Northwestern administrators will open the North Beach to students in time for Dillo Day for the first time since 1985.
The beach, normally open only after students leave for summer break, will be available for a nine-day trial period beginning the weekend of May 19, from noon to 6 p.m. It will remain open for Dillo Day and through Reading Week, May 26 to June 3.
Dan Bulfin, director of recreational sports, said the Sports Pavilion and Aquatic Center’s budget had previously allowed them to open the beach only from June 15 until Sept. 1. But administrators stepped forward with the needed funding after students expressed interest.
“The university wanted to find a way to do this as a pilot program,” Bulfin said. “The idea is to open up the sand area for sunbathing and whatever people want to do. Whether this happens again in the future is contingent on this trial run.”
The beach is located behind SPAC and just north of the Lakefill.
Bulfin said NU will pay about $2,000 for lifeguards and maintenance during the nine-day period. The water will be off-limits because of cold temperatures, so fewer lifeguards will be needed than in the summer months.
Bulfin said the no-swimming rule will be in effect because of the danger of hypothermia.
“There will be no access to the water because the water temperature is still in the 40s,” he said. “There is a risk of turning blue.”
Associated Student Government President Jordan Heinz, who discussed the need to open the beach with administrators after including the idea in his election platform, said the beach will add a “fantastic aspect to NU’s campus.”
“The primary benefit of the beach is that students will have a good place to go and hang out on weekends,” said Heinz, an Education junior. “But this is also a great asset that we can market to incoming students.”
Heinz also said ASG would help SPAC search for lifeguards to man the beach, aiming for three lifeguards at a time with extra staff on Dillo Day.
Heinz said the beach can serve as the perfect place for NU to share together, even without swimming. He also said he hopes to keep the beach open during New Student Week next year if turnout is high.
“This is an important place for students to start building a sense of community,” he said.
Other students said they were looking to forward to spending time studying and hanging out at the beach. Marilee Miller said she had a good time at the beach two summers ago.
“It was awesome because the entire student body was there,” said Miller, a Medill senior. “I think (opening the beach) is a good move. It will be a popular springtime destination.”
While studying on the Lakefill near Norris University Center, Christy Schillinger said she didn’t know a beach existed but would consider reading outdoors there.
“I’d go there to study, or at least pretend to study, if the weather stays nice,” said Schillinger, a Music senior.
Bulfin said he believes the weather will determine student response to the beach and whether a similar plan will occur next spring.
“It all depends on Mother Nature,” he said. “If it’s sunny and warm the beach will be used. If it’s cold and cloudy, forget it.”
