News Archives

Lloyd Motorized Boat Storage

Posted January 13, 2022

One motorized boat storage space is available by lottery. Storage includes a secure space and in-and out-of-water service for one motorized boat or two personal watercrafts. Lottery tickets are $100 for residents and $250 for non-residents. A maximum of ten lottery tickets allowed per boat owner (as listed on the boat title or boat registration). Winners will be required to submit a check for the first year’s storage fee by March 14. Each person purchasing a lottery ticket(s) must read, review, and sign the Lottery Instruction Packet.

February 25 at 5pm: Ticket sales end

Purchase Lottery Tickets Online

Lottery Ticket Drawing Event

February 28 at 11am: Lottery ticket drawing event takes place at the Winnetka Park District office (540 Hibbard Road). This event will also be streamed live via Zoom.

Zoom link will be posted here closer to event date.

Posted in General, Lakefront, News

Paver Construction

Posted November 10, 2021

Work on the replacement of old broken and settled paver areas at four (4) parks will begin the week of November 15. Work will commence at the Skokie Playfield Administrative Office and Crow Island Woods shelter. The contractors will then move to Indian Hill Park and Station Park. For your safety, please be aware of roped-off areas, construction equipment, and workers. It is anticipated work will be completed on pavers by the end of November.

As part of the projects, benches will be removed at Indian Hill Park and Station Park. These will be remounted on concrete slabs over the next few months, weather permitting.

Please direct any questions to Costa Kutulas, Director of Parks and Maintenance at ckutulas@nullwinpark.org.

Thank you for your patience as this work is being done.

Posted in General, News, Parks

Crow Island Woods Selective Pine Tree Clearing

Posted October 28, 2021

The Winnetka Park District will be conducting a selective clearing of pine trees at Crow Island Woods starting November 1, 2021. Due to pine wilt, many of the pine trees are dying and causing dangerous conditions for surrounding trees and foliage, wildlife, and patrons who utilize Crow Island Woods.

This project is not related to the Crow Island Woods Stewardship Plan and will not occur in the woodland area. The affected area is in the park east and southeast of the shelter. We expect this project to conclude about a week after the start date. Once this project is complete, reforesting will start at a later date to diversify the trees in the park which will help eliminate issues in the future.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the selective clearing of pine trees at Crow Island Woods, please reach out to Costa Kutulas, Director of Parks and Maintenance, at ckutulas@nullwinpark.org.

Posted in General, News, Parks

Elder + Centennial Design Development

Posted October 22, 2021
Publish Date: October 22, 2021

The Winnetka Park District is pleased to present the lakefront improvement plan for Elder Lane Park and Beach + Centennial Park and Beach. The plan fulfills a major objective of the 2030 Lakefront Master Plan — the unification of Elder and Centennial parks and beaches. The plan combines two independent parks into one park totaling approximately eight acres. The plan also provides nearly 1,000 feet of uninterrupted shoreline and unparalleled public beach access in Winnetka.

The unification of Elder Park and Beach + Centennial Park and Beach is made possible by a generous donation embodied in the property exchange agreement reached in October 2020.

The plan for the proposed improvements can be found here. A virtual reality video concept of the lakefront improvements can be viewed here.

 
 

The Winnetka Park District appreciates State Senator Laura Fine and State Representative Robyn Gabel investing time to meet with Park District board and staff members to tour Elder and Centennial, as well as the recently completed Lloyd Beach. Senator Fine and Representative Gabel have most enthusiastically endorsed the lakefront improvement plans.

We also are grateful to United States Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin, as well as State Representative Jan Schakowsky, for sending their representatives to tour Elder, Centennial, and Lloyd Beaches and providing their letters of support.

The plans, as presently shown, are being submitted for permit with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and other state government agencies.

Public comments in support of the plan can be made using the form below.

   
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
 
 

Centennial Beach is presently designated and used as a dog beach. With the plan to combine Elder + Centennial parks and beaches, Centennial Beach will become a swimming beach during the summer. The Park District and Village of Winnetka are working together to provide off-leash dog park and beach opportunities to address the needs of our dog-loving constituents and their canine friends.

To advance these plans, the Winnetka Park District established the Dog Beach + Off-Leash Dog Park Advisory Committee (the “Committee”) to determine location(s), design, and plans for:

  • An off-leash dog beach for use during the summer months;
  • An off-leash dog beach for use mid-September through mid-May; and
  • An off-leash dog park for year-round use.

