Gillson Beach
Lake Avenue at Lake Michigan
Langdon Beach
Chestnut Avenue and Sheridan Road

General Information: 847/256-9656
Recorded Beach & Wallace Bowl Information: 847/256-0333
Lakefront Manager: William Miller
Assistant Lakefront Manager: Tim Amorella

Opening Date:  Saturday, May 24
Closing Date:  Monday, September 1

Beach Schedule
Beach Hours Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or as daylight permits)
Office Hours Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Concession Hours Daily: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (or as conditions permit)
Lakeview Center Hours  Daily: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Daily Beach Admission
9 a.m.-6 p.m. 
$3.75, resident; $7.50, non-resident
6-8 p.m.
$1.50, resident; $3, non-resident

Langdon Beach Open for Swimming
The beach at Langdon Park will be open for swimming and operated under the same rules as Gillson Beach. Season Passes or a Daily Admission fee will be required to use the beach at Langdon Park. The beach will have life guards and the hours of operation will be similar to Gillson Beach.

About Gillson Park and the Wilmette Beaches

• Gillson Park offers 60 acres of beautiful lakefront property, ideal for picnics, bicycling, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and many other spring and summer outdoor activities. 
• Dogs on leash are allowed in Gillson Park EXCEPT during special events such as Independence Day. Leashes must not exceed 10 feet in length and owners are responsible for clean-up. Dogs wearing Beach Permit tags are allowed off-leash in the fenced Dog Beach area located between the pier and the harbor mouth at the south end of Gillson Park. Dogs are NOT allowed on the public swimming and sailing beaches.
• Public swimming and wading are allowed in the buoyed swimming area only.
• No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park or on the beaches.
• When safety hazards are present, the beach and water may be closed temporarily at the discretion of the Lakefront Manager.
• Flotation devices are not allowed in the water except Coast Guard approved life jackets when worn properly.

Gillson Park Grilling Permits

• Grilling permits are available at Lakeview Center during regular office hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) or at the Beach House Office, Saturdays and Sundays, May 24-September 1, from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Pre-reservations for picnic areas are available to Wilmette residents only.
• No charge for RESIDENT picnic permits.
• Non-Resident picnic permits are $10.
• Permit hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 2-5 p.m.; 5-8 p.m.
• All grilling must be done on existing Park District grills.
• A "Picnic Patrol" will issue permits on weekends.

Lakeview Outdoor Shelter Rentals

Available May 1-September 30
Residents:  May make reservations up to one year in advance. Rental is available to Wilmette residents at no charge.
Non-Residents:  Reservations are accepted on same day rental as desired. Cost is $25 for half of  the shelter; $50 for entire shelter.
Parties of 35 people or less receive rental of half of the shelter.  Parties of 36 or more must rent the entire shelter.
Times Available: 7-11 a.m.; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; and 4-8 p.m.

Gillson Beach Party Area Rentals
Available May 24- September 1
We’ve designated a beach party area for use by groups celebrating a birthday party or other special occasion. Your rental includes admission to the Gillson Park swimming beach and picnic table seating for up to 30 guests for two hours. You can also arrange food service with us (including ice cream) for an additional charge. A $50 non-refundable deposit must be paid with contract to reserve the space. Deposit will be deducted from the total cost of event.
Times Available: 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.; 1 - 3 p.m.; and 4 - 6 p.m.
Resident:                   $ 50
Non-Resident:           $ 100

 The Lakeview Grill   
Open June 16-August 22
Enjoy your lunch on the Starlight Patio surrounded by the natural beauty of the lakefront in Gillson Park. Gillson Park’s Lakeview Center will be offering a lunchtime menu between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday which will include hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, pizza, fries, chips and beverages. All patrons will be issued a free one-hour parking permit at the Lake Street entrance.

Gillson Park Lakefront Parking Information

Overlook Drive Parking Area
Cars displaying a 2008 Village of Wilmette vehicle sticker, or a 2008 Lakefront Parking decal, may park on the Overlook Drive area, which is located closest to the lake within the confines of Gillson Park. All other cars are subject to ticketing by the Wilmette Police Department.

Beach Parking Lot    
The parking lot adjacent to the swimming and sailing beach is reserved for cars displaying a 2008 Lakefront Parking decal or Daily Parking Permit which is available Monday through Friday for $7 between the hours of 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Limited Daily Parking Permits are also available on weekends for $8 between 9 a.m. and noon.  Cars without parking decals or permits are subject to ticketing by the Wilmette Police Department.

Gillson Park Lakefront Parking Decals
Wilmette Park District 2008 Lakefront Parking decals are color-coded to designate Resident and Non-Resident users. Resident Lakefront Parking decals can only be used on vehicles displaying a Village of Wilmette sticker. Residents with leased or company vehicles should inquire about proper procedures when purchasing a Lakefront Parking decal. Note: Lakefront Parking decals must be permanently affixed to the lower driver’s side front windshield. Tickets will be issued by the Wilmette Police Department for those who fail to display the decal properly. The 2008 Lakefront Parking decals expire March 31, 2009.

How to Purchase Lakefront Parking Decals
The 2008 Lakefront Parking Decals will be on sale at the Administrative Office in the Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Avenue or the Lakeview Center in Gillson Park. Fees are $13 for residents and $90 for Non-Residents.

2008 Wilmette Beach Season Passes
The Wilmette Park District issues separate season passes for the beaches at Gillson and Langdon Parks and Centennial Family Aquatic Center. The Beach Season Passes are a cloth patch which must be sewn onto a swimming suit or permanently affixed to a swimming article available for inspection upon request by the cashier or checker. The Centennial Family Aquatic Center season passes are Photo ID cards which are renewable from season to season. For details on renewing your 2007 pass or applying for a new pass please see page xx.  

