LAKE FOREST — A new garden initiative is taking shape at the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff, which will be further supported by a $15,000 tourism grant, State Senator Julie Morrison announced. The project is underway to create a learning garden space that highlights the region’s legacy of landscape design and conservation while expanding public access to the land.

“The History Center is a cherished piece of our community, preserving stories of the people and events that shaped this area,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This project will invite more visitors into thoughtful spaces where they can connect with and reflect on the beauty and history of Lake Forest.”

The funding was awarded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Tourism Attractions Grant Program. Created to boost the state’s tourism economy, the program awarded over $1.6 million to 11 grantees in the latest round of funding for projects that will enhance local attractions, increase visitor rates and generate economic growth in communities across Illinois.

The History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff is set to receive $15,000 to support its outdoor space that explores the national impact of Lake Forest’s land conservation and design efforts. The grant will fund lighting along the garden’s half-mile of paths — winding through 11 gardens that span 120 years of landscape history — to improve accessibility and safety for evening use year-round.

“As one of the only accessible, free gardens in Lake County, we were thrilled to have this support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to ensure these gardens can be used throughout the year with adequate path and parking lighting. The gardens are designed with senior visitors top of mind — so there's plenty of seating and wide flat walking paths to accommodate guests using mobility devices,” said Carol Summerfield, executive director of the History Center. “You can get to the museum easily, with Metra or by car, so we hope to welcome visitors from well beyond the boundaries of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.”

Learn more about the History Center’s garden initiative here. View a list of recipients of the tourism grant program here.