Please call the Winnetka Park District if you have any questions or want to learn more about the exciting investments in store for Elder Lane Park and Beach + Centennial Park and Beach.

   
Posted in General, Lakefront, News, Parks

Incredible Day: Bike Winnetka, Fall Fest, and Fireworks

Posted September 30, 2021

Winnetka Park District hosts full day of fun for the entire community to enjoy

Winnetka, IL; September 30, 2021 — The Winnetka Park District brought back its beloved fall events in full force Saturday, September 25, 2021. The day was jam-packed with fun for the entire community, starting with Bike Winnetka, followed by Fall Fest, and culminating with a belated Fourth of July fireworks show.

Bike Winnetka, a scenic two- and eight-mile bike ride, was paused in 2020. The Park District hosted the 2021 event to bring back a tradition loved by the community. “It was awesome seeing everyone ride through Winnetka. We had the most participants ever. Thank you, Winnetka! With this year’s success, I’m excited to see how Bike Winnetka can grow in the future,” said James Janesku, recreation supervisor.

“Bike Winnetka was a great time had by all and I even got to enjoy the ride with my family. Ending the bike ride at Fall Fest was a great way to add to the day’s festivities,” said Debbie Zarembski, recreation program coordinator.

Following Bike Winnetka, the Park District hosted its Fall Fest, with events, kids’ activities, live entertainment, food trucks, and festivities reminiscent of prior years. Held at Little Duke Fields, the nostalgic atmosphere provided a bit of everything for all to enjoy.

“This year’s Fall Fest was one for the books. We were so thrilled to host such an awesome day for the community. It felt great to see so many people come out to kick off fall and stick around for our belated Fourth of July fireworks show,” said Toby Ross, recreation supervisor.

The Park District, along with the Village of Winnetka, ended the day with a thirty-minute fireworks show. While the fireworks usually cap off Winnetka’s Fourth of July celebrations, the amazing show was a fantastic way to close out the memorable day.

About the Winnetka Park District

The Winnetka Park District’s mission is to provide a balance of quality recreation and leisure opportunities, while protecting assets, natural resources, and open space for the benefit of present and future generations. We help build an active, vibrant community identity and a sustainable environment by promoting healthy lifestyles for residents of all ages and abilities through quality recreation services, parks, facilities, programs, and partnerships that meet the highest standards of excellence.

Posted in About Us, General, News, Recreation

Boat Launch Dedicated to Stepan Family for 20 Years

Posted August 18, 2021

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 comes 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.

Posted in General, Lakefront, News

Stepan Family Gives Donation for Boat Launch

Posted July 12, 2021

Winnetka Park District to use donation for upkeep + development at Lloyd Beach

Winnetka, IL; July 12, 2021 — The Winnetka Park District, in conjunction with the Winnetka Parks Foundation, is pleased to announce the acceptance of a generous donation from the Stepan family to enhance the boat launch at Lloyd Beach. In recognition of their donation, the boat launch has been renamed Stepan Family Boat Launch.

The family’s donation will help with outer pier improvements to the Stepan Family Boat Launch and other future improvements to the launch area.

“As a family who has called Winnetka home for more than 75 years, we are honored to support such a precious recreational asset. We truly love everything this community offers and are grateful to leave a lasting legacy to be enjoyed by families for years to come,” said Charlotte (Stepan) Shea. Mrs. Shea, her brothers and sister, parents, and extended family members enjoyed many boating excursions from the boat launch.

“There are so many wonderful memories of times spent boating on Lake Michigan. Activities at Lloyd Park and the boat launch have been woven into our family for decades. We are thrilled to support the Winnetka Park District and the boating community. Giving back is very important to the entire Stepan family,” said Mrs. Shea.

The financial support from the Stepan family will provide continued improvement and maintenance to serve the powerboat community. Recent improvements at Lloyd Park, such as a new, expansive beach, more efficient traffic flow, enhanced motorized and non-motorized boat storage, and longer operating hours, allow Lloyd Beach to accommodate more patrons this season. All of the projects completed are part of the Winnetka Waterfront 2030 Lakefront Master Plan.

“My sincerest thanks goes to the Stepan family for their donation and support. The Park District board of commissioners is honored to accept the Stepan family’s investment in the boat launch. The Stepan family’s donation helps the Park District complete another portion of the Winnetka Waterfront 2030 Lakefront Master Plan,” said, Warren James, president of the Winnetka Park District board of commissioners.

