A Replenished Lloyd Beach Reopens In Winnetka

WINNETKA, IL — After a year of closure Lloyd Beach and boat launch is set to reopen to the public later this month with a new breakwater system, a new boardwalk, restored bluffs and a replenished beach.

After being battered by historically high lake levels in 2019 and remaining closed for the entire 2020 season, the beach is set to reopen to the public for Memorial Day weekend.

The cost of the $5.1 million project was covered with a mix of revenues, reserves and alternative revenue bonds, according to Kelsey Raftery, the park district’s marketing and brand manager.

A new three-part breakwater system protected the beach throughout the winter after contractors brought in more than 8,000 tons of sand to replenish it last year.

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A new boardwalk was added, extending from the beach house to the parking lot, while the boat launch was repaved and improvements were made to the south beach access ramp.

There have also been renovations to the fenced-in motorized boat storage are and new non-motorized boat racks.

The project's bluff restoration elements included removing invasive vegetation, planting new native vegetation and carrying out controlled burns, according to Raftery.

Winnetka Park District officials are planning a grand re-opening event next week at the beach.

Live music from the Winnetka-based band The Jack's, a scavenger hunt, free ice cream and more are planned for the reopening event, which is scheduled to run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 25.

Park district staff plan to exhibit stations set up at the beach for people to learn more about prior issues at the beach and the shoreline protection and bluff restoration that was recently completed.

Registration is required for the re-opening event.

Winnetka's boat pass season runs from May 29 to Sept. 6, while its beach pass season begins June 5.