Lake in the Hills restricts beach access to residents only after large party

Lake in the Hills is restricting access to both of its beaches after a large gathering of people from outside the village took place last weekend.

Beginning Wednesday, Indian Trail Beach and Butch Hagele Beach only will be open to people who live in Lake in the Hills, the village said in a news release, noting that its goal is to address residents’ concerns.

“Last weekend, we had someone from another community bring a large party to the beach in a bus,” Village Administrator Fred Mullard said in an email. “The bus created a parking problem and forced residents going to the beach to park in the neighborhood around the beach. Additionally, the beach became crowded with people, making it less enjoyable for our residents. Our first priority at the beaches needs to be our residents.”

The beaches will not be completely cut off to those outside the village’s 28,000 residents. Residents still will be allowed to bring a guest who is not a resident.

“We’ve listened to feedback from our residents and feel these changes will address their concerns,” Public Works Director Tom Migatz said in a statement.

The village said it will have additional administrative staff at the beaches on the weekends to ensure these rules are being followed.