What to know about this week’s reopening of Kenilworth Beach

Kenilworth’s beachfront is about to reopen, just in time for a heat wave.

The beach, which has been under construction in Phase 2 of the Beach Improvement Plan, is set to reopen at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 1.

“(The beach is) going to be something that’s a gem for the community,” Kenilworth Village Manager Kathy Thake said. “Our beach here, although it’s a smaller beach compared to some of the other ones on the North Shore, it’s definitely something that the community can be proud of and will definitely attract a lot of residents.”

While part of the beach renovation is still underway, beach pass holders are welcomed to enjoy the swim beach, new bathroom building and upper plaza.

The ramp from the street, the new beach plaza and the Devonshire Lane entry are still under construction and will be fenced off from the public until they are completed, which is expected by the end of the summer. 

Even though the street ramp remains under construction, ADA-compliant accommodations are available with the help of beach staff. 

“I think our residents are really going to get a great experience,” Thake said. “ … Once the ramp is open, it’s going to be (an easier) access for all beachgoers.”

The new beach plaza will have a foot wash station, improved patios, a “stair-ramp” with benches and a variety of seating and opportunities for shade, according to the project website.

Phase 1 of the beach improvements began in October 2024 with restoration of the shoreline, as previously reported on by The Record. Phase 2 began in fall 2025.

Originally, the second phase of the project was estimated to cost $6.98 million, but earlier this year the village increased the maximum price to approximately $7.68 million. 

Funding for the second phase came from a referendum passed in spring 2024 to allow the village to sell $2.5 million in bonds. In addition, the community fundraised more than $500,000 to assist with the cost of the beach plaza. 

The total cost of the project will not be available until completed. Weekly updates of the construction progress can be found at the project’s website.

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