Protecting Our Shore: 1987 Shoreline Restoration
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In 1987, Lake Forest residents invested in a large-scale restoration project to protect Forest Park Beach from erosion. Record high lake levels had destroyed the beach and bluffs were wearing away.
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Erosion on the bluff at Villa Turicum, 1975.
Lake Forest Mayor Frank Farwell put together the Shoreline Restoration Advisory Committee to build up the 3,400-foot beach. An $8.5 million bond plus $300,000 in donations from residents allowed for offshore breakwaters and onshore stone revetments.
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1986 - shoreline work in progress.
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Aerial view looking southwest, September 1987.
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Aerial view looking northwest, beach work in progress, winter 1986-87.
Along with the new technology, changes included a protected boat basin and boat launch, a beach house, lawn area, wood walkways, overlooks, and a waterfront promenade.
The beach reopened for the 1987 season and brought 200,000 visitors.
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1991