Oak Creek Parkway - S. Milwaukee Mill Pond Dam

As someone who has lived in South Milwaukee for effectively my entire life, I remember even just 20 years ago when the parkway and millpond were much more vibrant and pleasant. I have thought for years that the entire stream path should be dredged and reconstructed. I still believe that should happen, however there are some other things to consider.

Firstly, our culture has changed somewhat, in that people spend much less time outdoors and in their communities than they used to, which reduces the community impact of this project, regardless of the choices.

Secondly, these costs are somewhat concerning. I understand that the maintenance costs will be covering the following 50 years, but does it really cost nearly $7 Million to dredge up and rebuild a few acres of land? And I'm not entirety sure what the 35% contingency is (Is this extra money just in case of accident?), so this number seems inflated.

Third, some people are worried about the wildlife and environment. That's not an issue. The animals were fine when the millpond was set up back then, and they've been fine since. Besides, humans take priority over animals and plants.

So ultimately, I agree with Plan B, fully dredging and rebuilding the millpond, although I think more attention should be paid to the cost. Maybe get the contractors to compete with each other for a cheaper contract.

As a side note, the county needs to do better at maintaining the park paths. Almost all of the path south of the beach hill are overgrown, cracked, covered in dirt and mud, and not properly edged, and have been that way for years.

Dams and millponds have been repeatedly shown to be detrimental to the ecology, water quality, stream temperature, dissolved oxygen, promote nuisance toxic blue green algae grown and are extremely detrimental to health of native (brook trout, lake trout, sturgeon, walleye, smalmouth bass, pike) and introduced great lakes sport fisheries including: salmon, steelhead and brown trout species. Millpond dams limit fish migration, spawning to upstream habitat, natural reproduction, and healthy in-stream habitat morphology (rapids, pools, runs, falls).

The most ecologically and economically feasible option is to remove the millpond and replace it with a lovely "natural waterfall, with a stepped rapids bypass for fish migration. Keep the lovely Millhouse, park and greenway and reconstruct a nice wet prairie and oak savanna area in the footprint of the old millpond.

I would like to know if there will be a designated kayak launch at South Shore.

As a long time resident of So MKE, and one who utilized the "pond" as we called it during our childhoods, this restoration was the jewel of our community (and surrounding communities). The pond was a central community place during winter months as well as summer months (and continues to be for those who love to walk, watch wildlife and fish). Due to neglect, deferred maintenance, etc., our community has been begging for attention to bringing this back to life. Upon reviewing the options I fully support Option B Full Restoration. As a child who grew up on Hawthorne Avenue we know the pond requires maintenance, we saw the trucks dredging every few years. Any restoration is a blessing and much needed so we don't let this jewel fall into disrepair. This mill and it's surrounding beauty is what our town was built around. So please consider this full restoration. It is time Grant Park and this mill are a priority and please bring it back to its full beauty for not just us but for the thousands of people who regularly visit our park (and this mill area). Those who fish are often from out-of-state (given their license plates) and during COVID, the amount of increased volume to Grant Park has increased tremendously. Please help earmark funds to keep our park and this mill in better condition - bring it back to its full potential. The opportunities to bring revenue in at the "skating house" as we called it, could be tremendous. I drive through this park every day, I walk the trails, I sit to soak in the beauty. This is a central hub to our community - please help us return that beauty to our park. As a side note, we realize the roads are terrible in this park and the amount of down trees (which on many trails are a hazard especially those that are leaning on other trees) needs to be considered. Thank you for engaging our community and for the opportunity to provide input.

I'm in favor of whichever option is most ecologically sound. That sounds like option C (but if I'm wrong on that, I want whichever option is best for the wildlife and the natural health of the watershed). The pond and dam are very pretty, but I'm much more invested in the long-term environmental health of the park and its natural habitat.

Option C, to restore the channel and remove the dam, makes the most long-term sense.
While some people want to restore the lagoon to its glory days, they ignore the financial and ecological ramifications.

