Lake Glenview Boating Approved By Park District

GLENVIEW, IL — At Glenview Park District Board meeting on Feb. 23, the board approved a supplemental use agreement between the Glenview Park District and the Village of Glenview to allow boating on Lake Glenview. This agreement now needs to be approved by the Village Trustees at a future Village Board meeting. The board also approved a Glenview Park District ordinance to regulate boating on the lake.

There have been many years of planning for boating on the lake with guidance and insight from residents, the volunteers of the Natural Resource Commission, and staff at both the Village of Glenview and the Glenview Park District.

Created in 1998, the man-made lake accommodates important storm water drainage and provides recreational opportunities and important environmentally sensitive areas for the community.

Boating on the lake was discussed from the initial planning for Gallery Park. The Gallery Park Guide, which was developed by residents and community leaders to define the vision and framework of the park specifically mentions canoeing and kayaking as future activities for the lake.

On May 27, 2010, the Glenview Park District and the Village of Glenview entered into an intergovernmental agreement for the upkeep, stewardship and programming of Gallery Park.

This agreement included the allowance for boating on Lake Glenview. The Glenview Park District’s strategic plan for 2015-2018 included an initiative to further research the possibility for boating on Lake Glenview.

This research has been conducted by staff for the past 18 months and the park district is ready to implement this activity.

Allowing limited boating access will provide residents another way to appreciate and connect with nature in Glenview. The park district is committed to being environmentally sensitive and would only allow non-motorized kayaks, canoes and rowboats on the lake. To further help protect the environmentally sensitive areas and wildlife in and around the lake, there will only be one entry and exit point for boaters and the islands will be off limits. The district also plans to educate boaters on best practices to protect the natural environment and wildlife through signage and promotional campaigns.

Once boating is formally approved by both the Village and the Park District, boaters will need to obtain a permit at Park Center and commit to adhering to the rules for boating. Boating is tentatively scheduled to start on Saturday, May 27 in conjunction with the Memorial Day weekend.

The park district is looking for volunteers to assist with the boating program and educating
visitors about nature and the wildlife around the lake. For more information on volunteering,
contact Judy Ksiazek at Judy.Ksiazek@glenviewparks.org.

Courtesy Glenview Park District