the major thoroughfares in Palos Heights in the last 20 years,” says Straz. “We also are part of a huge suburban trailway.” The trails follow the Calumet-Saganashkee (Cal-Sag) Canal, connecting to communities across the region. Straz continues, “Most of it goes through the forest preserves and the like. It’s a very relaxing Sunday afternoon, a bike ride and a stop for dinner.” At the center of the city’s outdoor offerings is Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanical Gardens, an 85 acre destination that blends recreation, education, and conservation. “This community is so very much into the environment and the outdoors and recreation and exercise. It is just so conducive for that kind of lifestyle,” emphasizes Ingalls.“When people are coming through this portion of the CalSag trail system, they come right by Lake Katherine. We’re able to leverage the people who are enjoying that trail to also enjoy the nature center. With those two, we get about 100,000 visitors a year.” COMMUNITY AND CELEBRATION Palos Heights is alive with community spirit, offering a full calendar of family friendly events that bring residents and visitors together throughout the year. One of the most anticipated is the Kringle Market, a Christmas festival that transforms downtown into a holiday market. “It brings in the 5000s of people to the downtown. That’s a well-attended and popular event that gets better every year,” describes Ingalls. In the summer months people gather for the Fourth of July celebration held at City Hall and Community Park.“That, again, brings in thousands of people,” she says.The annual car show is another signature event, bringing over 700 classic cars into the downtown, and attracting thousands of people from across the region. “We like to bring people downtown to experience it and maybe come back later and spend some money,” Ingalls remarks. INFRASTRUCTURE AND INVESTMENT Forward thinking infrastructure management is a priority in Palos Heights. Straz outlines, “We have a program for water and sewer, either realigning or replacement. We have had for the last 25 years to locate down there,” she relays. “So we keep our eye out for those, and we want to elevate the area in order to accommodate them.” GREEN SPACES AND TRAILS Palos Heights is known for its natural setting and outdoor opportunities.The city’s beautiful tree lined neighborhoods are complemented by trails, parks, and forest areas. “We put in new sidewalks on all 176 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11
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