P R O J E C T

U P D A T E S

Project Phases:

Our project work moves through a process that's broken into four phases: Defining, Planning, Execution and Completion. For detailed definitions of each project phase, go here

PLANNING PHASE

Gillson Park Infrastructure Improvements

The plans for Gillson Park are still under review by all the various agencies who must approve them, including the Village of Wilmette and the MWRD. The MWRD provided a second round of review comments in mid-March, and District engineers are working to respond to those quickly. The engineers are also developing the bid documents and plan to bid the work in May.

PLANNING PHASE

Langdon Shoreline Protection Project

Consultants from SmithGroup are finalizing the plans and developing bid documents per direction provided by the Board at the February Committee of the Whole meeting. The current plan is to release the bid documents in April, with bid opening in May.

A D D I T I O N A L

U P D A T E S

PROPOSAL TO ADD LIFEGUARDS, ALLOW SWIMMING AT GILLSON PARK'S SOUTH BEACH

During the March 18 COW meeting, the Board of Park Commissioners discussed a pivotal staff proposal aimed at enhancing safety and making swimming available at Gillson's South Beach.

Currently, the area south of Gillson's main swimming beach is open to the public without charge, however no lifeguards are present and swimming is not allowed.

The proposal transforms South Beach into a lifeguard-stationed swimming beach, accessible by a modest daily fee to cover staff and maintenance costs. The same slat dune fence used for the main swimming beach would surround South Beach. Two or three entrances would allow access.

Beach walkers would still be allowed to walk along the water's edge, and kayak/SUP launches would continue to be available on the north and south sides of the designated swimming area.

Acknowledging the persistent challenges faced by Lakefront staff in enforcing regulations and ensuring the welfare of visitors, the Board expressed concern over escalating reports of conflicts at the beach, many of which surround enforcement of the "no swimming" rule. The solution to allow safe swimming offers a more enjoyable beach experience for everyone. As a result, they directed staff to advance the planning process. More details will be available soon.

PROJECT PARKS AND PLAY - Park District Staff and consultants from BerryDunn hosted a community Town Hall meeting on March 14. The consulting team began with a presentation about the District's comprehensive and strategic planning process. Following the presentation, consultants and District staff were available to answer questions and receive feedback from participants. The team also collected input through a new community-wide survey in March. Survey results will be available soon.

A C C E S S

To view Agendas and Minutes from past Board meetings, click here. Minutes are posted after they are approved the following month.

Next Regular Monthly board meeting: Monday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall at 1200 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette.

Next Committee of the Whole meeting: NOTE NEW DATE FOR APRIL: Monday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mallinckrodt Center, 1041A Ridge Road (side entrance), Wilmette

All meetings are open to the public. Details are posted on the Upcoming Meetings page on our website.

Regular Monthly Board meetings are available to view live on Channel 6 locally for Comcast subscribers. View a live meeting online here, or view previous meeting recordings here (scroll down to "Wilmette Park District"). Please check our website often for updates.