HLR's Native Area Management Work Featured in APWA Magazine

HLR • April 6, 2022

Once a stormwater impoundment, Fox Valley Park District’s Waubonsie Lake Park is now a beautiful recreational gem for the community after a ten-year process.

In 2012, a study was completed to determine that silt deposits in Waubonsie Creek and Lake reached a high enough level to require the City of Aurora to intervene. Thanks to the combined efforts of the City and Park District, a winding paved trail, which connects to a vast regional trail system, encircles a beautiful lake often used by residents for activities such as fishing and motor-free boating. The Park also features a modern pavilion, nature-based playground, restroom facilities, and a traditional playground. The restoration of Waubonsie Lake created the park’s newest feature: a sled hill adorned with a custom native plant population to encourage pollinator species activity and enhance the overall ecosystem.


Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) has managed the native portion of Waubonsie Lake Park since 2013 and looks forward to an ongoing partnership with the Park District and community to continue native area maintenance.


Click here to read the article about the Waubonsie Lake Park transformation published in the April 2022 edition of the APWA Reporter co-authored by Caitlan Rodriguez, Environmental Scientist at HLR, and John Kramer, Director of Operations for the Fox Valley Park District. The article also features beautiful aerial drone photography by HLR Survey Technician, Garret Bradt.


The award-winning APWA Reporter is the official magazine of the American Public Works Association, sent to more than 30,000 members around the country.


Learn more about HLR’s native area management and other environmental services here.

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