Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Ribbon Cutting at Illinois Beach State Park

IL. Gov. J.B. Pritzker
IL. Gov. J.B. Pritzker

Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Ribbon Cutting at Illinois Beach State Park

$73M Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization Project Complete

ZION -- Governor JB Pritzker and local and state officials gathered to celebrate the completion of the Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization Project in Lake County. The $73 million investment provided for the preservation of several miles of natural shoreline in three areas of the park.

“Illinois Beach State Park is one of the many natural beauties that make our state special, with dunes and swales, sprawling marshes, forests of oak and vast arrays of animal life and vegetation — and of course the last remaining natural shoreline in Illinois. And I am so proud and grateful that we could come together to protect it,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to all those who tirelessly worked to execute this project – Illinoisans will continue to visit the lakefront here for generations to come, and we’ll keep this habitat and the local economy flourishing.”

Illinois Beach State Park required immediate intervention to restore the natural lakefront, which was eroding at more than 100 feet per year and putting rare habitat at risk. The new offshore stone breakwater structures shelter the Lake Michigan shoreline from wave energy and preserve the surrounding ecosystems. The breakwaters assist in retaining the newly placed sand, slowing down the littoral process, and enhancing public access to the beach.

"Illinois Beach State Park is a natural treasure, and this project ensures its beauty and ecosystem are preserved for future generations," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "Protecting our environment is not just about today but about creating a legacy of stewardship that will benefit our communities for years to come."

“Prior to this project, we faced a very real possibility that the shoreline and the landscape beyond it that make Illinois Beach such a special place would vanish forever. By working together, we were able to preserve precious natural shoreline and irreplaceable habitat,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “In addition to the ecological benefits, this restoration is already attracting more visitors and special events to Illinois Beach State Park, to the Illinois Beach Hotel, and to the surrounding communities, driving more tourism dollars into this region.”

Remarkably, the park remained open to the public throughout construction of the breakwaters, necessitating careful coordination with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to ensure safety and accessibility as 35,000 truckloads of sand were hauled within the park. The General Contractor Michels Construction collaborated with landscape architecture firm, Living Habitats, to install various habitat features at the park, including 10 tern nests, limestone ledges, 36 vegetated ecoblocks, 15 pieces of driftwood habitat salvaged from the area, five rock spurs, custom 3D-printed ecoblocks, and 4,000 tons of cobblestone.

Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization Project marks the first project in the Midwest to achieve WEDG (Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines) Verification, a national rating system that recognizes resilient, ecological, and accessible waterfront projects. External specialists in engineering, architecture, and landscape architecture determined that the project exceeded the requirements for WEDG Verification, earning the gold standard under guidelines outlined in WEDG’s Version 3.0.

The project was also selected for the 2024 Best Restored Beach award through the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). The national recognition acknowledged the project for protecting the critical infrastructure of the park while maintaining its character and recreational user experience.

“As a lifelong resident of Waukegan, I know the significance Illinois Beach State Park has on the surrounding area and its residents. As Representative of the 60 House District, I hear members of the community talk about their time spent here and the positive impact it has on their family’s lives,” said State Representative Rita Mayfield, D – Waukegan. “Not only is this park a beautiful place of nature and serenity, it’s also a tremendous economic driver for the surrounding areas of Lake County. I am proud of the State’s investment in this shoreline revitalization work so that it can be enjoyed for years to come.”

“The beachfront here at Illinois Beach State Park has always been a great place to visit for kids of all ages,” said John Hucker, Mayor of the Village of Beach Park. “It is great to see the improvements completed so future generations can enjoy the beach and all that park has to offer.”

Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan provides essential funding to support the revitalization and improvement of Illinois roadways, state facilities, universities, bridges, and railways over a six-year period. The initiative seeks to address critical infrastructure and economic opportunity.

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