Active

shoreline restoration

Restoring and protecting the Lake Michigan shoreline and nearby park land

What to Watch
Watch for a grant award/denial for Washington Park and for any follow-up that puts a price tag, map, and timeline on the shoreline work and the Hamilton open-space decision.
Coming Up

Typically discussed at City Council. Check back when the next agenda is published.

The Story

The clearest move so far: City Council voted 8-0 to apply for a DNR grant for Washington Park shoreline restoration. Earlier, the city and Stantec walked through early lakefront resilience ideas along Mariners Trail and Memorial Drive, with costs and final options promised later. Most recently, a separate meeting turned to how much “open space” should be set aside at the Hamilton property site.

Key Decisions
  1. passed 8-0 City Council · Sep 2, 2025

    25-174 Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a DNR Grant Application for Washington Park Shoreline Restoration

    Motion to waive reading and adopt the resolution

    Mark Bittner Yes
    Shannon Derby Yes
    Bill LeClair Yes
    Doug Brandt Yes
    Tim Petri Yes
    Scott Stechmesser Yes
    Adam Wachowski Yes
    Darla LeClair Yes
Record

  1. Staff and consultants (Stantec) presented research and early planning concepts focused on erosion, flooding, and long-term shoreline management.

    Joint Meeting of Plan Commission, Environmental Advisory Board, Advisory Recreation Board, & City Council

  2. Attendees reviewed concept boards showing possible shoreline protection, park enhancements, access improvements, and upgrades to waysides along Mariners Trail and Memorial Drive.

    Joint Meeting of Plan Commission, Environmental Advisory Board, Advisory Recreation Board, & City Council

  3. The meeting functioned as a feedback session; the team said it would review comments, refine concepts, and return with updates at future meetings, with more concrete options and costs expected later.

    Joint Meeting of Plan Commission, Environmental Advisory Board, Advisory Recreation Board, & City Council

  4. City Council approved a resolution authorizing submission of a Wisconsin DNR grant application for shoreline restoration at Washington Park.

    City Council

  5. The vote on the Washington Park DNR grant-application resolution was 8-0 and it passed.

    City Council

  6. The meeting considered how much of the Hamilton property site should be set aside as open space.

    Hamilton Property Community Visioning Process Phase 2
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