Opposition from residents persuaded officials to scrap plans for an admission fee and a $100,000 fence at Gillson Park’s south beach in Wilmette. But lingering concerns over safety have prompted the Park District to increase supervision this summer.
Park leaders say safety is still an issue at the beach, where people regularly ignore “No Swimming” signs.
In response, the district expects to spend $10,800 on six chairs for staff members to monitor activity, $3,000 on bullhorns and walkie-talkies, and another $36,000 to add personnel.
“It is a problem on south beach,” said Kathy Bingham, the Park District’s recreation superintendent. On summer weekend afternoons, “it’s been unmanageable” due to “hundreds of people in the water.”
“We have to be a little more vigilant as to how we are going to encourage people to adhere to our policies,” she said at a park board meeting this week.
The chairs and communication equipment would be one-time expenses, and Bingham expects the staffing cost to decrease in future years as people begin to learn the Park District’s policies for the beach.
Commissioner Mike Murdock highlighted the difference between the cost of the new concept and the abandoned $100,000 fence idea, which would have restricted access and required beachgoers to pay an admission fee.
“In reality, this would be, in all probability over time, a more expensive way to address the issue,” he said.
Wilmette Park District Board President James Brault asked residents to “bear with us” as commissioners and staff try to address safety concerns at the south beach and said, “Whatever step we take, this issue will be one that evolves.”
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Last month, the Parks and Recreation Committee recommended five modified lifeguard chairs for the south beach, to be located 350 feet apart. A simpler chair for another staff member will also be included. The lifeguard chairs, each with an umbrella, a sign listing beach policies, and garbage and recycling receptacles, will cost $9,800. The sixth chair will cost $1,000. Six walkie-talkies and six bullhorns will run another $3,000.
Along with an estimated $36,000 in additional staffing costs, the program is expected to cost $49,800 this summer.
Last year, the Park District spent $101,000 on staffing at Gillson Park, including $56,000 for Police Department officers and aides, according to records.