'We Are So Lucky to Have This': The Joys of Forest Park Beach

By Angeline Lombardi Lake Forest resident Cindy Corrigan has enjoyed visiting Forest Park Beach on Lake Michigan since she moved to town after college, reaping the benefits of having fresh water so close.

“I feel the lakefront is one of our greatest assets,” she said. “It’s an all-season venue. From chasing the sunrise during a run with friends, cold plunging, swimming, and paddle boarding to enjoying a picnic in the pavilion, there is something for everyone.

“I access the lakefront daily, and there is not a week that passes when I don’t hear the common phrase, ‘We are so lucky to have this.’ I swore I would never take it for granted.”

Alongside the natural beauty of Lake Michigan, Forest Park Beach is a cherished part of the Lake Forest community.

In fact, one of the greatest perks of living in Lake Forest is having access to a beautiful beach. Forest Park Beach offers residents a peaceful escape, scenic views, relaxation, a space for community gatherings, and endless opportunities for fun. Whether you’re enjoying a summer day, playing a lively game of beach volleyball, or simply taking a stroll along the water’s edge, the beach offers something for all ages and interests.

Recent investments in the beach include a bluff stabilization project to reinforce the middle portion of the bluff, sand replenishment, and Forest Park Beach’s new boardwalk. This boardwalk was designed to provide easier access to the beach and water, making the beach more accessible and allowing visitors to take in the stunning lake views from high above the beach. This project was funded through a private-public partnership, with the City committing $1.3 million to the project and raising an additional $1.3 million from private donations in the community. As part of the City’s commitment to fiscal stewardship, the project was also funded by a $150,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The new boardwalk extends from the upper south parking lot at Forest Park to the playground at Forest Park Beach, allowing parents to transport young ones in strollers or wagons more easily. It also makes the beach more accessible for those in wheelchairs, so the beach’s amenities can be enjoyed by all.

In alignment with the Community Engagement priority outlined in the City’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, residents played a central role in shaping the new playground planned for the beach. Two design concepts were created, featuring play areas for both 2-5 and 5-12 year age groups. In July and August 2024, the City invited the community to weigh in through an online survey – and more than 570 residents responded with ideas, preferences, and thoughtful suggestions.

“Through community input, we’ve created a playground that enhances accessibility, sensory engagement, and fun for children of all abilities,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Mike Wick. “This project reflects our commitment to providing safe and enjoyable recreation spaces for Lake Forest families.”

Construction is scheduled to begin in early fall 2025, with completion anticipated by the end of October.

In keeping with the City’s sustainability goals, Lake Forest has partnered with Kids Around the World, a Rockford-based nonprofit that refurbishes playground equipment for underserved communities. Two major components from the current playground will be repurposed and reinstalled elsewhere, giving them a second life and providing joy to children in need.

Forest Park Beach offers many unique recreational activities that set Lake Forest apart, including sailing. Parks and Recreation’s Sailing program has become extremely popular and provides a unique experience. Nationally recognized and sanctioned as an accredited training center by US Sailing, Lake Forest Sailing offers sailing instruction for all ages and skill levels. Residents enjoy top-tier sailing programs, from beginner lessons to competitive racing, right in their backyard. In 2022, Lake Forest Sailing made history at Nationals in Virginia. It was the first time that a single high school had four sailors qualify for the Cressy Trophy: Lake Forest High School sailors Henry Scholz (‘23), Tristan McDonald (‘24), Charlie Gish (‘24), and Owen Kohut (‘25).

Whether you want to host a birthday party, a retirement celebration, or a gathering with friends, the beach is a great spot. The South Pavilion and Boat Pavilion are available for party rentals, except on holidays and holiday weekends. Both pavilions offer a family- and community-friendly place to celebrate any achievement with a scenic view. Lake Forest residents may rent either of these pavilions for a four-hour time frame for $125 plus a $150 refundable litter deposit. The North Pavilion is for drop-in use only and is not available for rental. All reservations can be made online at cityoflakeforest.com/beachpavilionrentals.

If you’re looking for another great way to enjoy our beach this season, stop by the Boating Center and rent a paddleboard or kayak for the afternoon. The Boating Center also offers daily and seasonal boat launch permits to Lake Forest residents. With helpful staff and convenient storage options for frequent visitors, it’s the perfect place to get out on the water and soak in the beauty of our shoreline. More information can be found at LFParksandRec.com/forest-park-beach.

Before you head to the beach, check the live Forest Park Beach parking map in the Lake Forest Now App! Pack your beach bag, open the app, and click on the Beach icon to check real time parking availability. Download the Lake Forest Now App at cityoflakeforest.com/LFNow.

Forest Park Beach is a cherished part of the Lake Forest community, offering diverse activities and amenities for residents to enjoy. From the new boardwalk and upcoming playground updates to sailing programs and welcoming pavilions, the beach is more than just a place to visit; it’s a place to celebrate and enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and Lake Forest.