The Winnetka Park District will undertake critical beach cleanup and safety improvement efforts this summer at Centennial Beach and Elder Lane Beach beginning July 21, 2025. With the contract for work obtaining Park Board approval in June, it solidifies the Winnetka Park District’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safe, clean, and enjoyable public lakefront spaces for the community.
The first phase will begin at Centennial Beach, where the Park District will remove accumulated debris on land and in the water. This is to address safety concerns and to enhance the beach experience for both park users and their pets. Work is scheduled to begin the week of July 21 and is expected to be completed by August 2, 2025, weather and lake conditions permitting.
The second phase, at Elder Lane Beach, involves the removal of debris as well as the removal of the final 20 feet of the pier. This work is necessary to eliminate hazardous conditions and to prepare the area for safe public swimming and recreation. Work at Elder Lane Beach will also begin the week of July 21 and is expected to be completed by August 9, 2025, weather and lake conditions permitting. These maintenance efforts have been reviewed and permitted by the Village of Winnetka, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure full regulatory compliance.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we complete this important maintenance,” said Costa Kutulas, Director of Parks and Maintenance. “By clearing debris and addressing structural concerns, we’re investing in the long-term health and usability of this treasured beach for our community.”
During construction, any use of Centennial and Elder Lane Beaches will be prohibited. Following the Park District’s cleanup at Elder Lane, the Village of Winnetka is scheduled to conduct repairs of stormwater outflow pipe, located beneath the pier at Elder Lane Beach. That work is also anticipated for completion by August 9. Once that is complete and daily water quality testing confirms compliance with the State of Illinois standards. Elder Lane Beach will reopen for public swimming, consistent with protocols at other Winnetka swimming beaches.