Author: Brian Brubaker

The Round Lake Area Park District is officially cutting the ribbon on Hero Park — a brand new, inclusive playground that’s already turning heads and winning hearts across Lake County.

Join them on Saturday, August 16 from 10:00 a.m. at 2041 N. Orchard Lane in Round Lake Beach for a celebration of what’s possible when a community puts accessibility, creativity, and kids first.

Not Just a Park — A Promise to Every Child

Hero Park was designed with one clear mission: every child deserves a place to play. Whether your kid uses a wheelchair, avoids loud environments, or just loves to climb and splash for hours — this space was built for them.

From high-back swings and sensory panels to wide ramps and a splash pad, Hero Park removes the barriers that keep so many families from fully enjoying public play spaces.

I had the opportunity to attend NAHREP Lake County’s Hustle to Empire event on Thursday at the Round Lake Beach Civic and Cultural Center. It was a great event, well attended, educational, and full of energy. Real estate professionals, local leaders, and community members came together for an afternoon of networking and meaningful dialogue around housing, economic development, and opportunity.

One of the highlights was a conversation led by Jaycee Ochoa, a local real estate agent, where I joined Mayor Sam Cunningham of Waukegan to talk about the future of real estate development in our communities. We discussed the importance of supporting homeownership, driving local economic growth, and creating pathways for entrepreneurship, especially within Lake County’s Latino community.

The theme Hustle to Empire sent a clear message: hard work is only the beginning. Building generational wealth and stronger communities takes vision, access, and action and I’m proud Round Lake is part of that conversation.

This weekend, I stepped away from the desk, the inbox, and Village business for a few hours.

Not because I needed to, but because I meant to.

For two days, I was just “Dad, Grandpa and Big B.” We fished. We wandered. We checked on the garden. My son-in-law even organized my tool chest!

No meetings. No Zooms. No notes to prepare. Just time outside with family, in the kind of spaces that remind me why living in Round Lake matters in the first place.

It’s about creating a community where kids can explore, where families can slow down, and where memories grow deeper than deadlines.

This break wasn’t a getaway; it was a needed reset. A reminder that if we’re serious about building a great place to live, we must live in it, too.

Monday is coming quickly… Let’s go!

A heartfelt thank you to Baxter International Inc. and the Baxter International Foundation for your incredible generosity, and for hosting such a meaningful and welcoming open house at the House That Baxter Built right here in Round Lake.

It was truly inspiring to hear from the Baxter team about why this work matters—and even more powerful to see the results firsthand. The team members and volunteers who attended brought real heart to the event, and listening to their stories and passion was nothing short of inspiring.

This home is more than just walls and a roof. It represents hope, partnership, and the belief that we rise higher when we lift each other up. It also brings property tax revenue back into the Village, energizes the neighborhood, and most importantly, welcomes a wonderful family into our community.

It’s humbling to witness our first Habitat for Humanity home come to life in the Village of Round Lake. This moment is a clear reminder: when local leaders, dedicated businesses, and passionate community members come together, we can build something much bigger than ourselves.

#BaxterGivesBack #RoundLakeProud #ForwardMotion

I used to make fun of my father for being ‘old’ or ‘not with the times’. In true karma I have become my father. This social media stuff facinates me and I would like to think I am smarter than a 3rd grader, but that is questonable by many.I used to give my dad a hard time for being “old” or “out of touch.” Turns out karma has a great sense of humor because now I am my dad. This whole social media thing fascinates me, even if I still feel like I need a manual half the time.

I’d like to think I’m smarter than a third grader, but depending on who you ask, that’s still up for debate.

I just ask that you stick with me. Follow the page, follow the blog. I promise I’ll get better, a little less clunky, and maybe even figure out how to post without breaking something.

Hello neighbors,

As we approach one of our country’s most cherished holidays, I want to take a moment to wish every one of you a safe, joyful, and memorable Independence Day. The 4th of July is more than just fireworks and cookouts. It’s a time to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the community that makes our town a great place to live.

This year, whether you’re joining a local parade, gathering with family and friends, or simply enjoying the summer evening sky, please remember to prioritize safety. Celebrate responsibly. Keep an eye on the kids, follow firework guidelines, and look out for one another.

I’m proud of the spirit and resilience our town shows every day. This holiday is a perfect reminder of how important it is to come together as neighbors and support each other. Let’s use this time not just to celebrate our nation’s history, but to strengthen the bonds that hold us close as a community. I’m working on bringing back the Memorial Day and 4th of July parades in 2026. More on that in a future post, but I’m excited for what’s ahead.

Enjoy the festivities, savor the moments, and take pride in the small town we all call home. Here’s to a fantastic 4th of July!

With gratitude,

Brian Brubaker
Mayor of Round Lake

In 2024, voters sent a clear message by rejecting the referendum—a call for a more fiscally responsible approach. Yet here we are again, facing essentially the same proposal, just repackaged.

We all support the need for an updated library. What we don’t support is an extra $300 added to our property tax bill—especially one that keeps growing as EAVs increase.

There are better solutions—ideas that would meet the Library’s needs without overburdening taxpayers. But progress requires transparency, collaboration, and responsible leadership.

The hard truth is this: the Library has not demonstrated strong fiscal stewardship. And they’ve been difficult partners to work with. Other governing bodies want to help—there are people and agencies ready to be part of the solution—but many are hesitant because of the Library’s past decisions and approach.

Your voice matters. Your input is needed now more than ever. Let’s demand a smarter, more cooperative path forward—one that earns public trust and delivers results without unnecessary cost.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F1EcqnHwH

Clarke will be performing a Village wide adult mosquito control application this evening, July1, 2025 , weather conditions permitting.

If you would like to be notified prior to spraying, please visit https://www.clarkeportal.com/ to be placed on the “Prior Notification” list for the Village.

Link Up at Lucky Emma’s is a chance to slow down, meet other local business owners, nonprofit leaders, and everyday builders who care about seeing this town thrive.

We’re building something in Round Lake, Illinois, together, one connection at a time.

Whether you come to support, to grow, to listen, or just to sit back and take it in, your presence matters.
We’re not here to impress. We’re here to show up. For each other. For this town.

 Lucky Emma’s Bar, Round Lake, IL 60073
 Monday, June 30th
 5:30 PM-7:00 PM

 Free to attend
 No sales pressure
 Just real conversations with real people who care

If you’re carrying the load alone, come rest it here a while. You might meet someone who wants to help