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.