Rosewood Beach is now open to the public.  The Park District closed the beach temporarily this fall to implement an emergency sand nourishment project at the Nature and Swimming Coves.  The project was necessary to protect Rosewood’s structures and parking lot from erosion caused by near record-high lake levels coupled with powerful early fall storms.   High lake levels have caused major damage to beaches all along the north shore.  

Sand was strategically placed along both coves with a steep grade at the water’s edge.The lake will continue flattening the newly placed material to create a more stable slope.  See illustration below (click to enlarge).

The Park District is working with Smith Group to analyze future lake level projections and long-term options to protect the beach.  According to the United States Army Corp Research and Development Center (USRDC) Lake Michigan hit its highest level for the year in July at 581.92 feet.  The USRDC predicts the lake level will be at 580.94 feet in January – 10.3 inches higher than the level in January 2019.  Over the course of the coming year, the lake could rise another 11 to 12 inches.