Gillson Park, Wilmette Harbor Listed On National Register Of Historic Places

WILMETTE, IL — Federal park authorities formally recognized a local landmark recently, acknowledging the significance of Wilmette's shoreline gem — Gillson Park.

Gillson Park and Wilmette Harbor Historic District, as it is now known, has been officially added to the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service, according to local park district officials.

Originally known as Washington Park, Gillson Park was created from land dredged up during the digging of the North Shore Channel by the Chicago Sanitary District and has been part of the Wilmette Park District since 1911.

Designed by Benjamin Gage, one of the district's first superintendents, the 59-acre park was expanded in 1938 in a naturalistic style, following the principles of the Prairie School of landscape architecture and aiming to harmonize the built environment with the natural.

The park and harbor represent an "important work of landscape architecture” that adds “significance to the history of community planning and development in Wilmette," according to the designation from the Department of the Interior.

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Wilmette Park District Executive Director Steve Wilson first revealed that the park had been accepted to the register at a board meeting earlier this month.

"We are deeply honored that Gillson Park was included in the National Register of Historic Places," Wilson said in a statement Tuesday.

"This prestigious designation is a testament to Gillson Park’s enduring legacy and its profound significance to the fabric of our community," Wilson said. "We look forward to celebrating this beloved landmark for years to come."

Preservation nonprofit Landmarks Illinois was instrumental in securing Gillson's place on the register, sponsoring its nomination.

Last fall, the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council recommended Gillson Park and Wilmette Harbor be nominated for listing in the register, forwarding it to the keeper of the National Register in Washington, D.C.

The 72-page nomination report submitted to federal officials was prepared by landscape historian Julia Bachrach, and retired Ball State University professor Malcolm Cairns following two years of research into the park.

In 2022, Landmarks Illinois named the park on its annual "most endangered historic places in Illinois" list in connection with concerns over potential changes associated with a new comprehensive plan for the park.

Recently, the addition of a new fence and fee structure that park district officials say is needed for safety and security has drawn complaints from Gillson Park users.

Related:

• 'Rethink This Monstrosity': Residents Criticize New Gillson Park Fence
• Landmarks Illinois Showcases Gillson Park, Wilmette Harbor History
• Gillson Park Named Among 'Most Endangered' Sites In Illinois