NEWS

Thanks to Brad Fennessy and Bruce Mazurkiewicz for their eloquent letter to the editor that was published recently. The full letter appears in this post. Letter to the Editor: Protect Our Parks from Runaway Legal Fees ​To the Editor, ​As Crystal Lake taxpayers, we expect our property taxes to directly support youth programming, senior activities, and park maintenance. Instead, a deep-seated structural flaw in the Crystal Lake Park District’s accounting formula is quietly siph

We have important news to share regarding our community parks. Following the recent Park Board meeting, it is clear that while we are making progress, there is still significant work to be done. Recent Meeting Highlights At the recent meeting, we saw some important shifts in leadership: The Board elected Keith Nisenson as Board President and Mike Jacobson as Vice President. In a 4-3 vote, the Board decided to grant attorney Eric Anderson only a 3-month contract, while the Boa

The following letter was sent to the Park District Board of Commissioners. May 19, 2026 Dear Members of the Park District Board, I am writing to respectfully address several matters pertaining to the policy regarding our community lake and its boat launches, and the need for comprehensive, data-informed decision-making. It’s important to set policy that treats all residents fairly and equitably. I. The Need for Complete and Accurate Data During the April Board Meeting, a fig

As the Crystal Lake Park District Board approaches its annual reorganization in May, the election of a new Board President offers an opportunity to restore public trust, prioritize transparency, and ensure that the district serves the entire community rather than narrow interests. The Board should consider electing a new President because: 1. Transparency and Governance Open Meetings Act Concerns: Under the current presidency, the board has faced significant criticism for "s

Parks for the People is hosting informational meetings for Crystal Lake Park District residents who are interested in running for a seat on the Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners. Parks for the People is comprised of people who care deeply about the Crystal Lake Park District. Our Mission is to protect and preserve the integrity, accessibility, and public stewardship of the Crystal Lake Park District and its natural resources by advocating for transparency, acc

Last week’s Park Board meeting was a study in contrasts. While the community gathered to celebrate decades of dedicated service, the subsequent budget and policy discussions revealed a Board President increasingly out of step with the operational realities of our parks and the needs of our community. Retiring Executive Director Jason Herbster shaking hands with the Mayor of Crystal Lake, Haig Haleblian. Honoring a Legacy The evening began on a high note, with a series of well

Even when the agenda is short, the impact of our community is long-lasting. This week’s Crystal Lake Park Board meeting might have been brief, but the presence of Parks for the People advocates sent a powerful message: we are committed to a transparent, fair, and bright future for our district. Your Voice in Action 🎤 A huge thank you to the incredible residents who stepped up to the podium. Your comments ensure that the Board hears the community's expectations for leadership

Dear Park Supporters, Last night was a powerful testament to our community’s commitment to our parks. While we faced some challenging moments at the Board meeting, the message from the public was louder than ever: We are here, we are watching, and we are united. A Wave of Unity The most striking moment of the evening was when nearly half of the audience stood up and walked out together in a peaceful, unified show of solidarity. This collective action sent a clear message that

Earlier in the year, the Park District Board voted to disband the Lake Ecology Committee, shifting matters to the Shoreline Property Owners Association (SPOA). At the time that Board member Heisler made this motion to make the lake's ecology the responsibility of the SPOA, Tiesenga, Heisler, and attorney Anderson were all board members of that entity. The SPOA is a homeowners association and Board President Tiesenga, and Board members Nisenson, Hickey, and Heisler, and attorn

The big news from this October Crystal Lake Park Board meeting is that the Board walked back their decision to leave the Intergovernmental Agreement with Crystal Lake and Lakewood which made it easier for residents to buy stickers and launch keys and created the Lake Ecology fund. At the beginning of their tenure, the Board recklessly pulled out of the agreement without another agreement in place and without consulting the City and Village. With $60,000 in Lake Ecology Fees o

The Northwest Herald published a warning from five former Park Board Members who are concerned that the end goal of this board is to make...

The president of the Crystal Lake Park District board wore a bulletproof vest to the panel's meeting Monday. Read the full story here:...

New leaders on the Crystal Lake Park Board are focusing attention on what legal rights the district has - and doesn't have - over the...

"Pro Park" event to defend public access, integrity, and stewardship

The upcoming letter from the Crystal Lake Park District Board President Fred Tiesenga, contains many misleading statements. At the recent...

On July 24, 2025 the Village [of Lakewood] President, on behalf of the residents, sent a letter to the Crystal Lake Park District Board....

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 23, 2025 Contact: friendsofclparkboard@gmail.com Crystal Lake Residents Express Outrage and Demand...

Media Advisory July 21, 2025 Email: friendsofclparkboard@gmail.com Residents to Deliver Petitions to Crystal Lake Park District Board of...

Residents call for vote reversals and for park board attorney to step down. Read the full story here: https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest...