Crane Park, situated in one of a city’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, has transformed an industrial shoreline into a stunning vista. Easily recognized by its two iconic cranes – Nick and Nora – which serve as community icons welcoming visitors into an area to appreciate waterfront and scenic views. Crane Park features water recreation activities; dog runs; children’s playgrounds; as well as individual and group picnic areas.
This nature reserve offers peace and serenity, situated along the Crane River with woodland, grassland, scrub land and reed bed areas to explore. Boasting both archaeological and industrial heritages as well as being managed for wildlife preservation, this nature reserve can offer visitors a place of restful tranquillity.
Hounslow Gunpowder Mills once stood proudly at the heart of this reserve and its only remaining building stands proudly today as part of an environmental education center. A visitor centre showcases how this site was used historically while also providing information about geology, ecology and history of this intriguing region.
Walking trails wind their way through woodland, oak and meadow habitats and can be enjoyed by both strollers and equestrians. While easier trails wind around meadows, more challenging routes reach up onto hilltops offering breathtaking views of both city life and surrounding countryside. This park has also been named a National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitat as well as being certified as Xerxes Society Pollinator Garden with cattle grazing seasonally within it to promote biodiversity while decreasing fire risks.
Jose German and David Wasmuth from Northeast Earth Coalition and Friends of Crane Park joined forces in August 2017 to form a demonstration garden at Crane Park to enrich public space, teach community members about growing native plants and vegetables at home and increase bio-diversity of Crane Park. It quickly flourished; currently home to over 70 different native plant species! Additionally, its ecological focus includes “nectar” plants that attract beneficial insects while its unique design highlights “host” plants which add even further bio-diversity.
Crane Park neighborhoods are home to a dense community of families, as well as several multi-family buildings and single family homes available at competitive pricing compared to other Libertyville neighborhoods.
