Community Corner
No Swimming At Gillson Beach Due To Bacteria From North Shore Channel
Beaches at Gillson Park are closed Monday for swimming, wading and paddleboarding due to "extreme rainfall," park district officials said.
WILMETTE, IL — The water at Gillson Beach is closed for swimming or wading Monday following heavy rainstorms the prior day.
The beaches remain open to the public, but the water will be closed until the Illinois Department of Public Health deems it safe.
About 2 inches of rain were recorded between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Winnetka Golf Club rain gauge, according to rainfall data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
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In response, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District opened the Wilmette locks on the North Shore Channel Sunday afternoon, sending water from sewer systems into the lake, Wilmette Park District officials said.
Bacterial counts have made Lake Michigan water at Gillson Park unsafe, according to representatives of the park district, who ordered the area closed to swimming and wading.
Find out what's happening in Wilmette-Kenilworthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The use of watercraft is still allowed, although park district staff discouraged kayaking.
Maple Street Beach and Tower Road Beach in Winnetka were also closed due to bacterial levels.
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