Lippold Park

May is Invasive Species Awareness Month in Illinois. In recognition CLPD is spotlighting Dames Rocket (Hesperis matronalis), a showy plant often introduced in residential landscaping, which thrives primarily in woodland habitats but also open areas.

Dame’s rocket is native to parts of Europe and Asia. In the United States, absent natural controls such as disease and insects found in its home range, it can aggressively take over natural areas. Often displacing and outcompeting a significant amount of the native vegetation that indigenous species have adapted to depend on. Unlike the native Phlox, which has 5 petaled flowers, Dame’s Rocket has 4 petals and being in the mustard family, it develops seed pods that produce an impressive 20,000 to 30,000 seeds per plant.

For more information on Dame’s Rocket, its invasive potential and similar looking native alternatives such as Phlox that can be planted instead, see the following links:

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/fact/DamesRocket

https://chicagolivingcorridors.org/resources/creating-native-habitat/invasive-plants/dames-rocket-hesperis-matronalis/

Summer fun has arrived!
The 2026 Summer Digital Activity Guide is LIVE + registration is open!

📬 Print guide mailed May 8–12 (60012 & 60014)
🎉 Events, camps, sports, classes & more for all ages—plus concerts, movies, beach events & lake activities all summer long!

Browse the guide and click on the activity code to add programs & events to your shopping cart https://view.publitas.com/clpd/programs/page/1

If you’re visiting Lippold Family Golf Center or the parking lot areas near Lippold Park, please use extra caution—killdeer are nesting on the ground in these areas. These birds may not look like it, but their eggs are often right underfoot. Killdeer lay their eggs directly on gravel or pavement, where their speckled shells blend in almost perfectly.

Are killdeer endangered?
Killdeer are not endangered in Illinois—they are a common, native species . However, they are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which means it is illegal to harm them, disturb active nests, or move their eggs .

What makes killdeer special in Illinois:
• Famous for their “broken wing” act to distract predators (and people!)
• Nest in open, unexpected places like parking lots and paths
• Their eggs are incredibly camouflaged—easy to miss if you’re not looking

How you can help:
• Watch your step and drive slowly in parking areas
• Give birds plenty of space if they seem distressed
• Respect any marked or coned-off/roped off nesting areas

With a little awareness, we can help kildeer safely raise their young!

UPDATE 5/1/26, 3 pm
Batting cage repairs are now complete and batting cages are open
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UPDATE 4/21/26: The batting cages remain closed at this time. Repairs and machine calibrations are taking longer than expected.
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Due to the recent heavy rain, ongoing vandalism, and the continued adjustments needed by the Parks crew to keep the Lippold Park batting cages operational, we will be closing the batting cages through at least this week and weekend (April 16-April 19).

We recognize that we opened earlier than ideal due to high public demand, and unfortunately did not have sufficient time to fully work through all operational issues. During this closure, we will address outstanding repairs, replace the vandalized component, and continue working on improvements—particularly solutions to help prevent moisture from impacting the equipment.

All machines have been turned off, token boxes are secured, and gates are locked. Signage has been posted at the cages.

BATTING CAGE MECHANICAL UPDATE:
Please be advised that an incident of vandalism has resulted in damage to the pitching arm on bay #4. This bay is down until the replacement part comes in.

Snapping turtles like this one at Boncosky Softball Complex in Lippold Park are venturing out from their typical aquatic habitats this time of the year searching for good nesting areas. A female snapping turtle will dig a nest in upland soil during mid-May to early June where she deposits 20 to 40 eggs, which will hatch in September and October.

If encountered, it’s best to just let them continue on their own. Because they are likely seeking upland nesting areas, if they must be moved from a roadway or other dangerous or undesirable area, it’s best to move them on in the direction that they are headed and not necessarily back to the nearest water. They can be moved by holding the rear of their shell behind the hind legs and should not be lifted by the tail unsupported as this can damage their spine. A good option to move turtles, especially heavy individuals, is to nudge them onto a large shovel, tarp or mat and slide them to a safer location.

The NEW batting cage system at Lippold Park is OPEN for the season!

The batting cage system features four token-operated dual function cages with fastpitch baseball and slow pitch softball in every tunnel. Tokens can be purchased at the batting cages for $1 for 10 balls. The token machine accepts $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills.

Call 815.459.0680 ext. 333 for general batting cage information. During regular office hours, (8:30 am-5 pm, M-F) contact Claire Naughton at 815.459.0680 ext. 1227 for batting cage group reservations and information.

Due to inclement weather, the Twilight Egg Hunt scheduled for this evening (Th, Apr 2) at Lippold Park is cancelled. The event will not be rescheduled.