South Shore Beach Rehabilitation Project Completed After More Than a Decade of Study and Planning

Milwaukee, WI — Milwaukee County Parks is proud to announce the substantial completion of the South Shore Beach Rehabilitation Project, a transformational environmental and public health initiative more than a decade in the making. With primary construction now finished, one of Milwaukee’s most iconic lakefront destinations has been revitalized into a safer, cleaner, and more accessible public beach.

South Shore Beach, located in one of Wisconsin’s most densely populated urban areas, is one of nine public beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Milwaukee County. While long beloved by residents, the beach was often ranked among the worst in the nation due to poor water quality. This made the site a target for improvement under the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (AOC) Program.

An AOC is an area on the Great Lakes that has a history of significant environmental harm from human activities, preventing people and wildlife from fully using or enjoying the
local waterways. The South Shore Beach Rehabilitation project addresses water quality issues that have led to beach closure in the AOC, in order to protect public health.

Determined to solve the South Shore beach problem, a decades long, multi-partner collaborative effort began which included:

• Milwaukee County Parks
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) School of Freshwater Sciences
• City of Milwaukee Health Dept. and Wisconsin Department of Health Services
• Milwaukee Estuary AOC Community Advisory Committee
• And many members of the Waterway Restoration Partnership (WRP)

Together, these partners conducted comprehensive studies that identified multiple contributors to the water quality issues: stormwater runoff from surrounding areas, waste from birds and waterfowl, combined sewer overflows, and a breakwater that restricted natural water circulation.

UWM’s McLellan Lab provided critical water sampling data, revealing that a rocky shoreline just south of the original beach consistently showed significantly lower E. coli levels. Based on this evidence, the team determined that relocating the beach swimming area, rather than rehabilitating the existing site, was the most effective long-term solution.

In 2018, Milwaukee County contracted SmithGroup to design a new beach informed by scientific findings and community feedback. The design includes:

• A new sandy swimming area at the improved water quality location
• Trails and beach access points designed to ensure equal access for all
• Features designed to minimize impacts from stormwater runoff
• A foot wash station and public amenities
• Landscape features that discourage wildlife congregation

Following delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and funding constraints, construction is now officially complete, with work led by A.W. Oakes & Son.

“Milwaukee County Parks are special treasures that boost our local economy, support the health and well-being of our community, and provide avenues for residents, families, and visitors to enjoy the outdoors,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “The completion of the South Shore Beach project represents an important investment that is the result of years of collaboration, making our public spaces safer and more welcoming for everyone. I’m excited to see our community once again enjoy this iconic destination on Milwaukee County’s beautiful lakefront.”

“This is a proud moment for Milwaukee County Parks and all of our partners,” said Milwaukee County Parks Director, Guy Smith. “We’ve turned a long-standing environmental challenge into a model for community-centered, science-driven restoration.”

“Successful completion of the South Shore Beach project is one example of many in the Milwaukee Estuary AOC showing how our efforts are stronger together,” said Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Karen Hyun. “By continuing our tradition of strong partnerships and collaboration, we have a pivotal opportunity to clean up pollution in Milwaukee’s waterways, restore healthy fish and wildlife, improve economic opportunities and the quality of life for Milwaukee and for the region.”

Ribbon Cutting and Celebration Invitation Join Milwaukee County Parks and local leaders to celebrate the completion of the South Shore Beach Rehabilitation Project, a major milestone in improving water quality and public access along the Lake Michigan shoreline. After more than a decade of study, design, and construction, the newly restored South Shore Beach is ready to serve the community.

When: Thursday, September 25, 2025
3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Where: South Shore Park
2900 South Shore Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(Program will be held near the new beach access)

To learn more about the project, visit:
👉https://www.mkecountyparks.org/south-shore-beach-rehabilitation-project-aoc
To learn more about other projects specific to the
Milwaukee Estuary AOC, visit:
The Waterway Restoration Partnership

Before heading out, check current lake conditions
Lake Michigan’s conditions can change quickly. Before you swim, check wave height, water temperature, and other conditions through the National Data Buoy Center, which includes data from a station near Atwater Beach.

For water quality and beach advisories, visit the City of Milwaukee’s Beach Advisories page.

Water Safety Tips to for Visitors:

• Never swim alone – always go with a buddy.
• Avoid alcohol when swimming or supervising swimmers.
• Know your limits – stay in water that matches your skill level.
• Wear a life jacket if you’re not a strong swimmer or using watercraft.
• Watch children closely – even in shallow water.
• Swim only during daylight hours.
• If you don’t know how to swim, consider a local learn-to-swim program before entering open water.

On busy days and holidays:
Stay alert. High traffic on beaches can make it more difficult to monitor everyone’s safety. Pay attention to changing water conditions, steer clear of strong waves or currents, and help keep an eye out for others.

In case of emergency:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Do not enter the water unless you are a strong swimmer and have a flotation or rescue device.
• Milwaukee County beaches are equipped with life rings—use these if safe to do so.

About Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Parks is dedicated to enriching the lives of the community by providing safe, enjoyable, and affordable recreational opportunities while preserving the natural and cultural resources of the parks. Spanning over 15,000 acres, the Milwaukee County Park System includes more than 150 parks and parkways, over 100 miles of trails, numerous community centers, golf courses, botanical gardens, beaches, and hundreds of playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas. Committed to sustainability, health, and equity, Milwaukee County Parks continues to strive towards a vision where everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy the benefits of green spaces and recreational facilities.

Look for our Beach Ambassadors at South Shore Beach throughout the season. These friendly, knowledgeable staff are available to answer questions, share water safety information, and help keep the beach clean and welcoming. For more information, please visit: https://beachambassadorsmke.org/

Interested in improving your swimming skills?
Milwaukee County Parks offers swim lessons for a variety of age groups and skill levels. Visit mkeswim.com to explore programs and register online.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.