Centennial Recreation Complex CLOSED August 9 Due to Water Main Break. Pools, Ice, Tennis and Facility closed. Check back for status updates.
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WAYS TO PLAY
Lakefront/Gillson Park
Location
800 Gillson Park Drive
North Entrance
Lake Ave & Michigan Ave
South Entrance
Sheridan Rd & Michigan Ave
POINT OF CONTACT
Emin Jakupovic
Lakefront Beach Supervisor
PHONE NO.
POINT OF CONTACT
Conor McCormick
Lakefront Park Supervisor
PHONE NO.
POINT OF CONTACT
Megan White
Lakefront General Manager
PHONE NO.
Welcome to Gillson Park
Lakefront Programs
Registration for spring+summer programs begins at 10 am:
- March 11 for residents
- March 18 for non-residents
What's New
Beach Hours Update!
August 18 – September 1
- Langdon Beach will no longer have lifeguards for the season. Swim at your own risk.
- Main Beach and South Beach will have lifeguards on weekends from 11 am – 5 pm.
- On Weekdays, all Wilmette Beach entrance fees will be charged at the resident rate for everyone. (August 18–22 & 25–29)
- Last day of Beach Season – Monday, September 1
Beach Season is on the way!
We’re excited to introduce Discount Days—a handful of special dates with reduced rates for all visitors (residents and non-residents): $3 for South Beach and $6 for Gillson Main or Langdon Beach. Learn about Beach Bound – Free Admission Library Passes.
Learn about our season passes and parking permits on the Beach and Parking Passes page.
- Purchase your Beach and Pool Season Passes
- Order a Lakefront Parking Decal
Improving Gillson's Infrastructure
- In August 2022, a Gillson roadway survey indicated that our community preferred to keep the current road configuration in the park, but convert Middle Drive to a path for non-vehicular traffic (future plan). With this input, the District began work with engineers from Gewalt Hamilton Associates to develop an infrastructure project scope and plan.
- Planning activities continued throughout 2023. Following a six-month permitting process, the Board of Park Commissioners approved bids for construction and construction management on June 10 of this year. The project will began in September 2024 and is scheduled for completion in May, 2025.
Got questions? View our project page here or read our Frequently Asked Questions document.
The Gillson Park Lesser Celandine Project
Gillson Park is bustling with activity, not just with park-goers but also with our Parks Department team tackling one of nature’s tough contenders: Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna). This invasive species has been steadily gaining ground in our region, and you may spot our staff scouting, applying treatments, or testing innovative propane flaming methods to manage its spread.
Got questions? View our blog post here for more information.
Make sure to check the conditions!
Lakefront weather and water conditions change daily, and we want you to enjoy a safe visit.
- Call 847-256-9660 to check the daily weather/water report, or view the current status on the Gillson Rainout Line.
Explore Gillson Park
Gillson Beach House and Lakeview Center
Get all the info on the Beach House (including The Fat Shallot, our elevated beachside food stand) and the Lakeview Center (newly renovated with rental space, vending machines & more)
Gillson Dog Beach
Your furry friend will have blast at our Dog Beach! Permits required – learn all the details here
Sailing Beach, Boat Rentals & Trail-In Permits
Our Sailing Beach offers a variety of services, from rentals and permits to vessel storage. Get the details here
Reserve a Picnic Area
We have several picnic areas throughout Gillson Park – the perfect place for an outdoor gathering!
Lakeview Center Rentals
The Lakeview Center in Gillson Park is a fresh, newly-renovated facility with flexible options to meet the needs of your upcoming event!
Gillson Park offers 60 acres of beautiful lakefront property ideal for picnics, bicycling, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and many other outdoor activities. In Gillson, you’ll find:
- Two Swimming Beaches
- Picnic Areas and Pavilion
- Lighted Tennis Courts
- Fitness Course
- Tot Lot
- Kayak, SUP & Sailboat Rentals
- Dog Beach
- Lakeview Center
- Wallace Bowl
- Seasonal Lighted Ice Rink
- Kayak/SUP Launch Area
- Wallace Bowl - Outdoor Theater
Park Map
Hours
Accessing Gillson Park
Swimming Beach Hours
Memorial Day - Labor Day
10 am-8 pm*
*Swimming out of season when no lifeguards are present is swim at your own risk.
*After 8 p.m., swimming is not permitted, as our lifeguards are no longer on station.
Swimming is strictly prohibited after Labor Day.
Park and Vehicle Gate Hours
Gillson Park Hours:
6 am-10:30 pm
Gillson Park North and South Vehicle Entry Gates:
6 am-8 pm*
*Note: After the North and South gates close at 8 p.m., vehicles can leave the park through the Washington Avenue exit. Vehicles left in the park after 10:30 p.m. will be ticketed.
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