Lakefront Master Plan

Parks & Recreation

In January 2008, Evanston’s City Council unanimously approved Evanston’s Lakefront Master Plan, which will provide a blueprint for future renovation projects along Evanston’s lakefront.

The planning process took over 18 months during 2006 and 2007, and included involvement by a wide range of citizens. City staff asked for input from groups that use the parks, beaches and boat launches; neighbors; aldermen; and the general public.

A series of meetings led to a broad vision of what the lakefront could be or should be and that vision was then fine-tuned until a Master Plan was formed. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department is now implementing the Master Plan.

Lakefront Master Plan Project History and Documents

For faster downloading, the document may be viewed in sections:

Evanston Lakefront Master Plan (8 MB - SECTION ONE)
Evanston Lakefront Master Plan (3.7 MB - SECTION TWO)
Evanston Lakefront Master Plan (6 MB - SECTION THREE)
Evanston Lakefront Master Plan (1.75 MB - SECTION FOUR)

Project One: Lighthouse Landing ADA Improvement Project
This project is intended to provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant access to the Lighthouse Landing restroom building and beach front, as well as all required ADA improvements to the restroom building itself. The project was completed for the 2009 season.

Project Two: Multi-use Trail Improvements
This project will create new separate paths for pedestrians and bicycles between Lee Street and Clark Street Beach. A public meeting was held on June 3, 2008. At the meeting, residents were invited to review and provide feedback on all aspects of this project. Bike path construction is under way and is scheduled to be completed in November 2010. Pedestrian path design and construction is pending (funding).

Consultant presentation 6-3-08 meeting – 2.3 MB

Project Three: Clark Street Beach House and Entry Drive Reconstruction Project
This project includes reconstruction of the Clark Street Beach House and relocation of the Church Street Boat Ramp Entry drive to Clark Street. Public meetings took place on Sept. 23, Oct. 15 and Nov. 12. This project was completed before the start of the 2010 beach season.

Project Four: Dempster St. Beach Non-motorized Boat Storage Reconstruction Project
This project includes reconstruction of the non-motorized boat storage system at the Dempster Street Boat Launch Facility. Public meetings took place on Oct. 1 and Nov. 5. This project was completed before the start of the 2010 beach season.

Presentation from the 11/12/08 meeting regarding the Clark St. Beach House and Entry Drive Reconstruction Project (5 MB)

Presentation from the 11/05/08 meeting regarding the Dempster St Beach Non-motorized Boat Storage Facility Project (4.1 MB)