CHICAGO (CBS) — People in north suburban Wilmette have strong feelings about a new fence.
It recently popped up outside South Beach in Gillson Park.
The fence is one of a few major changes happening at the popular beach this summer.
“This is a beautiful view, and it’s different every day. It’s like a changing painting.”
As she walks along the coastline, Charlotte Walker notices the subtle changes.
“It’s amazing. It’s a beautiful natural wonder,” Walker said.
She visits South Beach in Gillson Park almost every day. She notices a clear change. An obstacle.
‘Truly, an abomination. I think it’s terrible,” Walker said.
The Wilmette Park District calls it a slatted dune fence, but some beachgoers see it only as a barrier to beauty.
“It’s not just about the fence. It’s like a barrier for people who just want to come and enjoy the view,” Walker said.
The park district recently built the fence to address “growing concerns about the safety and well-being of visitors.”
There are now only three access points to the beach and the water is officially open to swimmers for the first time.
There will be lifeguards on duty this summer, and there will also be a daily fee of $5.00 for residents and $10 for non-residents.
“I understand there were parties and people leaving glass and broken things on the beach and also people swimming. And then the Coast Guard had to go and rescue them, so I understand why they want to turn it into a swimming beach and want lifeguards It’s just I think this was poorly planned,” Walker said.
She wishes Wilmette had considered an option that didn’t block the view from Overlook Drive.
“Part of the reason we live here is because of this beautiful lakefront,” Walker said.
However, the park district said moving the fence closer to the water would endanger the dunes and grass.
All that beauty is still there – just beyond the fence.
“It’s just a barrier to this beautiful gem that we have,” Walker said.
