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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.

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.

Resources

• CDC Coronavirus Fact Sheet
• Illinois Department of Health (IDPH)
• Cook County Health Department Coronavirus Information
  • Coronavirus Webpage
  • Coronavirus Questions: 1-800-889-3931 | dph.sick@nullillinois.gov

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.

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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.

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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.

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).