Project Description

The water levels at the Three Oaks Recreation Area fluctuate depending on the amount of precipitation during storm events. The fluctuation is compounded by the fact that the lake does not have a natural outlet to provide overflow relief.  During subsequent heavy rain events that exceed historical averages, the park amenities and structures are negatively impacted.  High water levels significantly impacted the park's amenities as recently as 2019 and 2020.

City staff and engineering consultants analyzed several alternative design concepts and determined that the most cost effective solution is to manage the water level with a storm water pumping station at the southwest corner of the lake. The pump station will discharge storm water into the existing McHenry County Division of Transportation storm sewer along Rakow Road. City Council approved an intergovernmental agreement allowing the use of the County storm sewer and the modification of the existing outfall. 

 

Project Updates

  • December 4, 2025: Work has resumed at the water level to set the new pumps for the project. After ComEd establishes power to the station, testing of the facility is expected in the next 2-3 weeks. 

  • July 14, 2025: Work along Rakow Road and Virginia is substantially complete. The contractor is waiting on mechanical and electrical components to complete the pump station at the lake level. The station is expected to be operational in the fall.
     
  • June 16, 2025: The Contractor is nearly complete with work around the storm outfall south of Rakow Road. Remaining sewer work at the corner of Rakow Road and Virginia Road will take place over the next week. Last remaining work will be installing the electrical and mechanic components of the station, along with site restoration.
     
  • May 19, 2025: Precast concrete structures have been placed near the lake. Installation for the force main will begin over the next week.
     
  • April 21, 2025: Contractor has begun to mobilize to the site. Installation of the new pump well structure to begin next week.  

  • March 27, 2025: Contractor is expected to mobilize the week of April 14th to begin work on the pump station.

  • February 18, 2025: After a public bid period, the City Council awarded the construction contract to Bolder Construction. Work is expected to begin in the spring of 2025.