The end of the century brought some significant changes to Burnham Harbor. The steel docks were replaced by floating ones and the face of the harbor permanently changed. A new configuration of docks was initiated. First the west side was converted to floating docks, followed by the east side. With this new configuration in the harbor, the yacht club gas docks, as well as the transient docks, were eliminated. In its place, four slips were allocated to the club for members and visitors to use. Commodore Marty Finerty designed a new crane for the docks so we could continue to step masts. Over a 15 month time frame, except for the columns, the old Soldier Field Stadium was torn down and a new space age stadium was erected in its place. The new stadium opened in September of 2001.
In 2002 the club installed a new roof and new a/c units, Bill Zoller oversaw the project. The club docks were utilized fully by new members. As usual, all slips were full for the season. Membership was increasing on a continuing basis.
In 2003 a few projects where completed: The patio canopy was installed, which was paid for by donations of various members. The bathrooms were given a once over with new fixtures. The biggest unexpected event took place under the cover of darkness. Late one Sunday evening, a large group of construction personnel and equipment made their way to Meigs Field. Large ―X’s‖ were cut into the runways. No further landings or take offs were allowed from then on. Planes that were still at Meigs were allowed to take off from the taxi way only. From then on, it was no longer Meigs Field, but Northerly Island. The club was not effected by the events that took place, although in years to come, we have been interfacing with new neighbors and enjoying the nature preserve next door.
As a result of a survey, in 2003, members made it clear that the washroom facilities at the Club were undesirable. In 2005, Commodore Tom McInerney and PC Marty Finnerty worked together to design and engineer new facilities. New, energy efficient windows were installed, and the Auxiliary purchased new patio furniture.
In 2006, many BPYC improvements took place. New flooring was installed in the chart room and new track lighting was installed in the dining room. An outdoor swing and sand box were added to the patio. One of the biggest changes in the Club’s history also happened in 2006, when Joann Murphy became the first woman Commodore of the Burnham Park Yacht Club. It was only a few years earlier that the membership voted to allow women to be members of the Club. Since then, Marcella Cimino became the 2nd woman Commodore, and 1st spouse of a former Commodore (PC Tony Cimino). Judi McInerney became Commodore in 2013, and is the 2nd spouse of a former Commodore (PC Tom McInerney). The by-law change has made quite an impact on the Club, as there are more women taking on leadership roles, every year.
2009 was a busy year, seeing the long range plans for the new bathrooms completed with the help of Commodore Dave DeAre. We also built the floating docks near the crane for our Jr Sailing program. In 2012 the start of the boating season was delayed due to Burnham Harbor being closed for the NATO International conference in Chicago.
In 2013 BPYC had its 75th Anniversary Celebration. PC Joann Murphy led a very successful fundraiser, which included a Casino night, which proved to be a wildly popular event, complete with a red carpet and paparazzi.
Each year, new challenges have presented themselves and BPYC has overcome the challenges and thrived through the years. The Club continues to provide a great place to meet with your friends, have a fine meal, relax and enjoy the best view of Chicago!