Enhancing parks & enriching community

As the nonprofit partner of Grayslake Community Park District, we help grow the places where neighbors gather and nature flourishes.

Our Mission

The Grayslake Park Foundation supports the Grayslake, Illinois, community by elevating our local parks, expanding access to recreational programs, and creating lasting legacies through donor giving. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps fund park improvements, programs, and recreation scholarships for local children through donations, fundraising events, and our Plant a Tree program. Every dollar and gift leads to a more connected, active, and thriving Grayslake.

About Us

Rooted in community and driven by generosity, the Grayslake Park Foundation was established in 1998 to benefit and support the Grayslake Community Park District. Currently the Park District oversees 32 parks across 300+ acres and more than 1,000 recreational programs, camps, and events that bring joy to all ages. Maintaining the safety and quality of park grounds, equipment, and facilities requires substantial effort and investment.

The Foundation is led by a dedicated volunteer board of directors that cares deeply for the Grayslake community and its parks. With their array of backgrounds and experiences, our board members steward Foundation goals from initial vision to completion. They collaborate with Park District staff, community partners, donors, and general volunteers to fulfill initiatives that foster vibrant and inclusive environments.

Initiatives

  • Each year, the Grayslake Community Park District offers more than 100 camps and programs for kids of all ages. Through fundraising and donations, the Grayslake Park Foundation helps the Park District offer scholarships for families needing financial assistance. We aim to set higher fundraising goals year over year to grow our scholarship fund and give more local kids opportunities to play, explore, and learn.

  • Our Plant a Tree program offers an opportunity for anyone seeking a lasting tribute that will also enhance the beauty and experience of Grayslake parks. Since the 2005 launch of what was formerly called the Memorial Tree Program, we have planted more than 100 trees in Central Park and other local parks through generous community donors. As the trees flourish, they provide both living remembrances and ecological benefits for generations to come.
    Click here to learn more.

  • The Grayslake Community Park District wishes to purchase portable automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to improve life safety in several community parks. We will keep you updated as this mission evolves.

GIVE TODAY

Events

April 19 meat raffle promo

Get fired up for spring!

The Grayslake Park Foundation invites you, your family, and your friends to a Meat Raffle fundraiser! Enjoy an afternoon of fun and community connections while supporting the parks and programs that make Grayslake a great place to live. You might head home with a delicious prize or one of many exciting items from our community partners!

Sunday, April 19, 1 – 4 p.m.
Emil’s Tavern on Center
161 Center St., Grayslake

Every ticket purchased makes a difference. 100% of funds raised through the Meat Raffle directly support:

  • Recreation and camp scholarships to help more Grayslake children attend Park District camps and programs regardless of their family’s financial circumstances

  • Park and facility improvements that benefit residents of all ages

Your participation helps strengthen our parks, support local families, and invest in the future of Grayslake.

RSVP TODAY

Primary Sponsors

  • Tony's Butcher Shop

  • Emil's Tavern on Center logo

    Emil's Tavern on Center

  • 129 Center Cut

  • Cinq-Mars Group

Our Team

We're a group of passionate thinkers and doers with strong Grayslake roots.

Board of Directors

C. Dawn Wright, President

Dana Kane, Vice President

Denny Salomonson, Treasurer

Toni Nesheim, Secretary

Richard Anderson, Member

Meghan Clark, Member

Wanda Lau, Member

Jordan Lenz, Member

Courtney Michalowski, Member

David Thatcher, Member

Join Our Team

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Grayslake Park Foundation is a separate and independent entity from the Grayslake Community Park District. The Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable arm that raises donor funds exclusively for Park District initiatives and programs. The Grayslake Community Park District is a government agency that provides leisure programs, parks, and recreation facilities for the community.

    The Grayslake Park Foundation cannot answer questions about Park District programs, such as registration, enrollment, availability, or logistics. Please call the Park District directly at 847-223-7529 or visit glpd.com.

  • No, as an independent organization from the Park District, the Foundation raises funds for its initiatives separately from the Park District. Though all funds raised by the Foundation ultimately and exclusively support Park District programs and park enhancements, Foundation donations are distinct from Park District donations. Learn more about Park District sponsorship opportunities and scholarships.

  • Thank you for your interest! We would be thrilled for your support. Please click here to contact us.

  • Yes, the Grayslake Park Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit and registered as a 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation is tax deductible as allowed by law.

  • You will receive a receipt acknowledging your donation by January 31 of the following year. We can supply one sooner by request.

  • Yes, if you do not want to donate through our online payment portal, then you can contact us to arrange payment by check or cash.