Evanston beaches open for swimming on Wednesday with a new set of restrictions designed to protect visitors and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s a list of the new rules:
- Those who are sick or who live with a vulnerable family member should stay home.
- Beaches will be limited to 50% capacity under state guidelines to allow social distancing. Capacity limits vary by beach; staff will monitor and restrict admission to comply with these limits.
- Patrons must maintain a six-foot distance from those outside of their household while at the beach.
- Face coverings must be worn when entering the beach, interacting with staff and while on the beach when maintaining a six-foot distance from others is not possible. Children age two or under and those who cannot wear a face covering due to medical issues are exempt.
- Concessions will not be offered this summer and drinking fountains are currently turned off.
Some additional rules that aren’t new:
- Visitors may bring their own water and food items, but must take all items home with them when they leave.
- Glass containers are not allowed, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited on beaches and in City parks.
- Swimming is allowed only in designated swimming areas and only when lifeguards are on duty.
- Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed on the beach at any time.
Hours and Locations
Lighthouse, Clark Street, Lee Street and South Boulevard beaches will open for swimming daily from July 1 through Sept. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Greenwood Street Beach will be closed throughout the season due to high water levels and beach erosion.
Lakefront restrooms are open, and are cleaned every two hours in accordance with public health guidelines.
Admission
A season beach token or daily pass is required for admission. Beach tokens are available to purchase online and in person at the Dempster Street Beach Office, Evanston Ecology Center, Robert Crown Community Center, and Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center during their office hours.
Daily admission passes can be purchased at the Dempster Street Beach Office and Clark Street Beach Offices. Daily admission passes will not be sold at other beach entrances. A daily pass is $8 for an adult, and $6 for children ages 1 through 11.