Plans for Surf Park at North Side Beach Halted

The surfing simulation proposed at Montrose Beach was stymied thanks in large part to bird enthusiasts

Plans for a surf park at Montrose Beach have been wiped out. 

Chicago Surf proposed an on-land surf park as part several renovations to the Wilson Avenue beach house on the city’s North Side, according to the company’s founder K.C. Hoos.

But public feedback, including a campaign organized by birders concerned about proximity to a bird sanctuary, has tabled the proposal, according to the Chicago Sun-Times

“The habitat is very fragile,” Chicago Audubon Society President Dave Willard told the Sun-Times. “The surf-park would draw large numbers of people oblivious to the precious nature of this sanctuary.”

The Chicago Park District does plan to renovate the beach's bathrooms and concession next year, a spokesperson told the Sun-Times. 

But Hoos' surfing simulation park will no longer be a part of the renovations. 

46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman has hosted at least one open meeting in May to discuss the potential project, which Hoos said depended on community support. The meeting reportedly was lively, with both supporters and opponents strongly voicing their opinion, according to the Sun-Times.

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