Gates, plate readers installed to enforce payment for parking at Chicago beaches

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Many lots owned by the Chicago Park District along the lakefront have been used for paid parking over the last 15 years. But now, thanks to new gates, they are making sure you pay.

Chicago resident Dave Kanis comes to Oakwood Beach on the South Side frequently to walk his dog, Stevie. But now, if Stevie takes longer than the 15-minute grace period, Kanis has to pay for parking.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

"Costs me a little more money, $4.07 to take the dog for a walk," Kanis said.

The prices for parking range from a little over $4 to about $24 depending on how long you stay. There is a 15-minute grace period for dropping people off or unloading gear. And license plate readers are now in place to make sure the park district collects on the fees.

Lots of park users say they are not happy about it. Chicago resident Eddie Randle goes there most days during his lunch break at work.

"No, I'm not OK with having to pay. I've been coming here the last four years and didn't have to pay, and now, it's free for only 15 minutes," Randle said.

Some park users say the parking fee is contrary to the historical plan, going back to architect Daniel Burnham's original plan for the lakefront.

"It was supposed to be a free domain for people, and now, they've changed that, even though it's been in place over 100 years," said Chicago resident Rachel Porter.

The parking gates and license plate readers are now in place at 10 locations up and down the lakefront from the north to south ends. The park district, however, says in a statement, "That is not a new policy. The recent changes, including an automated gate system, simply modernize how payment is managed and enforced."

And while that may be true, many beachgoers say they were unaware, and it will likely keep them from coming to the beach as often.

"Charging us to park is going to stop people from coming out here and enjoy the beautiful weather and the itinerary here," said Chicago resident Michelle Howard.

The park district says the rates have remained the same as they were before, although they vary slightly depending on the location.