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WAYS TO PLAY
Lakefront Programs – Summer 2023
North Entrance
Lake Ave & Michigan Ave
South Entrance
Sheridan Rd & Michigan Ave
Langdon Beach
Chestnut Ave & Sheridan Rd
(closed due to beach erosion)
POINT OF CONTACT
Niki Koclanes
Lakefront Program Supervisor
PHONE
POINT OF CONTACT (or Private Sailing Lessons)
Megan White
Lakefront Operations Supervisor
PHONE
(847) 256-9658
Programs at the Lakefront
To register, click on the class title to enter our Registration Portal for specific date, time and fee information. NOTE: Some programs are linked to registration though a specific date (in red), instead of the title.
Grade 4-Adult (as of the 2023-24 school year)
Learn to sail in four, one-hour lessons! One-on-one classes allow students of all ages to learn how to rig a boat, basic safety on the water, knots, and sailing terms. On the water students learn boat handling techniques, tacking, capsizing and recovery. There are no makeups for lessons; on bad weather days, we’ll have dry land lessons. Private sailing lessons are non-refundable once purchased. Fridays and Saturdays, assorted dates and times available
Age 12 & up
Are you looking to try sailing for the first time, but want to feel more grounded in the basics before hitting the water? Did you sail in the past and need a refresher? Do you sail now, but would like more confidence? Sailing Fundamentals is the class for you. Over three evenings in a classroom, your instructor will discuss all common terminology, define and explain basic concepts and maneuvers, as well as review the common right of way rules. This course will include interactive discussion, and we make time for Q&A, so bring your curiosity and your questions. Sign up today!
Tuesday+Wednesday+Thursday evenings
Age 5 & up
[The Northwest Passage]
Build your confidence and learn new skills with this two-hour kayak lesson. No experience is necessary. We provide all the equipment (including wet suits). After an on-land safety briefing, your instructor(s) from The Northwest Passage will guide you through the basic skills and techniques to grow your kayak confidence. Learn to fall out of your kayak away from shore and re-enter with the help of a friend, and improve your knowledge and skills. Programs run rain or shine; however adverse lake conditions may require rescheduling. Participants under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: South Beach, Picnic Area 3
Choose from five Wednesdays
Age 12 & up
[The Northwest Passage]
Member down at the sailing beach? Wanting to learn more about your vessel? Come take a class through The Northwest Passage for Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Life vests and wet suits are provided, and the Sailing Beach member must provide their own vessel. A limited number of extra vessels will be given first priority to those additional family members participating.
Choose from four Saturday mornings
LOVE TO KAYAK? CHECK OUT OUR SPECIAL KAYAK TOURS, BELOW UNDER “SPECIAL EXPERIENCES”
Age 12 & up
[The Northwest Passage]
Our two-hour Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) lesson will introduce you to the techniques and skills required to comfortably set off on your SUP. Instructors from The Northwest Passage guide you through the basics of SUP from proper paddle techniques to the essential safety skills to confidently SUP. No experience is necessary.
All equipment is provided. Programs run rain or shine; however adverse lake conditions may require rescheduling. Participants 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Location: South Beach, Picnic Area 3
Saturday or Sunday mornings
SUP YOGA
Age 12 & up
Start your morning with a peaceful yoga class on Lake
Michigan! SUP Yoga takes place on a Stand Up Paddleboard and is a combination
of paddle boarding and yoga practice. This class will be a combination of a
gentle flow vinyasa, and a connection to nature through a floating savasana.
Saturday or Sunday mornings; reserve by class date (click on day to register)
SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
GILLSON BEACH CAMPOUTS
Age 2 & Up w/adult
hen Set up your own tent in a designated area on the beach and then join us for some early evening entertainment. As the sun sets, roast marshmallows around the campfire and enjoy some family-friendly entertainment. At sunrise, enjoy a small breakfast before your memorable stay ends. When registering, you’ll have the option to add on an Evening Kayak Tour or Sunrise SUP Tour to your magical waterfront experience! Tour group sizes are limited. All children must be accompanied by a parent. Staff will be available throughout the entire event. Fee is for the first two family members. Location: Gillson Swimming Beach.
Saturday night/Sunday morning (click on red date to register)
6/10
Age 4-13
Going on a date night, and can’t find a babysitter? Bring your kiddos to the Lakeview Center for an evening of crafts, a pajama dance party, and dinner! Slices of pizza will be provided for dinner with a small bottle of water. Select Fridays in June, July and August; 5-8 pm
Age 1 & Up
Come enjoy a campfire and stories read by camp counselors, staff and friends in the Park District, while you build the stickiest and gooiest s’more ever! Thursday 8/10
6:30-7:30 pm
Age 12 and Up
Join us for a kayaking adventure on Father’s Day or Labor Day! These adventures are informal and fun. No experience is necessary. We teach you basics, and then get out on the water. Exploring our great lakefront is a perfect way to create lasting memories. Experience your neighborhood from a totally fresh perspective. All equipment is provided; alternate dates may be needed due to weather and lake conditions. Space limited. Location: Gillson Park, Picnic Area 3
10 am-Noon
6/18
9/4
Age 9 & Up
As the sun sets, our paddle on Lake Michigan is rewarded with the brilliance of the moonrise. All equipment is provided. Alternate dates and locations may be needed due to weather and lake conditions. Space limited. Location: Gillson Park, Picnic Area 3
7-9 pm
6/1
8/1
8/30
Check out The Fat Shallot’s beachside dinners!
Crawfish Boil on Saturday, July 8
Beefsteak Feast on Saturday, August 5
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