"Lake Katherine unveils eco-friendly parking lot by Kelly White March 25, 2025," The Regional News
The Regional News: Visitors to Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens will now have an easier time finding a parking spot, thanks to a newly unveiled 52-stall permeable paver parking lot designed to improve both accessibility and environmental sustainability.
The parking lot officially opened on Tuesday, March 25, adjacent to the existing surface parking area at 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive.
The $1.13 million project was fully funded through grant money from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and federal funds allocated through the Southwest Conference of Mayors.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening, attended by Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz, city officials, and representatives from MWRD.
“This parking lot was made possible through grant funding and no taxpayer money, which is something fantastic that we love about our town,” said Mayor Bob Straz. “Efforts that work together, like the City of Palos Heights and the MWRD, are what government is all about.”
Gareth Blakesley, Lake Katherine’s director and chief naturalist, said the parking lot was needed since Trailhead’s opening in 2015, as it brought in an additional influx of daily visitors and bicyclists.
“The Trailhead Parking Lot at Lake Katherine will not only greatly alleviate parking stress and provide a place for Cal Sag Trail users to park, but we were happy this could be done in an ecologically sound way,” Blakesley said
Blakesley explained how the new parking lot has permeable pavers, bioswales, and native trees that not only enhance stormwater management but also reduce runoff, prevent flooding, and promote local biodiversity.
“The permeable pavers allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground, while bioswales filter pollutants and native trees provide shade, improve air quality, and create a more sustainable, eco-friendly environment,” he said.
Kari Steele, president of the MWRD Board of Commissioners, emphasized the importance of sustainable infrastructure in her remarks. “This parking lot showcases the benefits of green infrastructure,” Steele said. “This project contributes to climate resiliency in Cook County. Eco-friendly parking lots like this help to battle climate change.”
Lake Katherine, a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, has long been committed to sustainability. The new parking lot aligns with the center’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental stewardship while accommodating increasing visitor numbers.
This project is part of a broader effort by the city and local agencies to integrate environmentally friendly solutions into urban planning, ensuring that natural spaces like Lake Katherine continue to thrive for future generations.