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Project Background
The original scope of the project included planning, design, and construction of repairs to the Mill Pond dam and drain structure. Required improvements include re-establishing a functioning drainage structure and piping system to enable draining the Mill Pond impoundment. Other requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) inspection, such as vegetation removal and establishing a survey benchmark have been completed.
In December 2021, the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) released its Restoration Plan for the Oak Creek Watershed(External link) report. As part of this report, SEWRPC presented several alternatives for the future of Mill Pond and the Mill Pond Dam. To better evaluate these alternatives and prior to any work on the dam structure, an investigation was performed to characterize the sediments within Mill Pond. Results of the sampling indicated that sediments were impacted, and if removed or dredged from Mill Pond would require proper disposal offsite. Permitting would also be required for any dewatering activities. Please see the alternatives that were presented to the County's Committee on Parks and Culture as part of an informational report. PowerPoint Presentation (legistar.com)(External link)
Public Engagement
Milwaukee County Parks undertook a public engagement campaign in 2024-25 to assess community input of these alternatives prior to expending capital funding to replace/repair the sluice gate in-kind. As part of the campaign, a survey was conducted to gain valuable insight regarding the users of the Mill Pond, their values when it comes to the Pond, and their preferred activities when utilizing the Mill Pond area. The survey garnered over 800 responses.
Two Public Information Meetings (PIMs) were held for the project. The first meeting took place on December 3, 2024, and focused on presenting the project scope and the three remaining alternatives. Nearly 100 community members attended.
The second meeting was held on February 12, 2025, with approximately 50 attendees. This session shared the results of the community survey, presented the two remaining alternatives, and provided a cost breakdown. The remaining two alternatives and survey results are presented below.
Next Steps
Next steps for the project will be to target project objectives to meet community input including environmental cleanup, passive recreation, and resource appreciation. Coordination will take place with potential grant funders, and pre-proposals will be prepared to gauge funding potential. Work will also take place to refine total disposal costs for contaminated sediment, as well as long-term maintenance for a proposed solution.
Please check this project page for more updates as the project progresses.
Project Background
The original scope of the project included planning, design, and construction of repairs to the Mill Pond dam and drain structure. Required improvements include re-establishing a functioning drainage structure and piping system to enable draining the Mill Pond impoundment. Other requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) inspection, such as vegetation removal and establishing a survey benchmark have been completed.
In December 2021, the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) released its Restoration Plan for the Oak Creek Watershed(External link) report. As part of this report, SEWRPC presented several alternatives for the future of Mill Pond and the Mill Pond Dam. To better evaluate these alternatives and prior to any work on the dam structure, an investigation was performed to characterize the sediments within Mill Pond. Results of the sampling indicated that sediments were impacted, and if removed or dredged from Mill Pond would require proper disposal offsite. Permitting would also be required for any dewatering activities. Please see the alternatives that were presented to the County's Committee on Parks and Culture as part of an informational report. PowerPoint Presentation (legistar.com)(External link)
Public Engagement
Milwaukee County Parks undertook a public engagement campaign in 2024-25 to assess community input of these alternatives prior to expending capital funding to replace/repair the sluice gate in-kind. As part of the campaign, a survey was conducted to gain valuable insight regarding the users of the Mill Pond, their values when it comes to the Pond, and their preferred activities when utilizing the Mill Pond area. The survey garnered over 800 responses.
Two Public Information Meetings (PIMs) were held for the project. The first meeting took place on December 3, 2024, and focused on presenting the project scope and the three remaining alternatives. Nearly 100 community members attended.
The second meeting was held on February 12, 2025, with approximately 50 attendees. This session shared the results of the community survey, presented the two remaining alternatives, and provided a cost breakdown. The remaining two alternatives and survey results are presented below.
Next Steps
Next steps for the project will be to target project objectives to meet community input including environmental cleanup, passive recreation, and resource appreciation. Coordination will take place with potential grant funders, and pre-proposals will be prepared to gauge funding potential. Work will also take place to refine total disposal costs for contaminated sediment, as well as long-term maintenance for a proposed solution.
Please check this project page for more updates as the project progresses.
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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.
thejamesomatic
Over 1 year ago
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.
thejamesomatic
Over 1 year ago
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...
JohnB
Over 1 year ago
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!!
Jschmidt1953
Over 1 year ago
i would like to see option 2 it was alway a great place for family's and kids to skate
myron varin
Over 1 year ago
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.
peterkoch7
Over 1 year ago
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.
Susan3824!
Over 1 year ago
I am in favor of option C. I think this is best for a long range plan
Delzer
Over 1 year ago
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.
mp
Over 1 year ago
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!
Justine
Over 1 year ago
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.
Mharty
Over 1 year ago
What is the current status on this project and what is the next step and when?
mszmidt
Over 2 years ago
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!
Oak Creek Parkway - S. Milwaukee Mill Pond Dam has finished this stage
During the planning stage we complete site surveys, feasibility studies, and gather additional information to develop project goals, outcomes and budgets.
Envision
Oak Creek Parkway - S. Milwaukee Mill Pond Dam is currently at this stage
With community input, we develop potential project solutions, identify funding sources and make budget requests.
Design
this is an upcoming stage for Oak Creek Parkway - S. Milwaukee Mill Pond Dam
The design stage can include several phases, including concepts, iterations, final design and engineering design plans. Once design is complete we develop technical renderings and construction plan documents.
Construction Ready
this is an upcoming stage for Oak Creek Parkway - S. Milwaukee Mill Pond Dam
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
this is an upcoming stage for Oak Creek Parkway - S. Milwaukee Mill Pond Dam
Construction is underway and will follow the construction plan - which may include several phases. During this stage facility and road closures may be needed.
Close Out
this is an upcoming stage for Oak Creek Parkway - S. Milwaukee Mill Pond Dam
Construction has ended and final reviews are underway
In Use
this is an upcoming stage for Oak Creek Parkway - S. Milwaukee Mill Pond Dam
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.
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!