Public Input Meeting on Veterans Park Lagoon Feasibility Study
MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee County Parks is seeking public input throughout summer 2026 as a part of a feasibility study for the Veterans Park Lagoon. The feasibility study will include three opportunities for in-person public input. These meetings are intended to share information and gather community feedback related to the future of the lagoon. The first public input meeting will be held June 4th from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center located at 1450 Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
Located within Veterans Park, the 14-acre manmade Veterans Park Lagoon sits between Lake Michigan and a segment of the Oak Leaf Trail. The Lagoon is also home to Milwaukee’s iconic swan boats.
The Lagoon was constructed in the 1920s on Lake Michigan landfill. However, it currently experiences algae growth that often results in oxygen depletion, ecosystem degradation, invasive species proliferation, sedimentation, and impaired water quality.
Milwaukee County has received Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funding to complete a feasibility study to identify practical, cost-effective, and community-supported solutions to the lagoon’s water-quality challenges.
The goal of this feasibility study is to identify viable alternatives for improving water quality and the ecological health of the Veterans Park Lagoon. The consultant team, SmithGroup, will lead technical investigations, alternatives evaluations, and conceptual planning while coordinating closely with Milwaukee County, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other identified stakeholders.
“The Lagoon at Veterans Park is one of Milwaukee County’s iconic landmarks,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “This feasibility study will help pave the way for improvements and opportunities that strengthen the lagoon as a recreational and cultural destination, while also ensuring the community has a meaningful voice in shaping its future. I look forward to the conversations and collaboration ahead.”
“Milwaukee County Parks is always looking for ways to continue improving our public spaces,” said Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director Guy Smith. “This feasibility study is an important step toward enhancing the Lagoon at Veterans Park while preserving the space the community knows and loves. We encourage the public to share their feedback during these input meetings.”
“This lagoon belongs to all of us, so we want as many people as possible to weigh in on its design,” said Milwaukee County Parks Engagement Manager Antonio Giron. “We want to hear what people think about the trails and paths, access points to the lagoon, habitat and wildlife, lagoon size, open water versus wetland, shoreline treatments, and fishing access, for example.”
Successful completion of the feasibility study will help identify potential projects and solutions within Veterans Park. Following completion of the study, Milwaukee County anticipates moving into future design phases including construction documents, permitting, historic reviews as necessary, and cost estimates will be prepared through a consultant effort, secured through a competitive proposal process (RFP). Data review, field surveys, and a hydrology assessment will happen until the end of the year, when
a final Feasibility Study is submitted.
For more information, please visit the Milwaukee County Parks project page for the Veterans Park Lagoon Feasibility Study. Veterans Park Lagoon Feasibility Study | Projects | Parks | Milwaukee County
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.
Image from Milwaukee County Parks.
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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