Independence Grove Beach, Marina Will Not Open This Summer

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Forest Preserves has decided not to open the beach at Independence Grove Forest Preserve this summer, forest preserves officials told Patch on Friday. The forest preserve district is also opting to keep the marina closed and cancel Independence Grove's summer concert series as a precautionary measure as staff was unclear over "what and what not could operate this season," Jim Ballowe, director of revenue facilities for the Lake County Forest Preserve District.

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"The decision was based on the ability to maintain social distancing and staffing limitations due to the uncertainties," Ballowe said. Amidst the uncertainty, the forest preserve district made the decision in May not to open Independence Grove's beach and marina and to cancel the concert series.

Illinois is currently in Phase 3 of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's reopening plan but is expected to enter Phase 4 next week.

In Phase 3, gatherings of more than 10 people are not allowed. Once the state is in Phase 4, which allows for gathering sizes of up to 50, the district plans to open picnic shelters and likely all of its restroom facilities.

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Currently, all forest preserve sites in Lake County are open, Ballowe said.

More information is available via the Lake County Forest Preserves website