“The entire community is thrilled to see the progress made thus far and are excited for the future of our lakefront. We have many projects ahead of us. The Stepan family’s investment in the boat launch is greatly appreciated,” said James.

Later this summer, the Stepan family will gather at the Stepan Family Boat Launch for a dedication ceremony.

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, to include the Stepan Family Boat Launch and other Winnetka Waterfront 2030 Lakefront Master Plan projects.

Posted in General, Lakefront, News

Glenn L. Felner Named 2021 Grand Marshal of Parade

Posted June 29, 2021

Winnetka Park District Celebrates World War II Veteran this Fourth of July

Winnetka, IL; June 28, 2021 — Glenn L. Felner, World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, will serve as grand marshal for the 2021 Fourth of July Parade. The parade, held 10am, Sunday, July 4, will afford parade attendees the opportunity to recognize Mr. Felner’s bravery, leadership, and patriotism for his participation in what has been called the “greatest American battle of the war.”

Born in Chicago, Felner enlisted in the army after high school and served as a technical corporal for the 271st Regiment, 69th Infantry, Division Seventh Army. As a combat infantryman, Felner fought in the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes region of Belgium, where he survived brutal weeks of frigid conditions in a quest for freedom and liberation. Months later in Germany, his unit came upon the Buchenwald Concentration Camp where he saved thousands of Jewish prisoners “from certain death at the hands of their Nazi captors.”

Felner received many military accolades for his heroic activities including the Combat Infantry Badge, the U.S. Bronze Star, and the French Legion of Honor decoration.

Leaving his military career behind, Felner came home to a job in journalism for the Chicago Sun-Times but eventually spent decades in the insurance industry.

Successful during his career with Mass Mutual as a chartered life underwriter, Felner is just as proud of his accomplishments as an animal lover. Felner was an honorary consul general in Rwanda through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, established the PAWS Adoption Center in Highland Park, and if given the chance, would bring any stray dog into his home to stay forever. Along with wife Bonnie and dogs Patch and Alfie, Felner continues to impress.

The Winnetka Park District and Village of Winnetka are honored to recognize Felner as grand marshal of the Fourth of July parade. The parade starts at Elm Street and Glendale Avenue and travels east on Elm Street to the Village Green. Following the parade, the Winnetka Park District will host Fourthfest at 12pm with the support from local business sponsors. Fourthfest participants will enjoy a balloon artist, crafts, games, inflatables, a giant slide, and more.

Posted in General, News

At-home activities and resources roundup

Posted February 12, 2021

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

woman-exercising

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!

Kid Activities

Virtual Museum and Parks Visits

Meditation and more

Helpful Links

Shop local: list of Winnetka businesses offering specialty services
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library: ebooks, online crafts, movie streaming, and more
Village of Winnetka
COVID-19 updates 
CDC COVID-19 information
CDC managing anxiety & stress
Illinois Department of Health COVID-19 information
Posted in About Us, General, News

Motorized Boat Storage Now Available!

Posted January 28, 2021

Starting this season, ten motorized boat storage spots were available by bid or lottery. All ten spots have been claimed. See below for more information.

Fenced-In Rules
Fenced-In Bid Instruction Packet
Fenced-In Lottery Instruction Packet

Sealed Bids

Bids are no longer accepted. Sealed bids were opened February 16 at 11am at the Park District administrative office and via Zoom. The seven winning bids are listed below.

  • Anthony Conversa: Four-year term
  • Julie and Erik Falk: Ten-year term
  • Ian Larkin: Five-year term
  • Pete McNerny: Eight-year term
  • John Nichols: Seven-year term
  • Glenn Pankau: Six-year term
  • Brett Withey: Nine-year term

Lottery Tickets

Lottery tickets are no longer on sale. Tickets were drawn February 19 at 11am at the Park District administrative office and via Zoom. The lottery ticket winners are listed below.

3-year term length

  • Winner: Judd Baskfield
  • Alternate 1: Jeanne Schoder
  • Alternate 2: Karen Kennedy
  • Alternate 3: Jack Cassin

2-year term length

  • Winner: Randy Lauer
  • Alternate 1: Matt Furton
  • Alternate 2: Laura Sorensen
  • Alternate 3: Sharon Hayes

1-year term length

  • Winner: David Donnersberger
  • Alternate 1: Matthew Hopkins
  • Alternate 2: Margaret McInerney
  • Alternate 3: Newton Marshall
Posted in News