Century Park Arboretum

Vernon Hills, United States

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Century Park Arboretum in Vernon Hills, Illinois, is the largest park in the local park district, spanning 113 acres that include land and water around Big Bear and Little Bear Lakes. Developed in stages starting in the 1970s, it features facilities such as softball and soccer fields, tennis courts, walking and bike paths, boat docks, playgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing piers.

The park has undergone continual improvements including new playground equipment, sports courts, and bridges, as well as the addition of fitness stations and a pavilion. In 2017, Century Park became the first park district park in Illinois to earn Arboretum Accreditation from the Morton Arboretum, boasting a collection of over 150 labeled tree species accessible via QR codes.

The park also supports wildlife habitat restoration, including an oak savanna restoration project, emphasizing native plant growth and invasive species management to maintain its natural ecosystem.