Milwaukee County Parks Announces Reopening of Bender Park Boat Launch Following Major Dredging Project
OAK CREEK, WI — Milwaukee County Parks will officially reopen the Bender Park Boat Launch on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at noon, following the completion of a major dredging project that restores safe public access to the harbor for the 2026 boating season.
Located at 4503 E. Ryan Rd. in Oak Creek, the Bender Park Boat Launch has experienced ongoing sediment accumulation since the park first opened in 1999. To address the issue, Milwaukee County allocated $820,500 in Capital Funds for sediment abatement and dredging efforts at the harbor.
The completed dredging project improves navigation and allows boaters to safely access and utilize the launch area during the summer boating season.
“Milwaukee County is proud to reopen the Bender Park Boat Launch in time for the 2026 boating season after completing this critical infrastructure project,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Safe and reliable access to our lakefront and waterways is essential for residents, visitors, and local boaters who enjoy everything our parks system has to offer. This investment reflects our continued commitment to maintaining high-quality public infrastructure, supporting outdoor recreation, and preserving access to one of Milwaukee County’s most valuable natural resources: our beautiful lakefront.”
“Restoring access to the Bender Park Boat Launch was long overdue because of the important role it plays for both recreation and public safety,” said Supervisor Steve F. Taylor. “This harbor serves as a critical access and shelter point for boaters and first responders on Lake Michigan, and I’m pleased to see this project completed and the launch reopened for the community. I’m proud to have worked to help move this project forward and secure the funding needed to improve the safety and accessibility of our lakefront. Thank you to Milwaukee County Parks, my colleagues on the Milwaukee County Board and everyone involved for their persistence and commitment to restoring this important community resource ahead of the busy summer season.”
“Bender Park is an important recreational destination along Milwaukee County’s lakefront, and this project restores safe and reliable access for the boating community,” said Guy Smith, Executive Director of the Milwaukee County Parks. “We appreciate the public’s patience throughout construction and are excited to welcome boaters back to the harbor.”
Project planning and permitting efforts took place throughout 2024 and involved coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In April 2025, the final WDNR permit was granted for a low-hazard exemption allowing disposal of dredged sediment at the park.
Additional permits secured for the project included:
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit
- WDNR General Permit
- WDNR Water Discharge Permit
- WDNR Waiver to Dredge Seasonality Exemption
- WDNR Wetland Exemption
- WDNR Stormwater Permit
- Milwaukee County Lakebed Permit
The project was advertised for construction bids in April, June, and August 2025; however, initial bids exceeded the available project budget. Additional funding was later approved through the 2026 Milwaukee County Capital Budget, allowing the project to move forward.
Construction and dredging activities began in March 2026 and are now substantially complete ahead of the summer boating season.
The press and public are invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of the Bender Park Boat Launch on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at noon at Bender Park, located at 4503 E. Ryan Rd. in Oak Creek.
For more information about Milwaukee County Parks and lakefront amenities, visit https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Lakefront/Boat-Launch-Sites-Permits
While the boat launch is reopening to the public, portions of the surrounding area will remain an active construction zone for several more months as additional improvements continue, including paving work along the Oak Leaf Trail and adjacent roadway infrastructure. Milwaukee County Parks urges all visitors and boaters to drive slowly, follow posted signage, and use caution while traveling through the area.
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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