Independence Grove North Bay Pavilion

Libertyville, Illinois

Set in the broad valley of the Des Plaines River, Independence Grove Forest Preserve is 1100 acres of gently undulating meadows and woodlands that enfold 115 acres of lakes and streams. The low-slung North Bay Pavilion nestles alongside a secluded part of the lake and is the core of its own activity area for corporate picnics, outdoor weddings, and family reunions. Its forms, materials (warmly glowing cedar, ruggedly textured stone, and gradually weathering zinc) and detailing speak of the great wood and stone recreation centers of the national parks, but with a land-hugging, horizon-reaching Midwestern accent. Anchored around a massive stone chimney with fireplaces for both open fires and gas grilling and protected from the parking lot and west winds by a slatted cedar screenwall, it opens fully to the surrounding landscape. The pavilion accommodates up to 500 people and has picnic tables, drinking water, electricity, parking, toilets in a separate pavilion, trail access, a fishing pier, playing fields, and a sand volleyball court.