Some Beachgoers Balk at $8 Fee

A summer day at the beach can be priceless, but in Evanston, the price may actually add up.

On Mondays from July 8 to August 26, beach admittance at Clark Street Beach is free for Evanston residents only, but for Tuesday through Sunday, daily beach tokens cost $8 for beachgoers ages 12 and up and $6 for those under 12.

Or, Evanston and Skokie residents can purchase season passes. Passes sell at $26 for April 1- June 14, $34 for June 15- July 31 and $17 Aug 1 through Labor Day. Nonresidents can purchase passes at $42 for the first season, $58 for the second and $29 for the third.

Barb Fanney, a visitor from California, strolled around Clark Street Beach, 1811 Sheridan Rd., Thursday morning. She felt the cost of beach tokens was a little high. “Maybe they’re just trying to encourage people [to purchase a season pass], but $8 seems like a lot,” she said.

Evanston resident Michael Beris is originally from Florida, and he expressed much disappointment in the beach fees as well. “Evanston is not a livable place… it’s off the wall,” he continued. “Everywhere I go [in Florida], the beach is free.”

He called the Florida beaches “paradise” with free music and a lively atmosphere.

Some beachgoers said $8 was reasonable if you were staying at the beach for a while, but a small amount of time at the beach should be free.

Eric Vanettinger was visiting Evanston with his family for a business conference. He and his family wanted to walk to the water for only 15 minutes Wednesday. “We had to pay $8, and we said, ‘Okay, we won’t do that,’” Vanettinger continued. “It would be great if there was some time constraint on it.”

Some residents, however, have accepted the beach fee. Waleed Gamay, Northwestern University student, said, “I guess $8 a day is pretty reasonable.”

He also mentioned that Northwestern students can attend the beaches close to Northwestern University for free if they show their student IDs.

Tell us: What do you think about the cost of beach tokens? Would you pay $8 per day, purchase a season pass or choose another activity?