EVANSTON, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Evanston residents will no longer be charged for access to beaches on certain days. The move is in response to recent accusations of racism.
Newly-elected Alderman Devon Reid wanted to see the city do away entirely with beach fees for residents "and end the racist policy of exclusionary and dare I say racist policy of charging for beach access."
The Evanston City Council settled on three free days: Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department Director Lawrence Hemingway said beach fees bring in more than a million dollars.
"At what point if you continue to go, we still have that hole in the budget," he said. "I am not against free beaches, but I am still responsible for that million dollars that is in the budget that was adopted by this body."
Low-income residents can qualify for free access. One council member said to have to qualify is humiliating.
The plan is to eliminate fees entirely next year.
Residents pay $30 a season. Non-residents pay $46.
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