We are redesigning our website and want to hear from you on what you like and don’t like about our current website. Your input will help us create a new website that is more user-friendly, easier to navigate, and visually appealing.
Fill out a short questionnaire before your focus group (five minutes or less)
Actively participate in focus group (90 minutes)
Social Distancing
Focus groups will be outdoors or in a screened-in area (depending on weather). Each group will include eight to ten participants, one moderator, and two park district staff. Participants will be spaced at least six feet apart. Sanitizing stations will be available, and all tables and chairs disinfected between groups.
Sign Up
If you are interested, please fill out this form. We will finalize focus groups and notify participants by September 30. Thank you in advance for your time and input!
If you have questions or need additional information, please reach out to Kelsey Raftery at kraftery@nullwinpark.org or (847) 501-2044.
Co-Sponsored by Friends of the Green Bay Trail and Charles Schwab
Enjoy some time outdoors and help us celebrate the beautiful Green Bay Trail! Submit your photos to Friends of the Green Bay Trail anytime before September 30th, 2020.
Voting is open from October 1st through the 18th. Anyone and everyone is encouraged to vote for their favorite photos! A total of 12 winners will be chosen.
You may have noticed an explosion of color and a host of butterflies in The Butterfly Garden at the north end of Dwyer Park this summer. This garden, created and maintained by Garden Guild of Winnetka for more than 20 years, is a beautiful landmark in our community and a crucial habitat for butterflies and bees.
All the plants in the garden
serve as nurseries for caterpillars and/or nectar sources for butterflies. The
garden features two different species of milkweed — the only feeding source
for monarch caterpillars and the only plant that monarch butterflies will lay
their eggs on.
Blooms start in spring, with
white daffodils and purple grape hyacinth. Summer exhibits intense color from orange
and yellow yarrow, purple coneflower, and magenta blazing star. Fall brings the
jewel tones of asters, goldenrod, and ornamental grasses. Take some time to
smell the fragrance of butterfly bush, garden phlox, and sweet pepperbush. Nearly
30 botanical plant markers are on-site to aid in identification, and the Life
Cycle of the Butterfly sign at the west corner of the garden is great for
children.
We encourage you to enjoy this garden gem throughout the seasons! Stop by to read a book, have your morning coffee, or to find ideas for your own pollinator garden at home. Click here to view all the plants in the garden.
Thank you to all who participated in our Fourth of July Parade. We had a total of 73 vehicles come out and celebrate with us. Prizes were given to the best decorated vehicles. Congratulations to the winning families!
#1 Free session of summer camp: Vehicle 26, Hardy Family #2 Beach season pass for a family of four: Vehicle 7, Brown Family #3 Free session of tennis group lesson: Vehicle 71, Wentezl Family #4 Free session of skating or hockey group lesson: Vehicle 45, Morse Family
People’s Choice Award
Free golf foursome with two carts: Vehicle 10, Evans Family
In accordance with national, state, and local directives, and industry guidelines, we’ve developed a phase-in approach to tennis. Our number one priority is to provide a safe, cautious, and slow return to tennis. Here is the current four-phased overview to gradually return to tennis:
Our responsibility is to provide a safe, cautious, and slow return to tennis. Please review the United States Tennis Association website to learn more about playing tennis safely.
The first phase of tennis in Winnetka will look different in many ways. Here are the current guidelines to begin play using the outdoor courts:
The courts currently are available via the reduced operating hours of 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week.
All courts must be reserved by contacting the A.C. Nielsen front desk. Please dial (847) 501-2065 ext. 0.
Each participant will be required to waive claims and hold the Park District harmless for injuries, illness or losses, including COVID-19, sustained as a result of his or her tennis play at the Park District.
While it is not mandated, each player is encouraged to use a mask or a bandana mask.
Currently, only singles recreational play is permitted.
Play is limited to two adults. If one player is 18 years of age or younger, she/he must be accompanied by an adult within the minor’s immediate family.
Private lessons are provided on a one-on-one format only.
Each player is required to use no more than six (6) specifically numbered tennis balls to manage touch-points between players.
At the time of a reservation. A two-can ball purchase will be required for $10.
Ball purchase will be charged at time of reservation. Payment for the tennis balls will be by credit card only.
Balls will be delivered to the court at your reserved time.
To manage social distancing, only outdoor courts are available (courts 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 12).
Indoor facility and related amenities remain closed.
All drinking fountains are off and all bathrooms are closed.
