Lakefront Active Implementation Plan

The project engages Edgewater Resources, a planning consultant, to guide a process that will create an active implementation plan and strategy for Waukegan's lakefront. This document will identify key projects and activities that can be undertaken in the near term (two to four years) to improve and activate Waukegan's lakefront area, along with a framework for longer term activities. The goal is to undertake activities that will stimulate economic development, preserve environmentally- and economically-valuable natural resources on the Waukegan lakefront, build upon and revitalize the identity and sense of place for Waukegan's people, and enhance their use and enjoyment of the lakefront. The focus is on projects that could be catalytic, spurring other activities and development to take place.

The planning process to date has included the gathering and review of relevant existing documents, engagement with key stakeholders and the public, identification of available or potentially-available lands for key activities (transit-oriented development, boat storage, parks and open space, beach access for multiple users, etc.), and development of a plan that provides actionable steps to improve the environment and experience at Waukegan's lakefront.

To date, Edgewater Resources has conducted a Community Open House meeting (PDF) at the Waukegan Yacht Club on Monday, July 27, 2015, in which approximately 125 people attended this kick-off event.

On Monday, July 27, 2015 and Tuesday, July 28, 2015, the Edgewater Resources team conducted stakeholder interviews with various people and organizations, such as the Waukegan Park District, Waukegan Port District, and businesses located in the lakefront area.

On Tuesday, October 13, 2015, Edgewater Resources conducted a Waterfront Planning Session (PDF) at the Belvidere Recreation Center. In this session, the Edgewater Resources team shared ideas from the first round of community input and discussed market analysis results. They also discussed a range of recommendations for Waukegan's Lakefront Active Implementation Plan. Attendees were also asked to view photographs of various potential physical and programmatic improvements. And those physical and programmatic improvements that the attendees felt were good ideas were given green dots to place on those improvements. And those improvements that the attendees felt were bad ideas were given red dots to place on those improvements.

For those who missed this event on October 13, 2015, a power point presentation can be viewed HERE. Please keep in mind that this is a large file and download times can vary depending on your Internet connection speed.

On Tuesday, November 3, 2015, Edgewater Resources conducted a presentation (PDF) at City Hall. In this session, the Edgewater Resources team presented a range of lakefront recommendations for review and discussion. These recommendations were based on the community input from the October 13th meeting on the types of programming, infrastructure improvements, beach amenities, and complementary retail, commercial and restaurant uses are needed on the lakefront.

For those who missed this event on November 3, 2015, you can view the PowerPoint Presentation (PDF). Please keep in mind that this is a large file and download times can vary depending on your Internet connection speed.

After the November 3rd meeting, there was some concept refinement and development of the Lakefront Activation Plan in draft format to be reviewed by the Waterfront Working Group. There was a public comment period of approximately two weeks on the draft Plan before it was prepared in final format. It was presented to the Economic Development Committee on December 21, 2015 at 5:00 PM with a presentation by Edgewater Resources. A question and answer period with aldermen and concerned residents occurred after the presentation, followed by unanimous approval of the Plan by the Economic Development Committee. Approval of the Lakefront Active Implementation Plan by the full City Council will occur on Monday, January 4, 2016.

The FINAL draft of the Lakefront Activation Plan can be downloaded as a full resolution file or a low resolution file below. Download time may vary depending on file sizes and your Internet connection speed. Copies of the final draft of the Lakefront Activation Plan are also available for review at the Department of Planning and Zoning, 100 N. Martin L. King, Jr. Avenue.

Lakefront Activation Plan (PDF) - FINAL DRAFT (Full Resolution - 15.9 MB)
Lakefront Activation Plan (PDF) - FINAL DRAFT (Low Resolution - 5.07 MB)