In today’s Chicago Tribune, Wilmette resident Mary Ann McGinley has eloquently captured the community’s deep sense of loss and frustration over the new fence and fee system at Gillson Park’s south beach. For half a century, this beach has been a treasured sanctuary for families, where children could build sandcastles and create lasting memories.
Mary Ann recounts how the beach, once a haven of innocent joy and creativity, has now been overshadowed by the restrictive measures. She poignantly describes the disappointment of her grandchildren, whose simple pleasure of playing in the sand has been transformed into another restricted and monetized activity space.
This letter is a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose if the current policies remain. It emphasizes the need for a more thoughtful approach that does not sacrifice the fundamental freedoms that make our public spaces special.
Join us in advocating for the removal of the fence. Let’s ensure that Gillson Park remains a place of joy and creativity for generations to come.
Our grandchildren have been robbed of a family tradition. During the 50 years we have lived in Wilmette, we often took our three children to the Gillson Park’s south beach. During these visits, many castles were built in the sand. The only time the kids went near the lake was to get water to fill in the moats of their castles. Yes, there were times when swimmers flouted the rules, despite the whistles of the lifeguards, but for the most part, it was a time of beauty and fun.
Now our grandchildren’s enjoyment of this same stretch of the lake is being curtailed by the fence and fees being charged. Their carefree beach playground has been taken away and has become just another space regulated by adults.
These adults need to find ways to curtail the behavior of the unruly visitors, but not at the expense of taking away the joy of the innocent castle builders.
Mary Ann McGinley, Wilmette
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