About Us
In the mid-1950’s most of the property which is now within the HWIA was owned by Matt & Germaine Larson. The property was farmland and the Larson’s desire was to maintain a “rural” feel for the area. Their desire was to have ponds and park areas created throughout the association property. As such all the ponds are man-made with no spring source or other freshwater feed.
Development of their property began in 1954, and as the subdivision began to take form the Larson’s wanted future owners to benefit from the countryside setting. In order to ensure the preservation and maintenance of the parks and ponds they formed the “Hawthorn Woods Improvement Association” (HWIA) and filed appropriate covenants that require membership of all properties, including their land. On July 13, 1960, the HWIA became a legal entity and promptly filed its article of incorporation with the Illinois Secretary of State.
The HWIA articles state that the purpose of the association is “. . . to develop, maintain, and operate private parks, gardens, and lakes for the mutual benefit of all its members.”
Our Ponds and Parks
The ponds and parks that are part and parcel to the HWIA add value to each member’s property. In addition to the four ponds, the entrances off Old McHenry Road at Hawthorn Drive, Circle Drive and Lagoon drive are maintained by the HWIA as is the large park area in the center of Circle Drive.
There are currently four (4) ponds in the association.
Please see the property map for locations.
1. Little Hawthorn
2. Big Hawthorn
3. Lake Germaine
4. Teardrop
Pond Rules:
· No swimming in any pond.
· ALL fishing on the association ponds is strictly catch-and-release!
· ALL guests of association members using the ponds or parks must have proof of permission to do so from a property owner of the association.
· ALL dogs must be kept on leashes and must be picked-up after.
· Motorized vehicles are prohibited from all association property.
The Hawthorn Woods Police will be notified if observance of our by-laws has been violated.