UpdatedTue, May 25, 2021 at 8:11 pm CT Replies(22) Advocates of abandoning Evanston's policy of charging for beach access describe it as racist and exclusionary. (Jonah Meadows/Patch) EVANSTON, IL — The Evanston City Council voted Monday to phase out the city's policy of charging its residents for access to public beaches. Starting this week, Evanston residents will no longer need a pass or a token on Saturdays, Sundays or Mondays to visit one of the six public swimming beaches operated by the city. Aldermen also directed staff to come up with a plan for free beach access to all Evanston residents every day for the 2022 season. Previously, only Clark Street Beach was free to Evanston residents — and only on Mondays in June and July.