Supervisor Steve F. Taylor Celebrates Reopening of Bender Park Boat Launch Following Critical Restoration Work
Steve F. Taylor. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee County.
MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve F. Taylor joined Milwaukee County Parks officials, community members, and local partners today to celebrate the official reopening of the Bender Park Boat Launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bender Park.
The reopening follows completion of much-needed improvements to the launch area, restoring a vital point of access to Lake Michigan for boaters, anglers, first responders, and visitors throughout Milwaukee County.
The Bender Park Boat Launch was opened in 1999, and when operational, provides a critical shelter point during unsafe lake conditions. Heavy sediment buildup has repeatedly blocked access, leading to dredging being required in 2007, 2011, and 2013 to maintain the site, which had remained closed until now due to sediment overflow. $820,500 in Capital Funds were appropriated to allow Parks staff to perform the dredging. This sediment abatement will allow the public to safely access and navigate the harbor.
Project plans were developed and submitted throughout 2024 to the WDNR and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to secure several required permits for the dredging activities. As of April 2025, the final permit was granted from the WDNR for a low-hazard exemption for the disposal of dredged sediments at the park. Additional project and permitting information can be found at https://www.mkecountyparks.org/bender-park-sediment-abatement.
A request for additional funds to be able to contract for construction was submitted to the County and approved as part of the 2026 Capital Budget. According to Taylor:
“Bender Park Boat Launch is an important asset for our County, and restoring access here has been a priority because of the role it plays for both recreation and public safety,” said Supervisor Taylor. “I took these necessary investments personally because of how important this launch is to the community. I’m proud to have fought hard to enhance safety, accessibility, and enjoyment for everyone who visits.
“I’m also grateful to our Milwaukee County Parks staff and the community for their patience and support throughout this restoration process. This is the kind of investment that makes a real difference for residents.”
The project had previously faced delays tied to permitting, consulting, and rising construction costs. In response, Supervisor Taylor introduced a resolution to move the work forward by authorizing additional funding needed to complete the dredging project and restore the launch.
The reopening comes just ahead of the busy summer season, when demand for lake access is at its highest.
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.
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