Buffalo Creek Park

Buffalo Creek Park became the Park District’s first official park in the mid-1970s. It was purchased with a state grant and matched by community donations. The five acre park spans both sides of Buffalo Creek, and is just upstream from the covered bridge. The site includes the Gazebo, which was donated by the Long Grove Lion’s Club. A memorial garden was donated by the Edward Wachs family in memory of their father and our former Park District President, Edward H. Wachs.

The park, as well as the downstream public areas following the Covered Bridge path, are well taken care of by steward, Vernadine Martlock. She has overseen restoration efforts along the creek with volunteer workers to restore the area to a better functioning stream corridor with native vegetation. Work needs to be done yearly to combat invasive reed canary grass and other weeds that have moved into the area. Donated plantings of swamp white oaks have replaced older willows as they can be replaced.

Buffalo Creek Park and the adjoining path to the prairie next to the Long Grove Historical Society’s farmhouse provide a restful and pleasant walk for resident families and visitors of Long Grove. Efforts are continuing to further naturalize the park areas and to beautify the historic landscape and stream corridor.

If you would like to participate in working at this site or others, please contact the Park District at 847-438-4743.