The Wilmette Park District has decided to charge people to access the formerly free South Beach in a punitive move.
In the three years since my husband, dog and I moved from Chicago’s South Loop to Wilmette, we have grown to embrace this village. From the tree-lined streets and historic architecture to the dog-friendly businesses downtown, it’s a great place to live.
When summer came our first year here, I learned the rules. One area of the beach was roped off and deemed the “swimming beach”; it permitted swimming within boundaries patrolled by teenaged lifeguards. This area also included a concession stand, locker rooms and other amenities. The Park District charged beachgoers a fee for entering this part of the beach Memorial Day through Labor Day.
I saw older dogs, like my own, being walked by their people, dipping their paws in the tide. I brought friends and family, who were enamored of the place. And I started referring to our house as a beach house, even though we live several blocks away. It has been a privilege and a dream to get to enjoy Gillson Park, and I felt proud knowing that Wilmette, my town, was offering this truly amazing place to everyone, whoever they were, wherever they came from.
In addition to being heartbroken that my dog and I are effectively barred from using the public beach that our tax dollars support, I am shocked at the blatant discrimination of this new plan. One Park District executive told me that this is what Wilmette residents want and that it’s “more user-friendly.” I disagree. When you commodify a public beach, you discourage its use and prohibit its enjoyment by the public.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rare whooping crane rescued in Wilmette, returned to WisconsinOne of the rarest birds in North America made an unexpected stop in Wilmette this week.
Read more »
Wilmette Village Board outlines 2024 comprehensive planCreating a more welcoming and inclusive community, affordable housing and community character are among the priorities of Wilmette residents, according to a draft of the village’s 2024 comprehensiv…
Read more »
Wayfair's first-ever ‘large-format' store in Wilmette to open this monthWhile known for being an online destination, Wayfair will soon open their first-ever 'large-format' physical store.
Read more »
Wilmette's massive Wayfair store and restuarant to open later this monthAt 150,000 square-feet, the store in Eden’s Plaza will be Wayfair’s first “large-format” store. It will also feature an on-site…
Read more »
Stronger Together Community Engagement Expo in Wilmette promotes education for gun violence preventionThe first Stronger Together Community Engagement Expo on May 4 in Wilmette at the Wilmette Public Library drew patrons to a 90 minute opportunity and conversation starter. The downstairs auditorium…
Read more »
Wilmette’s Baker Demonstration School welcomes Kate Cicchelli as head of schoolCOVID-19 may be in the rearview mirror for most of society but students and teachers across the county are still dealing with the social and emotional fallout from the pandemic, said the new “Head …
Read more »