Northeast McHenry County Towns Tout Park Upgrades and Economic Growth

Local leaders highlight new amenities, private donations, and development plans at annual chamber event

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Officials from several towns in northeast McHenry County, Illinois, including Richmond, Spring Grove, Volo, Fox Lake, and Lakemoor, recently updated the public on the latest developments in their communities at the annual luncheon of the Chain O' Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. A key focus was on park upgrades and expansions, often funded through tax revenue, private donations, and developer impact fees. The leaders also discussed new economic development projects, housing growth, and infrastructure improvements in their towns.

Why it matters

The investments in parks, amenities, and economic development highlight the efforts of these smaller suburban towns to attract new residents and businesses, improve quality of life, and generate additional tax revenue. As larger retail chains and private equity firms reshape the retail landscape, these communities are working to preserve their unique identities and community-oriented values.

The details

Richmond has enhanced its village parks using tax revenue from a new marijuana dispensary, while Spring Grove's recent park projects were funded by private donations from local families. Fox Lake has seen a boost in sales tax revenue after opening a new public beach at Lakefront Park, which has drawn visitors from surrounding areas. Volo is building a 50-foot-by-100-foot outdoor ice rink with in-ground chillers, paid for through developer impact fees. Spring Grove has also invested in upgrading its water treatment plant and system, addressing past water quality issues.

  • The Chain O' Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon on January 14, 2026.
  • Spring Grove's new community development position was created after Bob McMahon took office as village president on April 1, 2025.
  • The new retail developments in Spring Grove are starting construction this spring.

The players

Donny Schmit

The village president of Fox Lake.

Bob McMahon

The village president of Spring Grove, elected in April 2025.

Steve Henley

The village president of Volo.

Todd Weihofen

The village administrator of Lakemoor.

Cathy Levatino

The owner of Rita's Italian Ice in McHenry, which is looking to expand to a second location.

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What they’re saying

“If you didn't live on the lake, there was no place to go to enjoy the lake. Now, people from communities all over come to visit our lakefront park.”

— Donny Schmit, Fox Lake Village President (shawlocal.com)

“Because of the new position... three new retail developments are starting from the ground up this spring.”

— Bob McMahon, Spring Grove Village President (shawlocal.com)

“To have residents like that, that is unbelievable.”

— Bob McMahon, Spring Grove Village President (shawlocal.com)

“The keyboard warriors say we should not have done it. But it is showing a benefit, and I am proud of what we have accomplished.”

— Donny Schmit, Fox Lake Village President (shawlocal.com)

What’s next

The towns will continue to monitor the impact of their park upgrades and economic development initiatives, with plans to potentially expand or replicate successful projects in the future.

The takeaway

These northeast McHenry County communities are demonstrating that smaller suburban towns can thrive by investing in public amenities, leveraging private partnerships, and pursuing strategic economic development - all while preserving their unique local character and community-oriented values.