Wealthy residents in idyllic Illinois town left furious after council erects eye-sore fence that blocks stunning views from lakefront mansions - and starts charging beachgoers

Residents in a wealthy America town have been left outraged after their stunning lakefront views were ruined by an eye-sore fence erected to limit beach access.

Visitors to Gillson Park's South Beach in Wilmette, Illinois, which is less than 20 miles north of Chicago, will also now have to pay a fee to access the now-fenced off area.

Wilmette Park District said it had introduced the changes due to an increase in conflicts between beachgoers and park staff since the pandemic, which have resulted in police being called 'many times', Patch.com reported. 

But one furious resident described the new fence, which was approved at a March committee meeting and installed earlier this month, as an 'abomination'. 

Another compared the move to the 'defacing of a beautiful work of art so others can't enjoy it'.   

Gillson Beach, north of South Beach, on a summer evening. The beach is situated on Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes

Pictured: The fence Wilmette residents have been arguing against for months, saying its an eyesore that cuts off easy access to South Beach

A map of Gillson Park. The fence has been constructed on Overlook Drive, which is adjacent to South Beach

Many residents describe the beachfront area as the town's 'biggest treasure' and a 'beautiful gem'.

But the new charges mean it will now cost $5 for residents and $10 for nonresidents to visit the beach.

The area used to prohibit swimming, but under the new rules swimming will be allowed, with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day weekend.

The arrival of the new fence means there will only be three entry points to the beach and park staff will now search bags to better control alcohol consumption.

Steve Wilson, executive director of the Wilmette Park District, said: 'We understand that this change will be hard for many people, and that removing the one free beach north of Chicago's beaches is not ideal. 

'But this change is needed to make sure our patrons are not only safe, but can have a pleasant time with us.' 

Charlotte Walker, a resident who lives nearby, told CBS Chicago that she visits South Beach and walks the Lake Michigan shoreline just about every day.

'It's amazing. It's a beautiful natural wonder,' Walker said. 

But the new slatted dune fence that lines Overlook Drive, where homes sell for millions of dollars, has left her outraged.

'An abomination, really. I think it's awful,' Walker said. 'Part of the reason we live here is for this gorgeous lakefront'.

Wilmette resident Charlotte Walker, pictured with the fence behind her, is against the new changes the Wilmette Park District has instituted in the wake of clashes between drunk beachgoers and park staff

Pictured: A 5000 square foot home in Wilmette near Gillson Park worth just over $2 million

Another Wilmette home that's hit the market for a whopping $2.4 million. It's less than a mile from Gillson Park

One of the most expensive homes for sale in Wilmette, coming in at $3.75 million. It has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms 

Wilmette residents have a median income of $183,750, with the cheapest home on the market near Gillson Park currently priced at $2.05 million. 

Nearby a recently remodeled brick façade home is going for nearly $2.4 million, and another six-bedroom property is selling for $3.75 million. 

But some of the most popular (and expensive) homes are those along Overlook Drive, which have incredible views of the beachfront - and it is here the fence has been built.

Even those who do not live in these properties often walk or drive down to enjoy the view from this spot. And residents have raised concerns about how the fence will impact the elderly and disabled. 

Resident Anne Audy said she was 'appalled' by the new fence, Patch.com reported.

In a public comment she wrote: 'Those of us who visit Gilson Park regularly (for me, practically daily), the use of Overlook Drive provides a spectacular view of the lake that is not available anywhere else in the park.

'While I am still able to walk there, you should be aware that many elderly and disabled people park there and are able to view the lake from their cars.'

Another resident, Jane Oh, described seeing a 'lovely old lady sitting dismayed on one of the benches surrounded by fence on three sides - and said she felt like she 'was in a prison,' per Patch.com.

Others were outraged about the new charge. 

Catherine Levy who has lived in Wilmette for 30 years said in a public comment: 'We pay taxes ... and the Park District always runs in the black financially so why not charge non residents the fees and let us come to the beach for free?'

Meanwhile, resident Bev Pinaire, called South Beach 'a community treasure' that should remain fenceless and free to use, and opposed opening it for swimming.

'If the park district needs to beef up security to keep folks from swimming then do that. Do not destroy the beauty or our easy access to the lakefront,' she added.

Wilmette's median home price is nearly $800,000, but many homes in the neighborhood are worth well into the millions

A view of Lake Michigan from inside Gillson Park. According to the Gillson Park officials, if the fence were moved closer to the water, it would endanger the sand dunes and the grasses seen here

The newly constructed fence runs along Overlook Drive's sidewalk, barring residents from simply walking onto the beach from wherever they want

Some residents, however, were accepting of the new fence in the wake of increased incidents. 

'There seems to be some negativity about the new fence on the beach but I’d like to say thank you,' Sarah Condry wrote in an email dated May 16. 

'As a resident I’ve watched that portion of lakefront swell in nice weather. I’ve also watched the beach staff be harassed, yelled at, overwhelmed with crowds and ignored when trying to manage safety rules.

'I’ve seen a lot of poor behavior by beach goers over the past few years ... with that in mind, the fence and access points are within reason.'