No food is permitted on the courts.
All benches and score tenders have been removed from the courts.
All entrance gates must remain open.
Congregating is not permitted on the courts, near the courts, or in the parking lot.
The Nielsen Tennis Center operates as an enterprise fund within the Winnetka Park District and is supported solely by user fees. Since early March, the facility and its operations have been significantly impacted, leading to a significant financial impact. We ask that you support safe play practices and the Nielsen Tennis Center by purchasing a two (2) canisters of new tennis balls for $10 total, which will include differently numbered balls for each player to handle.
As always the Winnetka Park District thanks you for your support of the A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center as we continue to work together to bring tennis back in a safe manner.
Call (847) 501-2065 ext. 0 to reserve a court today!
The Winnetka
Park District Board of Commissioners appointed resident and former vice
president of the park board, John Peterson, as the new executive director of
the park district at the April 23 board meeting. Peterson’s appointment is
effective May 1. He replaces John Muno who served as executive director since
March 2017. Muno will be retiring after more than 30 years in the parks and
recreation industry, including nine years with the Winnetka Park District. Muno
and Peterson will work closely together now through July to ensure a smooth transition
of leadership.
“The board
and I are confident that John Peterson is the right person to lead the park district,
especially through these uncertain times,” said Mickey Archambault, park board president.
“He is a seasoned leader with extensive experience managing and directing
business operations. This combined with his first-hand knowledge of our
community makes him uniquely qualified to lead the Winnetka Park District
successfully into the future.”
Peterson has
served on the park board since May 2015, taking on the role of vice president
in 2018. He has been involved in several large-scale park projects, including
the renovation of both Hubbard Woods and Dwyer Parks and the development and
execution of the Winnetka Waterfront 2030 Plan. He has also served on the
board’s administration, revenue facilities, and stormwater management
committees, and as a park district representative to the Winnetka Parks
Foundation and District 36.
Peterson and
his wife, Julie, have resided in the North Shore since 1991, moving to Winnetka
in 2012. They have a daughter and a son who attended District 36 and New Trier.
Peterson earned a bachelor of science in journalism and a bachelor of arts in
economics from Northwestern University, as well as a masters in management from
the Kellogg School of Management. He spent his 31-year career with Aon plc,
holding various leadership roles to establish and grow business units, improve
employee engagement, drive client excellence, and deliver strong financial
performance.
During our district-wide closure, we want to provide the community with tips and ideas to stay happy, active and healthy at home during this challenging time. Follow our ideas for fitness and exercise, indoor and outdoor activities, crafts and projects for all ages. We will be updating this blog post, our Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Workouts
Stay healthy and active with at-home workouts. We’ve started compiling a list with many options – from local studios doing Facebook lives to YouTube channels to free trials!
Core Method Pilates Northbrook (Sign up for free on-demand classes until April 30. Access to Kidlates which is a Pilates-based family fitness program for parents to do with their kids is included!
Missy Vacala (Check out her Instagram feed for a schedule of IG Lives)
Shred415 (Check our their Instagram feed for workouts)
The Winnetka Park District is carefully monitoring developments of COVID-19 (coronavirus). While the current risk to Illinois residents remains low, we’re taking steps to prepare and are working closely with the Village of Winnetka, the library, and school districts in planning, response and communication.
What you can do
Wash hands often especially before eating and after sneezing, coughing, or contact with public surfaces.
Wash with soap or alcohol-based hand cleaners for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
Stay home when you are sick.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
What we are doing
As a matter of standard practice, staff disinfect bathrooms/locker rooms, and clean the public areas of our facilities, shared equipment (skates, racquets, etc.), and frequently touched surfaces daily.
Additional disinfecting is being done by staff throughout the day and overnight using effective and safe products.
Hand sanitizer has been placed in all lobby areas for public use at our facilities.
Due to record high lake levels and several severe winter storms, our beaches have sustained unprecedented damage in recent months. Below is a look into the current conditions of our beaches and what that means for the 2020 beach season. These plans may change pending future lakefront conditions.
Lloyd Beach
Current Conditions
Lloyd has seen the most severe damage this winter. On the north end of the beach, the lake has overtaken the existing steel seawall structure, rising past the boathouse. January storms caused irreparable damage to the boardwalk and boat rack structures. Portions of these structures were taken by the storm. The damaged pieces that remained were removed by staff.
On the southend, the water continues to erode the bluff. At current lake levels, the south portion of the beach is not useable.
