It’s Almost Time for Pool and Splashpad Season!

Cool off (soon!) with summer fun at local pools and splash pads!

There’s no shortage of splashy summer fun in McHenry County, from local aquatic centers and beaches to park district splash pads. Most of our area’s swimming pools open on Memorial Day weekend with the arrival of summer help.

Whether you want to find out when your favorite pool, waterslide or swimming hole is going to open, or whether you’re looking to try something new, a great place to start is the swimming site list maintained by our friends at Naturally McHenry County – you can find it by clicking here.

McHenry County offers many convenient ways to pay property taxes

While no one likes to pay taxes – property taxes in particular – the McHenry County Treasurer’s Office offers multiple and convenient ways to pay. Tax bills can be paid online, paid over the phone, paid in person or by drive-thru window at the Treasurer’s Office, or paid at a number of participating banks, or paid by mail. Click here to learn more.

The Treasurer’s Office only collects property taxes for disbursement to local taxing bodies; it does not calculate an individual’s property tax bill. County government accounts for only about 6.5 percent of your tax bill.

New video highlights improvements for Randall Road

Engineering firm Baxter & Woodman whipped up this cool 1-minute video to show you – you can watch it by clicking the picture or by clicking here.

The multi-year project, when complete, will improve traffic flow and ease congestion on the northern segment of Randall Road between Alexandra Boulevard in Crystal Lake and the Acorn Drive/Polaris Drive intersection in Lake in the Hills. It will add travel lanes, a sidewalk and shared-use path to link bike and pedestrian paths in surrounding neighborhoods, intersection improvements, and more.

To make sure lane closures, traffic pattern shifts and other work doesn’t take you by surprise, be sure to sign up for text alerts by visiting randallroad.info or by texting “Randall” to 866-963-6647.

Patio dining season is upon us once again!

Many of our local restaurants offer wonderful outdoor dining options that allow you to pair wonderful views and refreshing breezes with your food and drink – each of them offering different ambiences during the day and evening.

Our friends at Naturally McHenry County have compiled a list of outdoor dining venues to help you find your next favorite spot – check it out by clicking here.

McHenry County DOT hosting Touch a Truck this Sunday

Climb aboard a variety of large-scale equipment provided by the DOT as well as local businesses and other government organizations. The first hour of the event will be quiet (no engines, horns, etc.) for people with sensory sensitivity needs, and there will be a McHenry County Sheriff’s K9 demonstration at 12:30 p.m.

Like previous Touch-a-Truck events, the DOT is holding its Load the Loader challenge. While the event is free to the public, the DOT is encouraging people to bring nonperishable food items to fill a front-end loader – all food items will be donated to the ongoing Operation Dropbox drive to help area veterans.

Make this the year you check out McHenry County by boat

From tranquil lakes to the majestic Fox River, and from park district and McHenry County Conservation District properties to our state parks, there’s so much to see and do.

If you’re new to the world of paddling or kayaking – starting with how and where to rent canoes and kayaks for your new adventure – check out this how-to article to begin.

If you like what you see, you can help us reach more McHenry County residents and businesses by sharing it!

Staying connected and informed is more important now than ever! Follow McHenry County on social media to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

McH Thrive is a collaborative initiative being implemented by McHenry County and the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) in partnership with the McHenry County community, including cities and villages, businesses and residents.