Even though Evanston is expected to move to Phase 3 of the governor’s Restore Illinois plan on Friday, city officials say the city’s beaches will stay closed for swimming at least for several more weeks.
Beach guidelines and “no swimming” signs are posted at each beach. Beaches are tentatively scheduled to reopen to swimming in July. Beach tokens will not be available for purchase until opening plans are finalized.
What about the sand?
Until Friday under the state rules no gatherings should occur with those outside of your household.
Once the city is instructed to move to Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan, gatherings of up to 10 people will be permitted on the sand at the beach.
But city officials say it will be critical then that people using the sand continue to practice strict physical distancing of at least six feet from others, wear a cloth face covering when a six-foot distance from others is difficult to maintain, and remain out of the water.
Until summer beach staffing is in place, the Evanston Police Department will patrol beaches to ensure safety precautions are being followed.
Beach updates are determined by the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department in coordination with guidance from the City’s Health and Human Services Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health and are subject to change based on current guidelines and recommendations.