Phil’s Beach Master Plan

Opened in 1926, Phil’s Beach was the first privately-owned “fee” beach resort with recreational facilities located on Bang’s Lake in Wauconda. Aquatic amenities included the “Dizzy Lizzy,” a 30-foot J-slide and floating rafts that attracted families and tourists. The beach was also featured in several scenes from “The Blues Brothers” film. Privately-owned and operated until 1989, the beach was then closed to the public. The Wauconda Park District purchased the land in 2016 for redevelopment with the goal of returning the site to a public beachfront.

Hitchcock Design Group was retained by the Park District to prepare a long-term vision for the future development of the beach. After conducting workshops and stakeholder interviews, the team prepared a final design that addressed future fiscal planning and capital improvements. These improvements include a concessions building, bath house, picnic pavilion, open lawn areas, splash pad, expansive boardwalk, beachfront, and inflatable water play features. The proposed structures will mimic the architecture of the existing historic buildings.