Now through April 30

Early Bird Season Pass Discount
Buy a Pool or Beach Season Pass before May 1 and receive an Early Bird Discount. Beginning May 1 regular season rates will be in effect. During regular business hours you may drop off your season pass application, with payment, at these Park District facilities: Centennial Recreation Complex, Community Recreation Center, Lakeview Center in Gillson Park or the Administrative Office in Village Hall. You may also Fax your order to 847-256-8776 or mail it to Centennial Family Aquatic Center, 2300 Old Glenview Rd., Wilmette, IL 60091. Beach passes can be picked up immediately at Centennial, Lakeview Center and the Administrative Office. Passes ordered via fax, the mail, or through the Community Recreation Center will be mailed to you.

Season Pass Guidelines

• Season Passes are to be used only by the person to whom they are issued and are not transferable.
• Anyone two years or older must have a Beach Season Pass or pay a daily fee to enter the beach.
• Wilmette resident senior citizens 65 and older, with proper identification (i.e., driver's license, state-issued ID, passport), applying in person, receive a 50% discount off the price of individual pool, beach or both when purchased together.
• Season Pass refunds are not given for any reason after Opening Day.

How to Purchase Beach Season Passes
The 2008 Beach season passes will be available for purchase at the Wilmette Park District Administrative Office, Centennial Recreation Complex office, or the Lakeview Center in Gillson Park between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. Beginning May 24, they may also be purchased at Gillson Beach House between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.

2008 Beach & Centennial Family Aquatic Center Season Pass Fees

Early Bird Fees are in color (Good through April 30)

In-Home Child Care Provider Season Pass
The Wilmette Park District offers an In-Home Child Care Provider Season Pass for individuals employed by Wilmette residents. These passes are not renewable. Note: In Home Child Care Providers may not be counted as a family member on a family pass. In-Home Child Care Providers must apply in person with a letter from their employer to serve as proof of employment in order to purchase this discounted season pass.

Lake Avenue at Lake Michigan
General Information: 847/256-9656
Lakefront Manager: Bill Miller
Assistant Lakefront Manager: Tim Amorella

Group Sailing Lessons

Students must be able to swim 50 feet. Classes meet regardless of weather. There are no make-up classes or adjustments.
Beginner lessons are for those who cannot sail a basic boat by themselves, even in good weather. Classes are limited to 20 students. Instruction is given on Sunfish sailboats. Lessons include the use of the boat, life preserver and instruction.
Intermediate lessons are for those who can sail by themselves but who need work sailing up-wind, righting a boat, changing course, or handling strong breezes. Classes are limited to 20 students. Instruction is given on Sunfish sailboats or Hobie Waves. Sailors must have passed the Beginners or equivalent class.
For Group Lesson information please contact the Lakeview Center at 847/256-9656.

Private & Semi-Private Sailing Lessons

June 9-August 17
Private Sailing Lessons
Individual instruction by Park District staff provides a flexible and constructive learning format. This approach is particularly appreciated by adults. Private lessons enable the instructor to adjust to the student’s schedule and rate of adaptation to the sport. One-to-one lessons are given in sets of four one-hour sessions. Beginning Private students must be able to swim 50 feet. Consult the Sailing Supervisor if circumstances require exception to these rules. Upon completion of beginning lessons, students will be able to sail a basic sailboat confidently in good weather. Intermediate Private lessons are for sailors who have basic skills but would like to improve these skills or gain experience on a Hobie Wave or Hobie Getaway.

Semi-Private Sailing Lessons
The Wilmette Park District also offers semi private sailing lessons which can be taken by up to three individuals. Instruction is by Park District staff. This flexible and constructive learning approach is convenient for families wishing to learn together and groups of friends seeking a similar experience. Semi private lessons enable the instructor to adjust to the students’ schedule and comfort level with the sport. Lessons are given in sets of four one-hour sessions.

General Sailing Lesson Information
Three of the four private and/or semi-private lessons are normally on the water. For those signing up before the season begins there is a free dry-land orientation. The free lesson will be given at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at the Sailing Beach. By attending this free session you may be able to have all four lessons on the water. If you have not signed up by June 14, you may do so between 9-10 a.m. that morning at the beach.

Students are responsible for scheduling private and semi-private lessons. Refunds are not made if the lessons are not completed by Sunday, August 17. Lessons are not scheduled after this date. Call the Sailing Beach to arrange a day and time when the instructor you prefer is available. For Lesson information please contact the Lakeview Center at 847/256-9656.

Wilmette’s Dog Beach, located at the south end of Gillson Park, is a popular off leash destination for many four-footed friends and their owners. Dogs are also welcome to play off leash in the large open area adjacent to West Park located south of Lake Avenue and west of Laramie Avenue.

In all other Wilmette parks, dogs must be on leash at all times, and owners are expected to clean up after their pet. Dogs are not permitted in tot lots; at the Wilmette Golf Club; in building interiors; the outdoor pools; the public swimming or sailing beaches; or in Gillson Park during special events.

To use the Dog Beach owners must purchase a tag for their dog—fees are $25 for residents and $150 for non-residents. Tags may be purchased at the Park District Administrative Office in Village Hall. The Cook County Animal and Rabies Control Ordinance requires written proof of current vaccinations and an examination within the past year for any communicable diseases. Proof of a current rabies certificate is also required for permit purchase.

The Gillson Park Dog Beach has specific hours and will be closed on Memorial Day, May 26;  July 3 & 4; and Labor Day, September 1. The 2007-2008 tags expire April 30, 2008.

Daily hours at Gillson Park Dog Beach