Public-Private Partnership Leads to Award-winning Renovation Project

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - On Saturday, June 6, beginning at 3:30 p.m., community members are invited to attend and celebrate the reopening of the Arrington Lakefront Lagoon during its dedication event at Dawes Park, located on Sheridan Rd. at Church St., in Evanston.

The lagoon was closed in 2013 for a renovation project that was made possible thanks to a $500,000 donation from The Arrington Foundation, $100,000 from the City of Evanston’s Capital Improvement Program, and an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Construction on the lagoon was completed in late 2014.

The Arrington Foundation will be represented by Michael B. Arrington (photo below), an Evanston resident and the Foundation’s President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as other family members. The City is naming Dawes Park's lagoon the Arrington Lakefront Lagoon in memory of Michael Arrington’s father, the late W. Russell Arrington. A distinguished member of the Illinois General Assembly from 1945 to 1973, W. Russell Arrington was a member of the Illinois House and leader of the Illinois Senate.

For decades, the lagoon area has been a beloved Evanston lakefront destination for a variety of community festivals, concerts, and celebrations held throughout the year, as well as recreational activities such as ice-skating, jogging and walking. Thanks to this public-private partnership, Evanston residents and visitors will be able to enjoy views of Lake Michigan and the adjacent Dawes Park from a beautifully renovated venue.

Evanston’s Arrington Lakefront Lagoon Renovation project was recognized as APWA’s “Public Works Project of the Year” in the category of Historical Restoration/Preservation for projects of less than $5 million. In 2014, the City and its contractor, Clauss Brothers, Inc., completed the major renovation of the lagoon. The project included pavement reconstruction, masonry repair, stone waterfall and stair reconstruction, plumbing and mechanical improvements, lighting and electrical system improvements, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements.

Commenting on the multiple funding sources for the project during a donation recognition event in June 2011, Michael Arrington said, “I'm sure with a million dollars we can have a considerable change to make this area more beautiful and more enjoyable, not only for the City and citizens of Evanston, but all the surrounding communities.” He added, “When we get this area developed, it will be a prime spot for the whole Chicagoland area.”

Following the Arrington Lakefront Lagoon dedication, at 4 p.m., attendees will get to enjoy the summer’s first free Starlight Concert featuring a high energy performance from Velocity, Arlen Music Production’s newest band. Throughout the dedication event and concert on June 6, wine, beer and food will be available for purchase from Sips on Sherman, Temperance Beer Co., and Kefi Greek Tavern.

In the event of rain, the Starlight Concert will be relocated to Temperance Beer Co., located at 2000 Dempster St., in Evanston.  However, the dedication will be held in Dawes Park from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

For more information, please or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.