Officials from the Lindenhurst Park District, Village of Lindenhurst, Village of Lake Villa, Lake Villa Township, Lake Villa District Library and the Lindenhurst-Lake Villa Chamber of Commerce have formed an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA for short) to pursue economic development, business support, and recreational services for local communities.
Known as the Lindenhurst/Lake Villa Community Partners, the collaboration will provide residents with events and activities that support the local economy while providing opportunities to experience community. “By pursuing services collaboratively, everyone benefits,” said David Mohr Jr., Executive Director of the Lindenhurst Park District, “we pool our resources to give residents fun, interesting activities at minimal or no cost.”
According to Mohr, the conversation started between the Lindenhurst Park District and the Villages of Lindenhurst and Lake Villa. “At the time, I was the Park Districts new Executive Director working to establish relationships with other governmental bodies”, said Mohr, “having the discussion with the two villages was a natural fit. And because the Park District was already offering the Live Music in the Parks concert series, I could offer the potential partners an established activity which we could collectively
enhance.”
That’s exactly how it all began. The Park District put the wheels in motion for the concerts and the two villages began working on preparing the actual document for the IGA, which also included Lake Villa Township. The Lindenhurst-Lake Villa Chamber of Commerce joined to engage with local businesses. “Offering area businesses the opportunity to connect with area residents is another mutual benefit,” said Mohr. It’s great exposure for the businesses and gives residents a chance to learn about area goods and services.”
This intergovernmental agreement is in its fourth year. Lake Villa District Library became a partner in 2018. This year the group is excited to be offering a Fireworks Show at Lakes Community High School. “We have five local government agencies plus the Chamber of Commerce, who really never worked together before,” said Mohr. “Looking past our boundaries to provide enhanced services to our communities is truly a collaborative effort and one that I am happy and proud to be part of.”
Live Music in the Parks is a series of free concerts that take place at Parkman Pavilion, Lehman Mansion, and Caboose Park.