake District through the expansion of a public gathering space that is accessible for all ages. 

Timeline

• Underground work continues with park enhancements underway. 
• Depot parking lot is open for public use! 
• Utility connections within the streets at Woodstock Street and William Street is ongoing.
• Contractor is continuing to work on underground items and concrete restoration of the parking lot. Brick pavers are being installed along the new sidewalk with pavement installation in the parking lot in the coming weeks. 
• Thursday, July 10: Contractor will be doing work on Woodstock Street starting at 4:00am and completing work by noon. Street will be open to traffic, please use caution.
• Construction fencing install & site preparations: Friday, June 13
• Construction fencing install & site preparations: Friday, June 13
• Tree removal: March 2025* - COMPLETE

*Some of the existing trees were removed to make way for the project. Tree removal needed to take place to comply with environmental regulations. New native trees will be planted as part of the project, along with expanded landscaped and lawn areas. Following the tree removal, the park will be accessible to the public until full construction begins.

Plans

To view the plans for Depot Park please click the link and view the image below.

Projects

Downtown Crystal Lake is a special place. It is a historic and cultural center of our community. It is the place where local businesses thrive; where commuters travel to and from; and where friends and neighbors gather. While we work to protect the charming character of our downtown, the City continues to invest in infrastructure projects, such as the recent improvements to roadway intersections, sidewalks, landscaping, and overhead lighting.

The City is taking a comprehensive look at Public Place development opportunities such as the streets, plazas, parks, and open spaces that make up the Downtown. The purpose of this Public Place study is to gauge community interest in developing features that would continue to support Downtown with welcoming spaces to dine, to shop, to do business and to gather.

What is a Public Place? - In terms of this project, a public place is an area of publicly owned or managed space. These spaces could be used for events, gathering, relaxing or dining in Downtown.

Status 

Completed:

• Reviewed the public feedback (Poll Results are available here)
• Presented concept plans to the City Council
• Received positive feedback for enhancements
• Brink Street Market Plaza construction was completed in Fall 2024
• Acquired property at the corner of Gates and Main Streets

Next Steps:

• Plaza near Crystal Lake Brewing - Anticipated 2025
• Depot Park - See above