Lakefront Shoreline Conditions Assessment Public Meeting

The Lakefront e.swanborn Tue, 06/02/2026 - 16:13 Chicago’s shared Lake Michigan lakefront comprises approximately 26 miles of shoreline, 18 miles of recreational trails, and 29 beaches – the majority of which are owned, maintained and managed by the Chicago Park District.  The Chicago shoreline has undergone decades of development resulting in a complex assortment of natural and man-made features.  The network of parks, harbors, beaches, trails and open space offers recreation for Chicagoans and millions of visitors, while simultaneously supporting a diverse ecology.  Lakefront Shoreline Conditions Assessment Public Meeting June 15, 6:00 – 7:30 pm CT Microsoft Teams Meeting Link Join the Chicago Park District as we review the newly released Lakefront Shoreline Conditions Assessment. This first-of-its-kind plan takes a comprehensive look into the physical condition and vulnerability of our shoreline. The virtual meeting will consist of a presentation followed by a Q & A session.  Lakefront Shoreline Conditions Assessment The record high lake levels and severe storm damage in 2020 resulted in widespread damage to Chicago’s iconic shoreline. As lake levels continue to fluctuate and with the continued risk of severe storms, the shoreline and Chicago Park District are presented with a unique set of risks. The Park District developed a long-term plan to help guide investment in lakefront repair, maintenance and increased resiliency, which can be leveraged for future partnerships with Federal, State and Local funding partners. This report details an inventory and physical condition of shoreline protection features across the lakefront, such as revetments and beaches.  The inventory and condition were documented via extensive drone footage and on-foot site visits by engineering experts. This information, paired with local stakeholder and District staff interviews and contextual data, was used to develop sets of needs and opportunities both across the Chicago shoreline and for individual segments of the lakefront. The overarching goal is the long-term stewardship of this wonderful asset. The most recent major rehabilitation efforts were a joint effort for reconstruction of over 9 miles of shoreline protection features undertaken cooperatively by the US Army Corps of Engineers, City of Chicago Department of Transportation and the Park District.  As a result of successful planning and collaborative implementation, some of the higher risk portions of the lakefront were addressed in a way that added significant parkland, allowed for the creation of new recreational opportunities and amenities, and provided the resiliency to create and enhance ecological resources.  This transformative infrastructure investment exemplifies the success the Park District is looking to build on at other vulnerable sections of the lakefront. REPORT COMING SOON! Chicago Shoreline Plan for Coastal Resiliency The Park District is developing a design guidelines and best practices report to expand the use of ecosystem restoration and nature-based infrastructure to increase lakefront shoreline resiliency. Considering the diverse coastal conditions and potential for future variability of Great Lakes water levels, Chicago’s public lakefront faces unique opportunities and challenges for both shoreline protection and coastal ecosystem restoration. Through the development of a clear strategy backed by best practices, the Park District will enhance lakefront resiliency, connect people with nature, promote holistic ecosystem thinking, prioritize sustainable investments, and build capacity and expertise. This project is undertaken in collaboration with lakefront stakeholders and the general public, and builds from ongoing districtwide planning and restoration efforts, including the Lakefront Shoreline Conditions Assessment, 2017 Master Plan, and Capital Improvement Plan.   Funding is provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation via the Coastal Resilience Fund. Current Lakefront Capital Projects Morgan Shoal Shoreline Revetment Burnham (Oakwood) Revetment Repairs: Sections of the Oakwood Beach revetment and pathway were damaged due to record high lake levels and storm conditions. Engineering solutions will address the underlying structural vulnerabilities while improving upon existing landscaping and natural plantings. Calumet: Construction has begun on improvements along Calumet Beach, including stormwater damage repairs, added amenities such as benches and bike racks, and a dune natural area which will provide meaningful habitat while improving coastal resiliency. Lincoln (Montrose) Revetment Repairs: The Chicago Park District is finalizing engineering documents for the repair and redesign of portions of revetment damaged by severe storm conditions. The project will improve shoreline protection and expand access to the lakefront.  2019 Lakefront Drone Footage Videos Click on the following links to view 2019 drone footage captured during high lake levels illustrating their impacts on sections of our shoreline.  Calumet Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bMoJgWmzJ8  Burnham Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL736TOV52M  Lincoln Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTShEjBBijM  Loyola Beach Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTonSsx5dO0  Juneway Beach Park: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5m_6qS2FdI  On