Wilmette Park District Closes Langdon Beach Until Further Notice

WILMETTE, IL — Langdon Beach has been closed indefinitely due to erosion from rising water levels on Lake Michigan, Wilmette Park District officials announced. Although there will no longer be access to the lake, visitors will continue to have full access to Langdon Park and the tot lot.

According to a statement from the park district, Langdon Beach was first opened for swimming in 2007. Over the past several years, it has seen a significant level of erosion. Last summer, the shoreline had shrunk to such a degree that district officials "considered shutting it down for the safety of visitors."

Instead of closing the beach in 2018, the park district created a 10-foot-wide dune path to allow the beach to remain open for the summer. But rising lake levels have reduced the width of the path to just 3 feet, which is less than a typical 5-foot-wide sidewalk, according to the district.

As a result, district officials decided to close down the swimming beach until an alternative solution can be developed or conditions improve.

"We will however monitor Langdon throughout the season in hopes of re-opening," district officials said.

Despite the elevated lake levels, Gillson Beach — the site of Wilmette's Independence Day celebration starting 4 p.m. Wednesday — was fully operational, according to the district.

Starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Langdon Park will be closed to the public out of safety concerns as well as expected heavy traffic on Sheridan Road for the Independence Day event. Elmwood Dunes will be closed at 3 p.m.

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