Unless previously notified, all programs and classes are running as regularly scheduled today. Monday, 2/17/25
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WAYS TO PLAY
Lakefront/Gillson Park
Location
800 Gillson Park Drive
North Entrance
Lake Ave & Michigan Ave
South Entrance
Sheridan Rd & Michigan Ave
POINT OF CONTACT
Emin Jakupovic
Lakefront Beach Supervisor
PHONE NO.
POINT OF CONTACT
Conor McCormick
Lakefront Park Supervisor
PHONE NO.
POINT OF CONTACT
Megan White
Lakefront General Manager
PHONE NO.
Welcome to Gillson Park
Lakefront Programs
Registration for spring+summer programs begins at 10 am:
- March 11 for residents
- March 18 for non-residents
Gillson Park offers 60 acres of beautiful lakefront property ideal for picnics, bicycling, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and many other outdoor activities. In Gillson, you’ll find:
- Two Swimming Beaches
- Picnic Areas and Pavilion
- Lighted Tennis Courts
- Fitness Course
- Tot Lot
- Kayak, SUP & Sailboat Rentals
- Dog Beach
- Lakeview Center
- Wallace Bowl
- Seasonal Lighted Ice Rink
- Kayak/SUP Launch Area
- Wallace Bowl - Outdoor Theater
What's New
Improving Gillson's Infrastructure
- In August 2022, a Gillson roadway survey indicated that our community preferred to keep the current road configuration in the park, but convert Middle Drive to a path for non-vehicular traffic (future plan). With this input, the District began work with engineers from Gewalt Hamilton Associates to develop an infrastructure project scope and plan.
- Planning activities continued throughout 2023. Following a six-month permitting process, the Board of Park Commissioners approved bids for construction and construction management on June 10 of this year. The project will began in September 2024 and is scheduled for completion in May, 2025.
Got questions? View our project page here or read our Frequently Asked Questions document.
The Gillson Park Lesser Celandine Project
Gillson Park is bustling with activity, not just with park-goers but also with our Parks Department team tackling one of nature’s tough contenders: Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna). This invasive species has been steadily gaining ground in our region, and you may spot our staff scouting, applying treatments, or testing innovative propane flaming methods to manage its spread.
Got questions? View our blog post here for more information.
Make sure to check the conditions!
Lakefront weather and water conditions change daily, and we want you to enjoy a safe visit.
- Call 847-256-9660 to check the daily weather/water report, or view the current status on the Gillson Rainout Line.
Explore Gillson Park
Park Map
Hours
Accessing Gillson Park
Swimming Beach Hours
Memorial Day - Labor Day
10 am-8 pm*
*Swimming out of season when no lifeguards are present is swim at your own risk.
*After 8 p.m., swimming is not permitted, as our lifeguards are no longer on station.
Swimming is strictly prohibited after Labor Day.
Park and Vehicle Gate Hours
Gillson Park Hours:
6 am-10:30 pm
Gillson Park North and South Vehicle Entry Gates:
6 am-8 pm*
*Note: After the North and South gates close at 8 p.m., vehicles can leave the park through the Washington Avenue exit. Vehicles left in the park after 10:30 p.m. will be ticketed.
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