Beach and facilities to be transformed to year-round use as The Landing on Diamond Lake

The Mundelein Park & Recreation District is pursuing a new vision to transform its beach and facilities along the southeast shore of Diamond Lake.

Six years after an initial community survey, the site which long has been known as Diamond Lake Recreation Center and Diamond Lake Beach has been officially renamed the Landing on Diamond Lake.

The master plan doesn’t include the traditional beach, which has been underused for many years and become a financial drain. Operated by the district since 1973, the beach will not reopen in 2026 nor return in its traditional form.

At some point a part of the sand portion will be converted for other uses. But for the time being, it will be closed to public access as attention shifts to the southern portion of the lakeshore property occupied by the recreation center building and picnic grove.

The changes correspond to the recent adoption by the parks board of a master plan involving an estimated $12.65 million in improvements to unfold in stages over the next seven years.

The goal is to transition an underutilized lakefront site and its facilities from a part-time, seasonal operation to a “vibrant, accessible and financially sustainable,” year-round destination focused on events, gatherings and active public spaces.

“We’ve been looking at this for almost four years, looking how we could transform an amenity for an entire community,” said Ron Salski, executive director.

The intent is to activate the lakefront and create a year-round, nature-focused destination with diverse activities reflecting evolving recreational trends and community needs, according to the district.

“We took a community approach but we also took a business approach,” Salski said. Grant of $650,000 have been secured and more are being sought.

“We’re avoiding any conversation about a referendum,” he said. “It’s all about grants and what new revenues can we generate.”

Phase 1 of the project is planned for 2026-2028 with the goal of reintroducing the community to the property and building momentum for future investment, according to the master plan.

To that end, work is underway to open the southern portion of the site for public access. Decades-old chain-link fencing will be removed and replaced with split-rail fencing. Accessible paths along with seating, lighting and site furnishings for lakeside viewing are being added.

The Landing will be opened in summer with food, adult and other beverage service Thursdays through Sundays during peak season. Special events starting June 12 with Pup & Pour: An Outdoor Movie Night by the Lake.

It also will be available for private rentals for meetings, celebrations and other functions.

Capital improvements estimated at $7.5 million are planned for the second phase of the plan, though timing is flexible.

Those include building additions or renovations, expanded parking, a nature-based playground and family recreation areas, fishing piers, boardwalks and water access points and more.