Stay Off the Ice at lakes and ponds!

Posted on December 16, 2024

ATTENTION! FOR YOUR SAFETY STAY OFF THE ICE ON AREA LAKES AND PONDS

This is a reminder to stay off frozen bodies of water. Our lakes and ponds have constant water flow (under the ice as well), therefore freezing in inconsistent/variable depths, and it is unsafe for individuals to enter the water or ice.  

1. 1. Park Rules & Regulations explain that there is no skating or going onto frozen waters unless there is a sign posted as OPEN or SAFE. Not only is doing so unsafe, it is unlawful, and considered trespassing.
   2. We have signage to such restrictions around the lake.
   3. Here is the section from Ordinance 411:

SECTION 23: WINTER SPORTS-FROZEN WATERS

It shall be unlawful for any person on any Park District property to:

1. 1. 1. Enter on or upon any frozen waters to skate, slide, or walk or for any purpose whatsoever upon such waters unless they are posted “open” or “safe”.
      2. Fish through the ice on any frozen waters or parts thereof.
      3. Bring onto or upon the frozen waters of any lake, pond, or watercourse any iceboat, any motor, or wind-driven-like device or other vehicle.

We have been notified that people, specifically at Heritage Lake, have been out on the ice. Like all our ponds/lakes, there is flowing water at all times beneath any ice that forms – therefore making freezing levels of water inconsistent and unsafe for any type of entry. Please, stay off the ice.

Read all of Parks Rules and Regulations Ordinance 411