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McKinley Beach was constructed in 1989 and serves to not only provide a recreational resource along the lakefront but also function as a buffer between Lake Michigan and Lincoln Memorial Drive. Since its construction, the beach has experienced changing lake levels and site conditions. In August 2020, McKinley Beach was closed due to riptide hazards, several near drownings, and multiple fatal drowning incidents. Milwaukee County Parks takes park user safety very seriously and has considered what remedies to the site conditions are necessary in order to have a safe, active, and sustainable beach. The beach continues to remain barricaded and closed.
The County Board funded an effort to both study the conditions present at the beach as well as identify potential solutions that can increase swim safety while addressing beach sustainability and water quality. Initial findings have shown that water depth has increased at the jetty line by approximately 4’ since the creation of the beach. This increased depth as well as multiple wave current factors have created dangerous conditions that cannot be visually observed by swimmers. The planned solution restores McKinley Beach to its original intended design by re-nourishing the beach with sand, grading, and grooming. The planned solution will also effectively lower the water depth between the breakwaters to help reduce currents and create a shallower beach environment.
Construction activities started at the beach this summer including the import of the sand needed for beach re-nourishment. To initiate work in the waters of Lake Michigan, certain permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Army Corps of Engineers, and Environmental Protection Agency were required and secured in late summer. Construction activities in the lake and at the beach resumed in mid-September and will be completed this fall. Milwaukee County is committed to reinvestment and safe re-opening of the beach.
McKinley Beach was constructed in 1989 and serves to not only provide a recreational resource along the lakefront but also function as a buffer between Lake Michigan and Lincoln Memorial Drive. Since its construction, the beach has experienced changing lake levels and site conditions. In August 2020, McKinley Beach was closed due to riptide hazards, several near drownings, and multiple fatal drowning incidents. Milwaukee County Parks takes park user safety very seriously and has considered what remedies to the site conditions are necessary in order to have a safe, active, and sustainable beach. The beach continues to remain barricaded and closed.
The County Board funded an effort to both study the conditions present at the beach as well as identify potential solutions that can increase swim safety while addressing beach sustainability and water quality. Initial findings have shown that water depth has increased at the jetty line by approximately 4’ since the creation of the beach. This increased depth as well as multiple wave current factors have created dangerous conditions that cannot be visually observed by swimmers. The planned solution restores McKinley Beach to its original intended design by re-nourishing the beach with sand, grading, and grooming. The planned solution will also effectively lower the water depth between the breakwaters to help reduce currents and create a shallower beach environment.
Construction activities started at the beach this summer including the import of the sand needed for beach re-nourishment. To initiate work in the waters of Lake Michigan, certain permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Army Corps of Engineers, and Environmental Protection Agency were required and secured in late summer. Construction activities in the lake and at the beach resumed in mid-September and will be completed this fall. Milwaukee County is committed to reinvestment and safe re-opening of the beach.
During the planning stage we complete site surveys and gather additional information to develop project goals, outcomes and budgets.
Design
McKinley Beach has finished this stage
We are currently designing the roadway, bike/pedestrian trail and stormwater management ideas. The design stage for this project encompasses several phases including concept development, design options, final design and engineering plans. Once design is complete, we develop technical renderings and construction plan documents.
Construction Ready
McKinley Beach has finished this stage
During this stage requests for bids are issued and contractors are selected. Sometimes projects may wait in this stage until construction funding is secured.
Construction
McKinley Beach is currently at this stage
Construction will follow the construction plan and specifications - which may include several phases. During this stage, facility and road closures may be needed.
Close Out
this is an upcoming stage for McKinley Beach
This is the stage at which construction has ended and final reviews are underway.