Beach Improvement Project Updates
Last Content Update:
Kenilworth has a rare opportunity to protect our shoreline, preserve both historic and natural elements, and enhance the beach experience for all residents so we may fully enjoy this treasured part of our community.
Throughout the fall and winter of 2024-25, the Village worked to repair and reinforce the Kenilworth Beach shoreline through the placement of armor stone on the pre-existing jetties and depositing additional sand. With these critical protections in place, future phases of the Beach Improvement Project are able to be developed and implemented, encompassing the water treatment plant and new outdoor spaces.
Shaped by community feedback, the project scope envisions a comprehensive set of improvements to make Kenilworth Beach safer, more accessible for all ages and abilities, and suitable for expanded, year-round use through the addition of new indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Latest News: Phase One is complete! The beach/sand is wonderfully restored and protected and ready to use this summer for enjoyment. Work for Phase Two has been award by the Village Board.
- What’s Next: Immediately after the close of this year's beach season, construction on Phase Two will begin. This work includes comprehensive improvements to beach access, plazas and bathrooms. Phase Two is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2026 beach season.
- Looking Ahead: Demolition work and renovation of the building interior will be completed in future phases as well as the addition of the stramp, and continued improvements to outdoor spaces.
PHASE TWO CONSTRUCTION – FALL 2025 - SUMMER 2026 ($6.98M - FUNDED)
The comprehensive improvements of Phase One to Kenilworth Beach will create a more beautiful, functional, and accessible space for the community to enjoy. Key enhancements include:
- New Bathroom Facility
- A modern bathroom featuring elegant glass brick elements
- Additional storage
- Changing facilities
- ADA Pedestrian Ramp
- An elevated wood deck that gently transitions into a grade-level concrete pedestrian ramp with a steel handrail and IPE wood (or similar) top rail
- Safe and accessible ramp access from street level to the water as an alternative to new stair access from the street
- Landscape
- Native landscaping along the southern bluff to enhance natural beauty and stability
- Relocated Electrical Utilities
- On to Devonshire Lane for a cleaner and more efficient layout
These enhancements will transform Kenilworth Beach into a more welcoming and accessible destination while preserving its historic charm and natural beauty.
FUTURE WORK - (EST. $8M)
The full scope of community-requested enhancements will be completed over a multi-year construction timeline anticipated to begin in fall 2026. Future phases will be approved when the Village has funds available and will be offset by a capital fundraising campaign starting mid-2025. Proposed areas of work:
- Interior Demolition: Preparing the building interior for buildout
- First Floor: Lifeguard room, First Aid Station, Lockers, Classrooms
- Second Floor: Year Round Flexible Use Space, Catering Kitchen
- Window Replacements: Thoughtfully designed
- North Beach: Boat Storage build out/landscaping
- South Beach: Shaded seating structures
- New Beach Plaza: Convenient foot wash station, New concrete pedestrian stairs at every level for improved circulation, Improved patios with reduced concrete and softer surfaces, A thoughtfully designed IPE wood (or similar) stair-ramp (“stramp”) offering both seating and seamless beach access, and A variety of seating and opportunities for shade along the beachfront and near the building
- Overlook: Removal of brick piers, new seating and railings
- Railings: Replacement of existing railings throughout to match pedestrian ramp railings.
* Project estimates reflect costs at the time the estimate is prepared and are subject to change. Actual costs may escalate over time, impacting the project budget total.
The full Beach Improvement Project cost is estimated at $13.9 million if completed in a single, 360-day construction season.
To move forward efficiently, the Village Board has chosen a phased approach, allocating $7 million in available funding for Phase Two set to begin in Fall 2025. This phase will focus on key community priorities, including upgraded restroom facilities, safer access from street level, and enhanced plazas near the swim beach with less concrete and more usable space.
While this phase addresses key improvements to enhance the Kenilworth Beach experience, available funding is insufficient to complete the indoor spaces or upgrade outdoor areas beyond the swimming beach.
Additional estimated funding of $8 million* is necessary to fulfill the full scope of community-requested enhancements over a multi-year construction timeline. *Costs will escalate over time, and may exceed the estimate amount. The estimate costs do not include architectural costs.
Interested in supporting the project?
- Donation Policy
- Pledge Form - Phase Two
- Donate Online
- Contact Village Staff with questions, concerns, or regarding donations in excess of $100,000.00.
PHASE ONE CONSTRUCTION – COMPLETED ($1M - INVESTED)
The Village of Kenilworth recently marked a major milestone in the Beach Improvement Project. The existing shoreline protection system had become inadequate, and the north steel sheet piling groin structure had failed over time. This structure helped reduce wave impact on the bulkhead during storms and supported the sandy beach, which helps absorb wave energy.
As part of Phase I, large armor stones were added on both sides of the north steel sheet piling groin to strengthen it. The south groin also needed more protection, so stone was added there as well. Additionally, sand deposits took place over the course of this work which replenished the beach for the coming season. This work wrapped up in May 2025 and is an important step toward protecting the beach from erosion and storm damage, and sets the stage for future improvements.