Boat Launch at Lisle Community Park
Boat Launch

LISLE COMMUNITY PARK BOAT LAUNCH

Now open for public use!

Our community's new public boat launch is located on the East Branch of the DuPage River in Community Park just south of Short Street and west of the Short Street bridge, accessible from the parking lot near ball field #1 (1825 Short Street, Lisle).

Get Directions

Boat Launch Rules

The Lisle Community Park Boat Launch is intended for use of personal non-motorized boats or floating vessels, such as kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards. Please abide by the following rules:
  • Consider your ability and weather conditions before embarking.
  • Let others know of your boating plans and paddle with others – for safety reasons, don't do it alone.
  • Always wear a life vest and carry a whistle to alert others in an emergency.
  • Don't paddle during flood conditions or after heavy rain.
  • Dress for cold weather and pack extra clothes.
  • Avoid fallen trees/branches or other obstructions in the water.
  • Carry around all dams - even low dams are dangerous.
  • Be safe & have fun!

View Boat Launch Rules

Resources

A Beginner's Guide to Paddling

How to Choose the Right Life Jacket

Northern Illinois Waterway Map

Openlands Interactive Waterway Map

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Illinois Paddling Council

Openlands

Prairie State Canoeists

Boat Launch Timeline & History

With a generous $15,000 contribution from the Lisle Partners for Parks Foundation and a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) through the Boat Access Area Development (BAAD) program, the project, which was first presented for consideration back in 2007, became a highly anticipated resource to the greater Lisle community in the summer of 2021.

'07
A project 14 years in the making...

In 2007, the Lisle Park District began considering a boat launch in Community Park in response to a request from Openlands, the Illinois Paddling Council, and IDNR to construct the first public launch on the DuPage River in the county. Although grant applications were submitted in 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2014, project grant assistance through the BAAD program for 80% of the projected $100,000 construction cost was not approved until 2015. However, notice was issued that funding was not secure and ultimately was not released, which left the project in limbo.

'18
Funds Budgeted to Construct the Boat Launch

In 2018, the Lisle Park District was notified by IDNR that the State of Illinois would release the 2015 grant awards. Lisle Park District allocated $120,000 in 2019's budget to construct the launch but could not proceed until the official agreement was executed.

'19
Project Tabled

In July of 2019, IDNR presented its final agreement to the Lisle Park District to bid the project for construction. With the lowest bid coming in just under $180,000, the Lisle Park District Board of Park Commissioners tabled the project due to its high cost and agreed to re-bid the project in early 2020 with hopes for a more competitive bidding environment.

'20
Project Re-Bid / Bid Accepted

In February 2020, a bid was accepted by the Board of Park Commissioners just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, with funds secured and budgeted, the proposed project came to fruition in the summer of 2021.

'21
Construction Completed - Boat Launch Opened for Public Use

In August 2021, the Lisle Park District completed construction of the Lisle Community Park Public Boat Launch on the East Branch of the DuPage River, located in Community Park just south of Short Street and west of the Short Street bridge accessible from the parking lot near ball field #1 (1825 Short Street, Lisle).

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