The Waukegan City Council on Aug. 18 formally supported the Waukegan Dunes and North Beach Access Project after a staff and consultant presentation that emphasized protecting dune habitat while adding accessible trails and viewing areas.

Engineer David Craft of Hay and Associates and city staff described a site that has developed dunes and swales in recent decades and noted the project’s objectives: improve safe, ADA-accessible routes to the lake; construct durable boardwalks over wet areas; provide an accessible viewing platform and interpretive signage; and restore informal trails that damage habitat. Craft said the project is close to a 60% design and “was grant funded through the Department of Natural Resources” for the design phase.

Design elements and constraints
Consultants outlined key features:
- Accessible matted trails and timber boardwalks to allow strollers, wheelchairs and stiffer surfaces over sand.
- Selective trail widening and formalization of main east–west access routes while closing and restoring informal desire lines through sensitive dune habitat.
- An accessible overlook and interpretive signage emphasizing birding and the dune ecosystem.
- A south-side emergency-access improvement to serve first responders.

Craft noted the dunes-and-swales system is dynamic, shaped by Lake Michigan water-level fluctuation and sand transport, and the design team prioritized resilient materials and modular trail surfacing that can be adjusted if the beach or dune geometry shifts.

Council action and funding path
Council members voted to adopt a resolution supporting furtherance of the design plans developed by Hay & Associates and to seek construction funding. The staff presentation identified the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ OSLAD program as the intended construction-funding source; staff said the city will submit required grant applications by the end of the state’s application window and that announcements typically follow in late winter. The council’s resolution passed by roll call.

What happens next
If construction funding is approved, staff said project permits are largely in place and the project would be bid for construction; consultants said the design is close to being shovel-ready for construction-phase bids. The city and consultant team will host a public open house on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 5–7 p.m. at Dunes Plaza (North Beach parking lot) where residents can view plans and comment before grant submission.

Ending
The council’s vote signals support for a project intended to expand public access to Waukegan’s lakefront while protecting a locally significant natural area. Staff will pursue OSLAD or similar grant funding and return to council and the public with updates and a construction schedule if grants are awarded.