UPDATED July 1: GLENCOE BEACH FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Our most common questions about the beach are answered here, including changes made to beach operations since the state entered Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan.
What changes have been made to the beach since the state entered Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan?
- The playground/sprayground opened.
- The Park District has started to hire and train lifeguards. Once the guards have completed new modified training standards and certifications, we will begin to guard the water. We expect to start guarding the water within the next two weeks. Lifeguards will be posted daily between 10 AM – 4 PM, until mid-August (or longer, depending on staff availability) and then only on weekends only until Labor Day. Season passes will still be required to access the Beach from 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, through Labor Day. Reminder: Currently, the water is not protected by lifeguards. The minimum age to enter the beach area alone is 12 years of age. To enter the water, while unguarded, patrons must be at least 16 years of age, per the Illinois Department of Public Health. Persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible person at least 16 years of age while entering the water. Swimming alone is not recommended.
- Groups of 10 people are allowed to sit together.
- Boater assistance - once lifeguards are trained, our priorities will move to offering on-the-water boater assistance. Boat staff training has been scheduled and we expect to start this service by mid-July.
Are daily admissions currently allowed?
No, only beach season passes are permitted this year.
Can I purchase a pass at the beach?
We are currently sold out of beach season passes. There is a waitlist available HERE.
Could I be turned away due to capacity being reached?
Yes, due to social distancing mandates, we have limited attendance at Glencoe Beach. If that happens, we will let individuals in as other guests leave. Know before you go by checking www.glencoeparkdistrict.com to see if the beach is close to or at capacity. We suggest signing up for text or emails alerts about the beach using Rainout Line and subscribing to Glencoe Park District. Notifications will be sent out to subscibers and posted in the alerts section of our homepage when the beach is at 80% and when it’s full.
What is the capacity?
At this time, the capacity is 500 people at one time.
Can my nanny bring my kids using my pass?
The pass is not transferable to other individuals. However, you can add a family member or your nanny to your household account by calling the Park District at (847) 835-3030. Our customer service team is available Monday-Friday between 8:30 AM-5 PM.
Can I get a guest pass?
Yes, season pass holders can buy guest passes by calling the Park District at (847) 835-3030. Our customer service team is available Monday-Friday between 8:30 AM-5 PM. Please allow 48 hours to process. There is a limit of one ten-punch card per household. The cost for residents is $50 and $100 for non-residents. We are not accepting any forms of payment at the beach in order to reduce person-to-person contact.
Can residents and non-residents still park at the beach? Is a permit required?
Parking is available for residents and non-residents at the beach on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to walk or ride a bike if you are close.
Are courtesy golf carts available this year?
At this time, there is no cart service due to safety concerns. Exceptions may be made for handicap or elderly guests.
Is it possible to have cart service for an elderly person that has trouble walking long distances?
If a guest needs assistance to the beach, they may drive their vehicle down to the parking pad and drop the guest off, but must park their vehicle by Lakefront Park. Guest with an accessibility placard are permitted to park at the bottom in the designated accessibility parking space if it is empty. A cart may be available to assist visitors, but we ask you to contact the facility manager at (847) 835-1185 at least an hour ahead of your arrival to arrange this. As long as the beach is open, a cart should be available.
Can I swim before the beach opens between 6-9 AM?
Yes, in the designated swim area and at your own risk.
Update - July 1 What is the lifeguard situation?
The Beach staff has been developing plans for weeks to prepare to expand Park District services as we moved into Phase 4. The Park District has started to hire and train lifeguards. Once the guards have completed new modified training standards and certifications, we will begin to guard the water. We expect to start guarding the water within the next two weeks (mid-July.) Lifeguards will be posted daily between 10 AM – 4 PM, until mid-August (or longer, depending on staff availability) and then only on weekends only until Labor Day. Season passes will still be required to access the Beach from 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, through Labor Day.
Reminder: Currently, the water is not protected by lifeguards. The minimum age to enter the beach area alone is 12 years of age. To enter the water, while unguarded, patrons must be at least 16 years of age, per the Illinois Department of Public Health. Persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible person at least 16 years of age while entering the water. Swimming alone is not recommended. Here is a chart:
Min. Age to Enter* Beach Water
Lifeguard on Duty 12 12
No Lifeguard on Duty 12 16
* unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible person at least 16 years of age
Since we are not able to reserve trellis/sun shelters, will someone be monitoring them so that one group doesn’t monopolize it all day?
Staff will not be tracking the amount of time a group spends at the sun shelters. Additional seating has been added to the trellis area and the pier.
Why are walkers not allowed to use the ramps and stairs as in past years?
To reduce crowding on the ramps and stairs, we are only allowing season pass holders up and down to exercise and to help encourage social distancing between 9 AM – 9 PM.
Why can’t I use inflatables in the water?
Only Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) may be used in the swim zone. Inflatables are not intended for open water usage and give a false sense of security to weak swimmers.
Why can’t I bring my paddleboard/kayak down and launch it from the beach?
By allowing day launches, the Park District could incur a liability to the safety and well-being of the guest. Bringing a paddleboard/kayak down the ramp can cause congestion and put other beach visitors at risk due to the size and awkwardness of the crafts.
Updated July 1: Why do I have to accompany my child who is under the age of 16?
At facilities and beaches not guarded by lifeguards, all persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another responsible person at least 16 years of age. This is a mandate from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Once the beach is guarded by lifeguards in mid-July, the minimum age to enter the beach area alone is 12 years of age. To enter the water, while unguarded, patrons must be at least 16 years of age, per the Illinois Department of Public Health. Persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible person at least 16 years of age while entering the water. Swimming alone is not recommended.
Here is a chart:
Min. Age to Enter* Beach Water
Lifeguard on Duty 12 12
No Lifeguard on Duty 12 16
* unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible person at least 16 years of age
Why do we allow access to Glencoe Beach to non-residents?
Non-resident beach access is required by law. Over 20 years ago, the Glencoe Park District accepted an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant for large-scale improvements to Glencoe Beach. One of the requirements when we accepted the grant was that non-residents have access to the beach at no more than twice the fee of residents. The current difference between resident and non-resident fees is the maximum legally allowed under OSLAD guidelines.
Update: Is the Play/Sprayground open?
Yes, it opened on June 27.
Can patrons use grills/sun-shelters?
Guests may use the grills and sun shelters on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests must provide their own charcoal. Guests are not allowed to bring their own grills to the beach or Lakefront Park.
Will concessions be available? Can I bring food and coolers? Will drinking fountains be usable? Will I have access to drinking water?
The concession stand will not be open this year. Season pass holders can bring coolers and non-alcoholic beverages. We hope to make water fountains available as restrictions ease. We recommend visitors bring water bottles with them to the beach. Absolutely no glass containers are allowed.
Is smoking or vaping allowed?
There is no smoking or vaping allowed at the beach.
Are bathroom facilities available?
Bathrooms are open for use during operational hours, but showers are not available.
Are people expected/required to wear masks?
We ask that visitors wear masks until you reach your spot on the beach. We cannot force guests to wear them.
Are dogs allowed?
No dogs are allowed on the beach at any time between May 15 and September 15.
Can I rent umbrellas and chairs or buy sunscreen and towels?
We are not renting paddleboards, beach chairs, umbrellas, and kayaks at this time due to safety reasons. We do not sell sunscreen or towels.
Updated July 1: Is there a family size limit?
Groups of ten people are allowed.