If we go with plac C, can the county also consider establishing a permanent beer garden here or in Will-O-Way to raise funds?

One of the most important things for me is to increase the native species (flora & fauna) and provide space/ activities for many people to enjoy and spend more time outside

I would propose scaling back the project to the most visible issue which would be dredging the pond with proper sediment disposal.
Then do next steps incrementally as funds are procured.
It appears additional sources for funding will be required.

Remove the damn let the salmon run plant more oak trees
Big game fish are trapped and slaughtered by anglers at the dam legally, and some not so much.
Unless we need to capture future pollutants
This is a man-made holding pond, Norman Rockwell fantasy
Just can’t get a chocolatey sugar water like that anymore.
I would like to see an artist rendition Of the original fast moving water through this area. The beautiful bridgework of Oak tree, branches, as well as footpaths and stairways of mighty root ball systems gently bringing you down to fast-moving water.
Giant beaver build mighty (but difficult ) roadway's over water.
But I digress…
If any of us was there, when the first bulldozer put blade down and pushed through ancient river rock.

let the salmon run
Please show schematics on the concrete dam and pictures of the original construction. (might give us an idea of the beauty removed although surely the ancient oaks were gone hundred years ago. Stumps left behind were no match for the machinery built up on the hill.
Height 30’ x length 60’ x 2’width. (is my guess estimate Of the existing concrete wall damn.
Questions.
As built dimensions for concrete damn wall
sewer pipe dimensions For failed holding pond drain intake valve.
Remove that as well?
The wonderful work downstream with a brand new bridge, and the serpentine river rip wrap is kind of perfect and should nature over real well.
It is actually a watershed moment for all of us to do the right thing in this sanctuary, and that is to give back to the natural beauty and rejoice in contemplative repose.

South Milwaukee resident for nearly 40 years. Having looked at the proposed alternatives, the first question in my mind was who is going to pay for all of this?
The least costly alternative comes in at 1/2 of a million dollars, of which is a $200,000 maintenance cost? (For what and for how long?) Given current inflation and expected cost overruns (typical of every construction project), I'd anticipate that this "least Alternative" will come out much higher (notwithstanding, is the $12.4 million option, which has zero appeal to me personally).
I'd expect that there will be some folks who'll use this facility once it has been restored, but any estimate involving numbers of visitors would be pure speculation. For the projected costs proposed by some of the alternatives, I'd expect a full scale replica of the old mill that used to reside on this waterway as well. Having said that, I remain skeptical of the beliefs of some who've commented that this project will "enhance the quality of life" for all residents or that it will "enhance the environment for local wildlife". This is emotional sentiment only, akin to that of having skated on this pond in years past- it may make one "feel good", but it means little more than an additional cost to those who don't use the parks. If it is the concern of the dam rupturing or being unable to drain the pond for maintenance, then this project might seem more palatable. Those preferring a full restoration are banking on using "other people's money" to accomplish it (the same folks who vote in favor of every increased spending referendum). And, although it is hoped that businesses and corporations local to this area would fund the lion's share of the costs, one cannot discount that our base of businesses and deep pocketed corporations is shrinking- leaving taxpayers on the hook to make someone else's "feel-good dream" a reality.
Sorry, but I'm not sold on this venture and I'd prefer not to be asked to "donate" any more of my property taxes to fund this project.

The best option for the community is Alternative B: Full Pond Restoration. This creates a place for families to fish and enjoy the water. Also, we should keep the dam in place to support the people who fish between it and the lake. This is a great resource that is supported and used by the community and will enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Unless we need to capture future pollutants
This is a man-made holding pond, Norman Rockwell fantasy
Just can’t get a chocolatey sugar water like that anymore.
I would like to see an artist rendition Of the original fast moving water through this area. The beautiful bridgework of Oak tree, branches, as well as footpaths and stairways of mighty root ball systems gently bringing you down to fast-moving water.
Giant beaver build mighty (but difficult ) roadway's over water.
But I digress…
If any of us was there, when the first bulldozer put blade down and pushed through ancient river rock.

