Olson Beach Will be Closed This Summer

Rockford area swimmers will have one less swimming hole to enjoy when the weather warms up as Olson Beach in Loves Park will be closed for summer of 2017.

One of the reasons why thousands of people visit Rock Cut State park in the summer time is to take a dip in the water at Olson Beach, but this summer you will soon see signs warning you: "No swimming."

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced that the beach would be closed to swimmers due to 'siltation' of the lake.

Due to siltation of the lake in recent years, the shallow depth and warmer water temperatures have diminished the water quality of Olson Lake.

Olson Lake was designed to be a silt basin for Rock Cut State Park’s larger Pierce Lake. While Olson Lake is performing its intended function, the increase in aquatic vegetation in Olson Lake has made it difficult to maintain the quality of water required for swimming and other beach activities.

Never heard of siltation? Here's a tutorial.

The IDNR suggests swimmers visit other beaches in the area:

• Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area near Lena
• Rockford Park District’s Standfield Beach at Levings Lake Park

The good news is there is more fun to enjoy this summer at Levings Lake.