South end
North end December 2019
North end February 2020
2020 Beach Season: Partially Open
The boat launch/pier and a portion of the beach on the north end will be available for boat launching.
The remainder of the beach and the boat house will be closed. Storage racks will be relocated to the lower parking lot and made available to rent from Memorial Day to Labor Day at a reduced rate of $240 for residents. Parking will not be allowed in the lower parking lot. Portable toilets will be available to patrons. No boat rentals will be available.
Park District lakefront camps – Winnetka Water Explorers and Jr Sailing Camp – will not take place this summer. The park district’s Adventure Camp will incorporate kayaking and SUP into the curriculum.
Tower Road Beach
Current Conditions
The condition of Tower Road Beach is currently good. The extent of damage has been loss of some beach due to current lake levels. A large portion of the beach remains fully intact and useable.
As part of the Winnetka Waterfront 2030 plan, bluff restoration efforts and staircase construction is currently underway. This is scheduled to be complete late June.
2020 Beach Season: Open
The beach and concessions will be open this season. It will open weekends only June 6, then daily starting June 13.
While construction of the staircase and bluff restoration are underway, a new traffic pattern will be in place. This includes a three foot wide temporary walkway along the beach access road. The lower lot will be open for resident parking. The upper parking lot will be available to both residents and non-residents. Staff will be present to direct and maintain a safe traffic flow.
Maple Street Beach
Current Conditions
Similar to Tower Road Beach, Maple Street Beach’s current condition is good. Some loss of beach has occured due to current lake levels.
2020 Beach Season: Open
Maple street will be open this season from June 13 to August 23. It will remain a swimming only beach. The pier may be closed at times due to hazardous lake conditions.
Elder Lane Beach
Current Conditions
At current lake levels, Elder has lost all of its useable beach. The boat racks have been removed, and the foundation they sat on has been damaged.
Looking north summer 2018
Looking north February 2020
2020 Beach Season: Closed
Elder will remain closed for the 2020 beach season due to lack of useable beach and potential safety concerns. The beach house will be closed and not available for rent or patron use. Barriers will be installed to prevent access to the beach.
Centennial Beach
Current Conditions
The extent of damage to Centennial has been loss of useable beach due to current lake levels. A small portion of the beach remains, but becomes hazardous during storm events.
Centennial February 2020
2020 Beach Season: Open
Centennial will continue to operate as a dog beach this season. The beach will not be accessible when lake conditions are hazardous. During these times, signs will be posted and the gate will remain locked (even to those with key fobs).
Due to the severe weather and for the safety of our patrons and staff, all Winnetka Park District facilities will be closed and all programs will be canceled Wednesday, January 30 through 10am on Thursday, January 31. Select programs will run as scheduled on Tuesday, January 29. For a detailed list of facility and program schedules, see below.
During this closure, staff will be working remotely and monitoring emails. If you need to reach us, please utilize our contact form or send an email to one of our staff members directly. We appreciate your patience and hope you and your family stay safe and warm!
Winnetka Park District Administrative Office
Tuesday, January 29: Open 8:30am-5pm
Wednesday, January 30: Closed
Thursday, January 31: Open 10am-5pm
A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center
Tuesday, January 29: Open 6:30am-10pm; all programs will run as scheduled
Wednesday, January 30: Closed; all tennis programs canceled
Thursday, January 31: Open 10am-10pm; starting at 10:30am, all programs will run as scheduled
Winnetka Ice Arena
Tuesday, January 29: Facility open; all programs will run as scheduled; Gullen’s Pond closed
Wednesday, January 30: Facility closed; all programs canceled; Gullen’s Pond closed
Thursday, January 31: Facility open for regularly scheduled activities
Paddle Tennis Hut & Courts
Tuesday, January 29: Facility and courts open 10am-11pm; all programs running as scheduled
Wednesday, January 30: Facility/courts closed; all programs canceled
Thursday, January 31: Facility and courts open 10am-11pm
Winnetka Golf Club
Tuesday, January 29: Facility open 9am-1pm; all programs after 1pm canceled
Wednesday, January 30: Facility closed; all programs canceled
Thursday, January 31: Facility open 10am-4pm
Basketball, Hip Hop, Breakdance & Cheerleading Programs at District 36 Schools
Tuesday, January 29: Programs canceled
Wednesday, January 30: Programs canceled
Thursday, January 31: Programs canceled
