WINNETKA PARK DISTRICT HOSTS RENAMING CEREMONY TO HONOR GENEROUS DONATION
Winnetka, IL; August 18, 2021 — Earlier this year, the Winnetka Park District, in conjunction with the Winnetka Parks Foundation, accepted a generous donation from the Stepan family to enhance the boat launch at Lloyd Beach. In recognition of the family’s donation, a dedication ceremony was held August 15, 2021 to rename the boat launch Stepan Family Boat Launch at Lloyd Beach.
The family’s gracious donation will help support outer pier improvements to the Stepan Family Boat Launch at Lloyd Beach and other future improvements to the launch area.
The Stepan family has called Winnetka home for more than 75 years. “This community and the lakefront have been such a large part of our family’s history, we hold our memories at the lake dear to our hearts. We are thrilled to help provide a lasting recreational asset for the community to enjoy for years to come,“ said Charlotte (Stepan) Shea.
The dedication ceremony to rename the boat launch to Stepan Family Boat Launch at Lloyd Beach took place on the pier. The nostalgia of years past were felt by all who attended as a classic barbeque picnic was provided to celebrate the occasion. To close out the ceremony, Mrs. Shea spoke on behalf of the Stepan family.
“I was filled with joy to see everyone come together for the afternoon,“ said Mrs. Shea. “To be surrounded by family and friends, on such a gorgeous day, celebrating the future of our lakefront meant the world to our family.”
Warren James, president of the Winnetka Park District board of commissioners, helped host the event and commented, “As Mrs. Shea said, we were blessed with a gorgeous day to celebrate the Stepan family’s generosity. It was a true testament to the power of family and what can be accomplished when people come together to support the parks and shoreline.”
About the Winnetka Parks Foundation
The Winnetka Parks Foundation (WPF) is an official 501c3 nonprofit organization, established in 1999 to enrich our village parks, beaches, recreational activities, and community events. In partnership with the Winnetka Park District and other entities, the WPF also coordinates and sponsors youth programming events to engage underserved communities, extending our outreach beyond the Village of Winnetka. Through generous donations from community members, the foundation has raised more than $2 million to help fund key Winnetka Park District events and projects.
