Recreation

The Village of Lakewood offers a variety of recreational opportunities for its residents to enhance the "Quality of Living in a Natural Setting."  In addition, the Crystal Lake Park District and neighboring health clubs provide numerous other options to Village residents. 

Beaches

The Crystal Lake Park District has two public beaches on Crystal Lake, which all Village residents have access to. Parking is free of charge as long as they have a Village of Lakewood vehicle sticker on their car.  Both have lifeguards and picnic areas.  West Beach lies within the Village of Lakewood's boundaries.  For more information, contact the Crystal Lake Park District.

Additionally, two homeowners' associations operate private beaches on Crystal Lake for the use of their members only.  CCAPOA (Country Club Addition Property Owner's Association) has four private beaches and the Lakewood Manor Association has one private beach.

Parks

Brighton Oaks Park is located at the corner of Ballard Road and Stonecastle Lane.  This park features a tot lot, tennis court, and a basketball court.  It is maintained by the Crystal Lake Park District.

All Village residents are part of the Crystal Lake Park District and are able to use its parks, facilities, and programs at the resident rates.  The Park District provides all residents with a seasonal brochure of its programs.  For questions, please contact the Crystal Lake Park District at
(815) 459-0680.

Boating

All residents of the Crystal Lake Park District are eligible to boat on Crystal Lake.  The Village of Lakewood and the City of Crystal Lake have a joint agreement for regulating and patrolling the lake. 

Canoes, rowboats, paddle boats, and small sailboats can be rented at Main Beach.  Residents owning their own boats can launch them on Crystal Lake as long as they purchase an annual lake usage decal at the City of Crystal Lake Municipal Building.  A current boat registration, or proof of application for one, plus a driver's license are required. The Park District sells key cards to Park District residents for its two launches at Main Beach and West Beach. 

The CCAPOA boat launch on South Shore Drive is only available to its members.

Crystal Lake Boating and Safety Regulations Here

Golf

The Village owns and operates RedTail Golf Club, which was initially opened to the public in 1992 as the Lakewood Golf Course.  In 1997, it was renamed RedTail Golf Club.  The course has been rated 4 stars by Golf Digest, 4 1/2 stars by Chicagoland Golf, and has been recognized as a top 10 municipal facility nationwide by the National Golf Foundation in overall customer satisfaction and loyalty.

RedTail is a Roger Packard designed, 18-hole championship golf course.  It features bent grass tees, greens, and fairways, two island greens, strategic bunkering, many natural wetlands, and with four sets of tees, RedTail is challenging to players of all skill levels.  A bent grass practice facility is conveniently located near the clubhouse.

The clubhouse offers a fine selection of high-quality, value priced merchandise, including top-of-the-line apparel and equipment.  In addition, food selections are served in the Hawk's Nest Bar and Grill.  A catering menu can be customized to accommodate groups of any size for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Permanent tee times and outings are available.  Residents are charged reduced rates on greens fees.  Contact information for RedTail and other area golf courses can be found below: