Mitchell and Kosciuszko Lagoons Shoreline Work

Mitchell Park & Kosciuszko Park Lagoon Shoreline Project

Milwaukee County has partnered with an environmental engineering team to design shoreline improvements at Mitchell Park Lagoon and Kosciuszko Park Lagoon. The project will restore deteriorated shorelines, improve habitat and water quality, and enhance safety and recreation for park visitors.

Why This Project Is Needed

Both lagoons are valued community destinations for fishing, walking, and wildlife viewing, but ongoing shoreline erosion, invasive vegetation, and stormwater runoff have degraded habitat, reduced shoreline stability, diminished water quality, and affected the visitor experience.

At Mitchell Park Lagoon, shoreline areas have been degraded by natural erosion and foot traffic. Invasive vegetation has displaced desirable native plants, while excessive nutrients contribute to algae growth. Shoreline restoration and native vegetation will stabilize the shoreline, improve habitat, and support the lagoon's long-term ecological health while maintaining public access.

At Kosciuszko Park Lagoon, shoreline deterioration is most severe along the eastern edge adjacent to the parking lot. Dense, invasive vegetation limits visibility and detracts from the park experience. The walking path has also been affected by shoreline deterioration and requires reconstruction to improve safety and long-term stability.

What the County Wants to Accomplish

The County's approach is tailored to the unique needs of each lagoon while advancing shared goals of environmental restoration, public safety, and improved recreation.

At Mitchell Park Lagoon, improvements will focus on restoring shoreline stability, reestablishing native vegetation, and enhancing fishing access. The shoreline will be regraded and reinforced with vegetated soil lifts planted with native, low-growing vegetation to stabilize the bank while preserving views of the water. Vegetated shoreline buffers will help filter stormwater runoff before it enters the lagoon, and walking paths may be relocated where needed to reduce future shoreline impacts. Several stone-capped shoreline access platforms will provide durable locations for fishing and enjoying the water's edge while protecting the restored shoreline and surrounding vegetation.

At Kosciuszko Park Lagoon, the project will focus on restoring shoreline stability, enhancing fishing access, and improving the visitor experience. The severely deteriorated east shoreline will be realigned and reconstructed, requiring the removal of a small portion of the adjacent parking lot to create a more stable, resilient shoreline. Vegetated soil lifts will stabilize the shoreline and establish native vegetation, while the existing trail will be relocated farther from the water to improve safety and reduce future shoreline deterioration. Low-growing native vegetation will preserve long-range views across the lagoon, and vegetated shoreline buffers will help filter stormwater runoff before it enters the lagoon. Stone-capped shoreline access platforms will provide durable public access to the water while protecting the restored shoreline and vegetation. A volunteer cattail removal event is planned for fall 2026 to improve visibility and reduce invasive vegetation.

Recent Improvements

• Native pollinator gardens have been installed at both lagoons.
• A “Bio-Health Pod System” (a water-quality improvement technology) is already in place.
• Water testing has been done, showing both lagoons have high nutrient levels and some other issues.

The Design Scope

The selected engineering and environmental consulting team is preparing the design for the shoreline restoration improvements at both lagoons. Working in coordination with Milwaukee County Parks, the team will complete site investigations, develop conceptual and schematic designs, prepare construction cost estimates, and produce the technical construction documents needed for bidding and construction.

Throughout the design process, the project will advance through several review milestones to ensure the plans meet project goals and incorporate input from County staff and project partners. Upon completion of the design, the consultant will also provide maintenance recommendations and guidance to Milwaukee County Parks staff to help ensure the long-term success of the shoreline restoration improvements.

Project Milestones (Approximate)

• October 2025 – Proposal period
• November 2025 – Design consultant selected
• Winter 2026/2027 – Design work completed
• Spring 2027 – Construction expected to take place