Looking for a scenic path or inviting green space to just enjoy Mother Nature?

The Park District provides 58 parks throughout the Village for residents to experience the joy of being surrounded by flowers, trees, water and the wonders of outdoor life. Many pathways in your neighborhood park allow you to stroll or power walk when weather permits. Those with marked paths include: Lake Arlington (2.25 mile asphalt path); Nickol Knoll (1.25 mile trail surrounding the terraced golf course) and Melas Park with 2/5 miles of paths around the east & west sides of this athletic field. Additional walking paths surround Hasbrook Park (.5 miles), Heritage Park (.8 miles), Pioneer Park (.8 miles), and Sunset Meadows (.88 miles).

General Park Rules

• Park hours are from 5 am to 11 pm, unless posted otherwise.
• Use of alcohol and drugs is prohibited.
• Motorized vehicles are prohibited from pathways.
• No dogs allowed.

Pathway Rules

• Walk, run, skate and bike on the right.
• Walk, run, skate or ride single file when path is in heavy use.
• Warn others before passing path users.
• Speed limit for bikers and skaters is 8 M.P.H. No Speed Training Or Racing Permitted.
• Bikes are required to have a reflector and light for evening use of the path.
• All path users are expected to wear light clothing and reflective gear after dark.
• Bikers and skaters must yield to walkers.
• Obey all posted signs.

Pathway Safety Tips

• Bikers & skaters should wear helmets and other protective gear.
• Keep a safe distance from the group in front of you.
• Always inform the person(s) that you are passing of your intentions.
• Be aware of the other users on the path and that individuals may be passing you.
• Walk, run, skate and ride predictably.
• Always look back before passing and turning.
• Be courteous of other users.

Additional Paths in the Park District

Additional walking paths are located around the perimeters of these parks:

Hasbrook Park - .5 miles around perimeter
333 W. Maude Avenue
847-577-3028 (this phone number forwards to the Administration Center)

Heritage Park - .8 miles around perimeter
506 W. Victoria
847-577-3020

Pioneer Park -.8 miles around perimeter
500 S. Fernandez
847-577-3035

Sunset Meadows-.88 miles along pathway system
700 W. Dwyer (start and finish are at Dwyer St. and access roadway entry point)

6 Reasons Why You Should Walk
Walking is simply one of the best exercises you can do. Why?

• It's Easy. You already know how - no special training required.
• It's Safe. At a brisk pace (about 3-4 mph), walking can burn as many calories as running. But it's easier on your bones and joints and is less likely than running or jogging to cause injuries.
• It's Cheap. Walking doesn't require any special equipment, except for comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
• It's a Weight Manager. Walking helps increase the number of calories your body burns and also helps controlyour appetite. Note: Weight control helps prevent Type II, "adult onset" diabetes.
• It's Weight Bearing. When you walk, whether it's around the block or up and down stairs, you're bearing the weight of your body. And weight-bearing exercise helps build bone mass, which prevents osteoporosis.
• It's a Lifesaver. Walking is an aerobic exercise, so it's good for your heart. It lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.

And that's not all: Studies show walking gives you more energy, reduces stress, promotes better sleep, and builds muscle and reduces fat in your legs and abdomen.

How much should you walk?

Aim for a half-hour most days of the week. Recent research reported in circulation showed that walking at least three miles per week reduced risk of heart disease by 10 percent. Short on time? The journal also reported that two 15-minute sessions of moderate exercise (like walking) are as beneficial as one 30-minute session.

Want to see how far you walk/run?

Here's an excellent site to measure your distance from a map http://www.gmap-pedometer.com.

View Maps of
Lake Arlington, Nickol Knoll and Melas Park Paths

PDF format allows you to view the maps electronically on most computers.

You may need to download to view and print PDF files.

Click here to View Maps