Thanks to the efforts of more than 150 volunteers and donations, the Gorton Community Center of Lake Forest remains an important gathering place in the community. Located in the former Edward F. Gorton School building and originally built in 1901, the Gorton Center was completely renovated in 2000 thanks to a grassroots effort in the community. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Originally named Central School, the building was renamed in 1912 for Lake Forest mayor Edward F. Gorton. In 1971, School District 67 closed the Gorton School, and a year later the community center opened.
Gorton offers an array of programs fo children, teens and adults, and holds special events in its performing arts center. The children's drop-in center is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2010, and operates Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm.