The dune grassland along 63rd Street Beach isn't natural accident — it's the direct result of community members organizing to protect this place. Stewardship here means keeping that work alive.
A Design the Community Shaped
When Lake Shore Drive was rebuilt in the early 2000s, engineers originally planned a concrete step wall and turf-and-tree landscaping for this stretch. A local alderman convened an Advisory Group of more than thirty community organizations, who worked with landscape architects to push for a native dune-grassland design instead — closer to the beach's historic character.
When some of that turf was later replaced with native plantings in 2010, residents pushed back, saying the lawn areas were valued gathering space. The Park District restored the turf. That back-and-forth is proof that organized community input directly shapes this ground.
Where We Can Help
Beach Cleanup
Regular litter and debris cleanup along the sand and dune grassland.
Native Planting & Maintenance
Keeping dune grass healthy and reinforcing the shoreline it protects.
Park District Coordination
Working alongside JPAC's own "Pitch In for the Parks" volunteer workdays across Jackson Park.
Join a Stewardship Day
We're organizing regular cleanup and planting days as part of our Phase 1 programming. No experience or equipment needed — just show up.
Sign Up to Volunteer