Veterans Park Lagoon Feasibility Study

Introduction

Veterans Park Lagoon is a 14-acre manmade waterbody in Milwaukee County’s Veterans Park. The lagoon was constructed in the 1920s on Lake Michigan landfill. The lagoon is a highly visible and frequently used park feature, but currently suffers from algae growth, often resulting in oxygen depletion and ecosystem degradation, invasive species proliferation, sedimentation, and impaired water quality. Milwaukee County has received Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funding to complete a feasibility study to identify practical, cost-effective, and community-supported solutions to the lagoon’s water-quality impairments.

Background

The goal of this feasibility study is to identify viable alternatives for improving water quality and the ecological health of the Veterans Park Lagoon. The consultant, SmithGroup, will lead technical investigations, alternatives evaluations, and conceptual planning while coordinating closely with Milwaukee County, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other identified stakeholders. Successful completion of the feasibility study will identify projects and solutions for water quality, habitat restoration, and recreational use opportunities within Veterans Park.

Following the feasibility study, it is anticipated that designs including construction documents, permitting, historic reviews as necessary, and cost estimates will be prepared through a consultant effort, secured through a competitive proposal process (RFP).

Public Input

The feasibility study will include three opportunities for in-person public input throughout Summer 2026. The purpose will be information sharing and gathering feedback related to the feasibility study.

Data review, field surveys, and a hydrology assessment will happen until the end of the year, when a Final Feasibility Study is submitted.