Unless previously notified, all programs and classes are running as regularly scheduled today. Monday, 2/17/25
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South Beach Operations and Management
START DATE
2024
LOCATION
Gillson Park, Wilmette
South Beach Operations and Management Update
Updated 2.28.25
Wilmette Park District Staff presented a DRAFT Proposal of the South Beach Operational Plans for the 2025 season.
Click Here for a overview of the draft proposal. Highlights and visuals of the plan are below.
Increased Visibility of Scenic Views – Repositioning of Managed Area Fencing
Shortened Operational Hours – Free Access During Non-Operational Hours
New Reduced Fee Days
Improved Communication Signage
Prioritize the health and improve the resilience of our dunes and their connected ecosystem.
Added ADA Accessibility
Dedicated Beach Patrol Positions and Additional Training
Group Pricing
As a result of this valuable feedback and dialogue during the February 24th meeting, the Board of Park Commissioners requested a reworked and more refined version of the draft proposal. This updated version will incorporate the community’s input and address the Board’s recommendations for changes. Staff will present the revised plan at our next Regular Board Meeting on March 10, where further discussion and community input will be encouraged.
Background
In 2024, the Wilmette Park District introduced swimming at Gillson Park’s South Beach for the first time, along with a fee-based swim area and a slatted dune fence for access control. This change aimed to enhance safety and operational efficiency, addressing historical safety concerns and visitor feedback about the no-swim zone. However, the access control method, particularly the fencing, received mixed community reactions due to fears of mobility access, visitor restrictions, wildlife impact, and obstructed lakefront views.
Despite the criticisms, the 2024 season demonstrated positive outcomes, including a 17% decrease in police responses compared to 2023 and no incidents related to alcohol or drugs. Visitor data showed that South Beach welcomed over 35,000 guests. In response to community feedback and operational data, the Park District is committed to continuing managed access control in 2025
Project Overview
Although changes based on public feedback during the 2024 season were made we continued to gather all public feedback in the fall to better understand individuals experiences and needs regarding South Beach operations.
To gain in-depth insights and sentiments, we organized Focus Groups facilitated by Public Communications Inc. (PCI), who conducted detailed sessions and provided comprehensive reports on community perspectives. We used this data to evaluate our operational capabilities alongside the primary feedback themes.
This thorough assessment enabled us to make informed suggestions and develop a strategic, operational plan proposal for South Beach in 2025 that aligns with community expectations and practical implementation.
Planning Goal and Intended Outcomes
- Enhanced Safety and Security: Maintain a safe environment for beachgoers with controlled access and lifeguard supervision.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamline beach management and staff deployment for improved visitor experiences.
- Community Engagement and Transparency: Involve community stakeholders through focus groups and public input to shape the 2025 operational plan.
- Accessibility and Visitor Experience: Balance safety with unobstructed access, preserving scenic views and ensuring inclusivity.
- Clear Communication: Communicate our operational procedures to the public in a transparent, straightforward, and easily understandable way.
Documents and Presentations
Project Timeline
South Beach Operations in the Media
The Record Northshore – Return of the fence? That’s TBD, but a similar plan for Gillson’s south beach is likely, park district says – 12.24.24
The Record Northshore – Summer on Wilmette’s Lakefront: Fewer emergency calls, fewer season passes, more single-use passes – 10.23.24
ABC 7 News – Wilmette residents protest new admission fees, fence built at Gillson Park beach – 09.02.24
Fox 32 Chicago – Controversy brews in Wilmette over new fees, fence at Gillson’s South Beach – 06.10.24
The Patch – Residents Criticize New Gillson Park Fence – 05.15.24
The Record Northshore – Swimming, paid entrance and increased security are part of plan to counter years of problems at Wilmette’s South Beach – 4.9.24
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