Posted on: May 16, 2022

The Glen Ellyn Park District’s project to create a new shoreline path extending from the Lake Ellyn Boathouse to the fishing pier is underway. The 12-foot path will feature permeable pavers as well as sections of masonry seat wall and enhanced landscaping. The existing stacked limestone wall will be replaced with a sturdier wall type.

Due to unforeseen soil conditions, further excavation under the retaining wall is needed. Despite best efforts of pre-construction soil boring tests, this is always a potential hazard to find this kind of soil. Of upmost importance is to build a solid shoreline wall for safety and long-term durability.

To achieve this additional excavation, unfortunately, the lake will have to be lowered further. This will be done in an incremental process but will be noticeable.

Work will occur as expeditiously as possible. Once the base of the wall is complete the lake water will be able to fill up again naturally through rainfall.

We apologize for any inconvenience during this time. Once this project is complete, it will be an asset to the community for decades to come.

While the lake is lowered, fishing will still be available; however, the District recommends fishing from the north where the lake is deeper. Lake Foxcroft also provides one of the best fishing opportunities in DuPage County and was restocked in 2021 through a partnership with Kiwanis.

The shoreline pathway is part of a multi-phase improvement project to improve and maintain Lake Ellyn Park, which began with the 2013 Lake Ellyn Master Plan. This element is funded largely through an anonymous donation.

Other Master Plan improvements throughout the years have included restoration of the historic Lake Ellyn Boathouse, replacement of the playground, converting pathway lights to energy-efficient LEDs, realigning paths to expand green space, and adding the fishing pier, vegetative restorers, and interpretive signage.

For additional information please contact the Glen Ellyn Park District at (630) 858-2462. We appreciate your patience while the District completes this worthwhile project.