let the salmon run
Please show schematics on the concrete dam and pictures of the original construction. (might give us an idea of the beauty removed although surely the ancient oaks were gone hundred years ago. Stumps left behind were no match for the machinery built up on the hill.
Height 30’ x length 60’ x 2’width. (is my guess estimate Of the existing concrete wall damn.
Questions.
As built dimensions for concrete damn wall
sewer pipe dimensions For failed holding pond drain intake valve.
Remove that as well?
The wonderful work downstream with a brand new bridge, and the serpentine river rip wrap is kind of perfect and should nature over real well.
It is actually a watershed moment for all of us to do the right thing in this sanctuary, and that is to give back to the natural beauty and rejoice in contemplative repose.

Plan B - it retains the pond and still provides space for wildlife. I can appreciate those who have wonderful childhood memories of skating there and those who can envision a vibrant and busy community center but an active area with paddle boards, skaters and fishing will, in all probability, significantly limit birds and other wildlife from the area. We are very fortunate to have only 15-20 minutes away on Lake Drive in Milwaukee all the above amenities and more so leaving the pond for more wildlife is preferable.

This oak lined sanctuary at Grant has been ravaged by human innovation for a long time. The mill that chopped and would grind, or saw your product for barter is long gone.
The poured concrete wall that is the dam,
Covered by that thin veneer is Testament to what someone else thinks should be done. Lime stone slabs, tumbling away from crumbling mortar..
The Salmon want the dam removed, so they can return to their original spawning
(in the what used to be an ancient Oak lined creek)
up river through South Milwaukee into Oak Creek.
Let the salmon run.
And you'll have big game fishing attracting anglers up river.
May peaceful repose return to a natural preserve.

South Milwaukee Resident for almost 25 years. I'd sincerely vote for Alternative B, the Full restoration, so that the extensive wildlife can return to the way it was before the pond was left to almost disappear within the growing island, that's now supporting new wildlife. Years ago money was raised for the purpose of restoring/dredging the Lagoon, under the name of 'Save The Lagoon' or 'Restore The Lagoon', started by, & run by a woman in South Milwaukee, so maybe that money could actually be used to help with Plan B. This pond, waterfall, & fishing areas have been, & continue to be a vital part of this area for the environment & people (residents & visitors), and it deserves to be fully restored & cared for.

I would vote for plan B.

I grew up in South Milwaukee. I have fond memories of skating on the mill pond, but I vote for Plan C. Let's restore the Oak Creek ecosystem and allow the game fish from Lake Michigan to swim up the creek.

I have lived in South Milwaukee for almost all of my 66 years. The mill pond or lagoon was always the center of attention until it became an eyesore later on. My wife and I and many, many other children and adults loved going there for ice skating and the warming house and hot chocolates! This is a hidden gem. It can be another Veterans Park, with fishing platforms, paddle boats. The warming house can add a beer garden. My wife and I totally vote for PLAN B.

Having lived in South Milwaukee for most of my 66 years, I am totally onboard for a full pond “Lagoon” restoration! My wife and I enjoyed growing up visiting the lagoon for ice skating all thru our childhood years. Skating around the island, taking other kids stocking caps! Taking girls onto the island, well me of course! Having a hot chocolate in the warming house, walking up those wooden stairs with skates on and enjoying the fire in there.

Thanks

All absolutely wonderful memories! Things that we all truly really need to get back to.

A full restore would bring back people to using it and enjoying it again. Canoes can be rented, duck paddle floats, people fishing for stocked trout, expand the warming house to include a small beer garden. Create a path to go completely around the lagoon.

It’s truly a hidden gem. It can be another Veterans Park Lagoon! It can be a moneymaker with different activities year round to support the upkeep costs!

Thanks

I've lived in South Milwaukee for over 10 years and think that option c is the best. Capital grants are much easier to come by than operating grants, so the larger upfront cost could be partially offset.