Restored, expanded Fullerton Avenue Beach has nearly 6 new acres

A brisk wind and chilly temperatures didn’t stop the official opening of an expanded and restored section of lakefront at Fullerton Avenue Beach.

This project, 15 years in the making, was the result of efforts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Chicago Park District and the city of Chicago to stop the erosion of the shoreline and create nearly six acres of new park space.

“The shore was falling in to the lake,” said Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who attended Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting.

Actual reconstruction to strengthen the shoreline near the Fullerton Theater on the Lake began in 2014.

The project also provides a split lakefront trail with separate biking, running and pedestrian paths, something “people have been asking for — as much for enjoyment as security,” Emanuel said at Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting. Similar separate trails are planned elsewhere along the lakefront.

Sen. Durbin, who attended the opening, called this area of lakefront “Disneyland for a lot of families in Chicago. This is their break, their vacation.” The project is one of the final areas getting an upgrade through the city’s Shoreline Protection Project.

The Theater on the Lake is a special interest of the mayor’s. When work started in 2014, he said he hoped the theater could stage not only community theater or amateur shows, but also attract world-class productions, according to a statement issued by the city. The restored area, Emanuel said, “an enhancement that will pay dividends for generations to come.”

Responding to questions after the ceremony, Emanuel declined to say when he would announce his decision on a new Chicago Police superintendent.

“Quick is not the value I’m looking for,” he said. “‘Right’ is the value I’m looking for.” His priority, he added, “is to find the right person who has the right judgment and qualities we need in the city to reduce gun violence.”