Sediment accumulation has been an ongoing maintenance issue at Bender Park since the park first opened in 1999. $820,500 in Capital Funds have been appropriated, which will allow Parks staff to perform dredging at the Bender Park Boat Launch. 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 permits secured for the project include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit, five WDNR permits (General Permit, Water Discharge Permit, Waiver to Dredge Seasonality Exemption, Wetland Exemption, and Stormwater Permit), and County Lakebed Permit.
The project was advertised to bidders for construction in April, June, and August 2025; however, the bids received were not within the available project budget. 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. Dredging of the boat launch was initiated in March 2026 with expected completion for the summer 2026 boating season. The boat launch remains closed to the public during construction activities.
Ribbon Cutting Event!
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.
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.
Project Update as of 6/29/26
Bender Boat Launch Sediment Abatement (Dredging) – As noted last month, the boat launch re-opened to the public on Tuesday, May 19. Bender Park Road and the entrance to the park is also open. The Contractor is continuing restoration work in the area of the upper gravel parking lot. Active construction projects will be present at the park for several more months as additional improvements continue, including grading and 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.
Bender Park Oak Leaf Trail Extension –The new Oak Leaf Trail between Bender Park Road and Oakwood Road is currently being paved. Continued trail grading, hauling activities, and paving south of Bender Park Road will continue this upcoming month. Contractor is also performing grading, vegetation restoration and installation of amenities such as fencing, bike and bench pads. Traffic control is established as necessary adjacent to Bender Park Road and at Fitzsimmons and Oakwood Roads.
Bender Park Roadway & Stormwater Management – This project is anticipated to be bid in July, with construction anticipated to start in late Summer/Fall 2026.
Sediment accumulation has been an ongoing maintenance issue at Bender Park since the park first opened in 1999. $820,500 in Capital Funds have been appropriated, which will allow Parks staff to perform dredging at the Bender Park Boat Launch. 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 permits secured for the project include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit, five WDNR permits (General Permit, Water Discharge Permit, Waiver to Dredge Seasonality Exemption, Wetland Exemption, and Stormwater Permit), and County Lakebed Permit.
The project was advertised to bidders for construction in April, June, and August 2025; however, the bids received were not within the available project budget. 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. Dredging of the boat launch was initiated in March 2026 with expected completion for the summer 2026 boating season. The boat launch remains closed to the public during construction activities.
Ribbon Cutting Event!
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.
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.
Project Update as of 6/29/26
Bender Boat Launch Sediment Abatement (Dredging) – As noted last month, the boat launch re-opened to the public on Tuesday, May 19. Bender Park Road and the entrance to the park is also open. The Contractor is continuing restoration work in the area of the upper gravel parking lot. Active construction projects will be present at the park for several more months as additional improvements continue, including grading and 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.
Bender Park Oak Leaf Trail Extension –The new Oak Leaf Trail between Bender Park Road and Oakwood Road is currently being paved. Continued trail grading, hauling activities, and paving south of Bender Park Road will continue this upcoming month. Contractor is also performing grading, vegetation restoration and installation of amenities such as fencing, bike and bench pads. Traffic control is established as necessary adjacent to Bender Park Road and at Fitzsimmons and Oakwood Roads.
Bender Park Roadway & Stormwater Management – This project is anticipated to be bid in July, with construction anticipated to start in late Summer/Fall 2026.
