In an Oct. 15 news story (MetroChicago) about a hearing on the future of the North Avenue Beach House, Bob Edidin, chairman of the Planning Commission of the Lincoln Park Advisory Council, was quoted as saying, “We don’t need changing rooms.”
I disagree. He may be right if your only destination is a trip to the beach. But there are many times when I want to be able to change out of a wet suit or into a suit from street clothes. I often go for a swim and need to stop somewhere on the way home and do not have time to air dry. Or I stop for a swim on the way home from work or other activity and need to change into a swimsuit.
I was very disappointed with the new beach house at Foster Avenue Beach. At least the old one had an adequate room to change. I know you can change in the restrooms, but that is demeaning–you feel you are on display. I think that new beach house was designed by someone who does not swim at the lake.
I hope the Park District will reconsider its design and add a changing room to its new or rehabbed beach houses.
