Milwaukee County Parks Addresses Sheridan Park Bluffs Concerns
Milwaukee County Parks Addresses Sheridan Park Bluffs Concerns
Cudahy, WI – Milwaukee County Parks is continuing to address ongoing bluff erosion at Sheridan Park and its impacts on public safety, park infrastructure, and shoreline access along Lake Michigan.
Milwaukee County Parks manages 13 lakefront sites along Lake Michigan, all of which experience varying levels of coastal erosion and shoreline impacts. At Sheridan Park, erosion has compromised portions of the bluff area, making certain park amenities and areas unsafe for public use. For public safety, Milwaukee County Parks asks visitors to respect all fenced and restricted areas along the bluff.
County Supervisor Steven Shea is hosting a Town Hall Meeting to address ongoing erosion concerns and bluff remediation efforts at Sheridan Park. Representatives from Milwaukee County Parks will be available to answer questions. The meeting will be held at the Cudahy Family Library from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on May 19.
Town Hall Meeting Information:
When: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Cudahy Family Library, 3500 Library Dr, Cudahy, WI 53110
Sheridan Park has long been identified as a vulnerable coastal erosion site within the Milwaukee County Parks system. Following the 2020 Federal Storm Disaster Declaration, bluff-related damage claims in Milwaukee County were not deemed eligible for FEMA funding. Since that time, Milwaukee County Parks has continued working with local, state, and federal partners to better understand shoreline conditions and pursue long-term solutions.
Milwaukee County successfully used grant resources from Wisconsin Coastal Management Program and worked with the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) to create coastline management guidelines in 2021. In 2024, Milwaukee County Parks also completed a countywide bluff assessment using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Parks staff are currently working with state and federal agencies to identify additional funding opportunities.
“Protecting public safety while preserving our lakefront for future generations remains a top priority for Milwaukee County. Sheridan Park’s bluff erosion challenges underscore the growing impacts of climate change in Wisconsin and coastal instability along Lake Michigan, which is why we are working alongside our local, state, and federal partners to advance sustainable, long-term solutions,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Milwaukee County will continue taking proactive steps to safeguard critical infrastructure, improve shoreline resilience, and ensure residents can safely enjoy our parks and natural spaces for years to come.”
“Lake Michigan is one of our region’s most incredible natural resources, but it also comes with coastal challenges that are impacting the natural lakeshore of Milwaukee County,” said Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks. “Parklands are vulnerable to these natural erosion processes, and Milwaukee County Parks has been working for years to document and assess the changing condition of our lakefront parks. Through the assistance of grant partners, we have been able to complete inventories, guidelines, and assessment tools. We will continue to use these resources and seek additional funding to carry out projects to not only correct but also mitigate these damaging conditions.”
“Parks has identified two conceptual design solutions for Sheridan Park’s north bluff and is working to identify funds to carry out work as soon as possible,” said Sarah Toomsen, Director of Planning for Milwaukee County Parks.
In 2025, Parks requested funding for a 2026 capital project to complete a coastal engineering design solution for Sheridan Park, but it was not included in the adopted budget. Parks has resubmitted the Sheridan Park Bluff design project for consideration in the 2027 Capital Budget and remains hopeful it will receive support.
Current financial estimates place planning, design, and permitting costs for the north bluff at approximately $1.3 million, with construction costs projected near $5 million. Comprehensive bluff stabilization efforts throughout Sheridan Park could exceed $18 million.
For more information and next steps, please visit the Milwaukee County Parks projects page Bluff Stabilization — Sheridan Park | Projects | Milwaukee County Parks
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.
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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Milwaukee County Parks Addresses Sheridan Park Bluffs Concerns
May 19th, 2026 by Milwaukee County ParksMilwaukee County Parks Addresses Sheridan Park Bluffs Concerns
