Chilly mornings on Lake Michigan aren’t slowing down A.W. Oakes & Son crews as they work on one of Milwaukee County’s most impactful shoreline restoration projects—the South Shore Beach Improvement Project. This ambitious effort is designed to improve water quality, reduce beach closures, and enhance recreational opportunities for the community.
Why the Move?
South Shore Beach has long struggled with poor water quality, consistently ranking among the worst in the nation for recreational water safety. Studies conducted by the McLellan Lab at the School of Freshwater Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) have identified key factors contributing to the contamination, including:
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Stormwater runoff carrying pollutants into the water
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High concentrations of gull and waterfowl excrement
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Limited water circulation due to the existing breakwater
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The presence of a boat mooring field nearby
Extensive monitoring over 12 years found that a rocky beach less than 500 feet to the south had significantly lower levels of E. Coli and Enterococci bacteria—indicator organisms for fecal contamination. This research has informed the decision to relocate the beach approximately 1,500 feet south, where water conditions are expected to be significantly improved.
A.W. Oakes & Son’s Role in the Transformation
To bring this vision to life, A.W. Oakes & Son crews are meticulously reconstructing the shoreline by:
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Placing over 35,000 tons of breakwater and shoreline revetment armor stone to reinforce the new beach area and protect it from erosion.
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Adding 13,000 tons of new beach sand to create a clean, inviting shoreline.
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Transforming the old beach area into an expansive green space, seamlessly connecting it with the South Shore Terrace, Beer Garden, and the scenic Oak Leaf Trail.
A Beach for the Future
By the summer of 2025, Milwaukee residents and visitors will enjoy a revitalized South Shore Beach—one that offers a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable environment. A.W. Oakes & Son is proud to play a key role in making this transformation a reality, ensuring that Lake Michigan’s shoreline remains a treasured resource for generations to come.
