Since 1962, the club, in conjunction with the Des Plaines Park District has been successful in promoting the sport of sailing in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
Lake Opeka came into being in the late fifties with the construction of the Northwest Tollway (I-90). Farmland was purchased near the Lee Street interchange and a lake was dug to provide dirt for the overpasses in the area. Upon completion, the foresighted Des Plaines Park District, with the assistance of their attorney Frank Opeka, purchased the 60 acre tract for $1.00 and created Lake Park. Besides the 39 acre lake with launching ramps, docks and wet and dry moorings, the facility includes an 18 hole par 3 golf course, band shell, picnic area, children’s playground, sand volleyball courts, exercise and jogging course and clubhouse/marina with snack bar accessed from Howard Street.
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Des Plaines Yacht Club 