Join us Monday, Oct. 14 at 7 pm at Village Hall before the board meeting!
What Happened?
Wilmette Park District recently erected a fence across Gillson Park’s South Beach, charging admission fees to what had been a free and open public park for over 100 years. This decision, made without proper notice or community input, has sparked community outrage due to restricted access and new fees. We are rallying to demand transparency and the removal of these barriers to keep Gillson Park open and inclusive for everyone.
Forever Open, Clear and Free
Maintaining Gillson Park without fences and free of charge ensures it remains accessible to all, honors its historical legacy, preserves its natural beauty, promotes inclusivity, supports the mental and physical well-being of our community, and upholds environmental stewardship without compromising public access.
Preserve Community Access
The new fences restrict access for community members, including seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities, who rely on the open space for recreation and relaxation.
Honor Historical Legacy
Following Daniel Burnham’s vision, Gillson Park should remain “forever open, clear, and free,” preserving its historical significance as a welcoming and accessible public space.
Maintain Natural Beauty
The fences obstruct the stunning views of Lake Michigan, detracting from the natural beauty that makes Gillson Park a cherished spot for both residents and visitors.
Promote Inclusivity
Charging for access to previously free areas creates economic barriers, preventing equal enjoyment of the park and undermining its role as a space for all community members. Our goal is to preserve this public space as one that welcomes people from every background to experience the natural beauty of our lakefront. We oppose fences, fees, or new parking regulations that would limit access in a way that undermines the park’s role as a shared natural wonder for the entire community to freely appreciate.
Enhance Mental and Physical Well-being
Open and accessible green spaces are essential for the mental and physical well-being of the community, offering a place for exercise, relaxation, and social interaction.
Support Environmental Stewardship
There are better ways to protect the environment without erecting physical barriers. Implementing sustainable practices can preserve the park’s dunes and natural habitats while keeping it open for all to enjoy.
What Can I do to Help?
Your support is crucial in our effort to keep Gillson Park open, clear, and free for everyone. Here are some effective ways you can help our campaign.
What else?
- Volunteer: contact us to get involved!
- Attend the upcoming supporter meeting
- Contribute to our fundraiser
- Write a letter to the editor follow-up to the op-ed
Attend Board Meetings
- Speak your voice during public comment
- Join us Monday, Oct. 14 at 7 pm at Village Hall before the board meeting!
Updates
- The Right to the Shoreline: A Must-Read Report on Beach Access and Racial Equity
In our ongoing fight for open and equitable access to public beaches, a compelling report has come to light that provides essential context for our efforts. The Chicago Council on Global Affairs’ report, “The Right to the Shoreline: Race, Exclusion, and Public Beaches in Metropolitan Chicago,” offers a deep dive into the history of beach… Read more: The Right to the Shoreline: A Must-Read Report on Beach Access and Racial Equity - Today’s Media Spotlight: “Unfence Gillson” Labor Day March Featured in The Record North Shore
We’re excited to share that in addition to all three major news networks, radio, and even nationwide coverage, Monday’s demonstration at Gillson Beach was covered by The Record North Shore. Our Labor Day protest gathered nearly 60 dedicated supporters who marched along the lakefront with picket signs, chants, and songs, demanding the removal of the… Read more: Today’s Media Spotlight: “Unfence Gillson” Labor Day March Featured in The Record North Shore - ABC 5:00 News Segment Spotlights Our Protest — Watch the Coverage!
We rallied a big crowd for a Labor Day demonstration against the new fees and fencing at Gillson Park. Marching from Elmwood Dunes to Gillson’s South Beach, we highlighted the public’s right to free lakefront access. We received significant media coverage from ABC 7 News, boosting our cause’s visibility.
Your Voices
My husband and I often walk to the beach. It’s beautiful. During the height of Covid we walked there daily,…
I am a senior with some mobility issues, and would often go to the South Beach ! It was such…
“The lakefront by right belongs to the people. It affords their one great unobstructed view, stretching away to the horizon, where water and clouds seem to meet…Not a foot of its shores should be appropriated by individuals to the exclusion of the people.”
Daniel Burnham
1909 Plan for Chicago
Me and my family have enjoyed walking and driving to the beach and the surrounding area for our peace of…