Oak Creek Parkway - S. Milwaukee Mill Pond Dam

I've lived in South Milwaukee for over 10 years and have always thought this area was a missed opportunity. Option C seems the best. Grants for capital projects are much easier to come by then operating grants so that could help with the upfront cost.

Having been born and raised in SM, I have very fond memories of the Mill Pond (lagoon) dating back to the early '70s. Since a dam has been there since the 1840, I am in favor of option B, but would settle for option A. Option C costs more than twice as much as Option A and does not include a pond as submitted but suggests a pond is an option with no mention of an additional cost...

Resident of South Milwaukee class of 1971

Restoration of the pond may seem like a great idea, but Option C makes the most sense, practically and financially. Most ice skating is now done on flooded rinks or indoor facities. With today's litigious climate, open water in winter is an accident and law suit waiting to happen. Let the river run wild, let the fish and wildlife return.

Hey, an internet cafe sounds plausable, maybe some kayak rentals, and the parking lot could hold events. Let's try to make South Milwaukee a destination city!!

i would like to see option 2 it was alway a great place for family's and kids to skate

I have lived in the area of the pond for 27 years now. It has been sad how the sediment has taken over the pond. 25 years ago my kids used to raft on the full open pond. The current condition of the pond is very sad. It would be so awesome if the pond could be restored to its glory days. The warming house needs to be an all year-round opportunity for activities. The warming house needs to be a fun gathering spot for park goers. Standing on the bridge at the dam and viewing the water flowing over is one of the nicest sites in the Milwaukee County Park system. When I have visitors come to town that are not familiar with the Oak Creek parkway, I make sure to show them the mill pond and Seven Bridges trail area. Folks are always very impressed with these beautiful areas of our county park system.

I’m for option 1 as it would be a shame to eliminate the pond - I think ice skating sounds fun! This option seems more feasible than the second because of the extreme expenses involved.

I am in favor of option C. I think this is best for a long range plan

South Milwaukee resident, in favor of Option C. Hopefully this option will strike a balance by creating a better environment for fish and wildlife but still keeping the pond and warming house for those who had grown up with it or just would like to see it back. Although the upfront cost is higher, the 5 year maintenance cost is low, and it sounds like there is little maintenance cost anticipated after that.
Maybe some more detailed renderings of this plan would be helpful for those who aren't sold on it.

I am in favor of Alternative C: Dam Removal and Channel Restoration. There is still the option for an ice skating pond, and it creates more walking trails, all while providing quality habitat and environmental continuity within the unique ecological zone that is Milwaukee County!

Born and raised here and skated extensively as a kid during the winter. All I can say is other cities make great use of their niche space and South Milwaukee has a gem in this area. It can be a family destination during winter and if handled properly year round. Fast forward perhaps an investor turns the warming house into a cafe and a vendor during summer rents canoes? Bottom line this is an awesome diamond in the rough which right now is turned into a blight.

What is the current status on this project and what is the next step and when?

There have been some "less than kind" comments on the Friends of Grant Park Facebook page because of "apparent" inactivity at the work site. I found your project updates through South Milwaukee's city FB page, and shared it with FOGP. I have now found this, and will watch for updates. THANKS!