DuPage River Boat Launch To Open At Lisle Community Park

LISLE, IL — After 14 years of planning, negotiating and waiting, the boat launch at Lisle Community Park is set to make its debut. Lisle Park District will herald the opening of the new public boat launch Sept. 11 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways and a raffle for chance to win a new kayak.

The first conception of the boat launch was presented in 2007 after Openlands, the Illinois Paddling Council, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) proposed establishing the county's first public boat launch along the DuPage River, according to the Lisle Park District website. Over the ensuing years, several grant applications were submitted, with IDNR presenting its final agreement to Lisle Park District in 2019.

Shortly after, park district officials opted to put the boat launch project on hold due to bids being proposed at costs of $180,000 or higher. A bid was finally accepted by Lisle Park District in February 2020, and construction was completed in August 2021. Funding was also made possible by a $15,000 donation from the Lisle Partners for Parks Foundation.

The Sept. 11 ribbon-cutting will have U.S. Coast Guard members on hand to perform safety checks on boats and hand out resources about boating safety.

Residents can buy raffle $10 tickets ahead of the event for a chance to win one of two kayaks. Tickets can be purchased in person at Lisle Recreation Center, 1925 Ohio St., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click the link to buy a raffle ticket online and enter "Kayak Raffle" in the notes area.

What: Lisle Community Park Boat Launch Ribbon Cutting

When: Sept. 11 at 10 a.m.

Where: Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle (boat launch located south of Short Street and west of bridge on Short Street)