City leaders announce $350K grant to improve South Shore Park

MILWAUKEE -- South Shore Park will be seeing more improvements in the near future. Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele and County Board Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic announced Tuesday, September 13th Milwaukee County will receive a $350,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund further improvements at the park.

According to a press release from Abele's office, the grant comes from a total $1.4 million investment in Milwaukee County Parks waterway improvements as part of the EPA's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to protect and restore the Great Lakes.

The South Shore project aims to improve water quality and beach health, with a long-term goal of being removed from the top 10 worst beach list and achieving the blue wave certification. Milwaukee County has done this at Bradford Beach.

The project also includes reconstruction of the parking lot, pedestrian rail access and boat launches.

“Improving the quality of our water and beaches while expanding access to beautiful public spaces like South Shore Park is a win-win for Milwaukee County,” County Executive Chris Abele said. “I thank Supervisor Jason Haas and the Parks Committee for accepting this funding, and applaud Parks Director John Dargle and Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic for their leadership and advocacy on these important projects.”

"I am thrilled to see the continued investment in South Shore. These additional funds bring us one step closer to a clean, safe, and open beach for everyone to enjoy. The farmers market, bike trail, beer terrace, and new promenade which will be constructed this year all make South Shore Park one of the best destinations in Milwaukee County," said Milwaukee County Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic.

In addition to the enhancements, MillerCoors is supporting a series of projects that will improve the water and beach quality next to the park -- while providing a more enjoyable experience for visitors.