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Parks staff report 1‑foot sediment loss at McKinley Beach; Bender launch dredged to 5 feet
Summary
Parks presented bathymetric results showing about 1 foot of sediment loss at McKinley Beach since 2025, used operating funds to regrade the beach to a 2.5‑foot wading depth, and reported a capital dredging project at Bender Boat Launch that achieved a 5‑foot launch depth. The department plans regular monitoring and has a beach nourishment project in the five‑year capital outlay.
Milwaukee County Parks presented an informational report on sand and silt at McKinley Beach and Bender Boat Launch on July 14. Sarah Toomsen, Director of Planning, said the department completed a bathymetric survey of McKinley Beach in April 2026 and found a "uniform loss of 1 foot of material" in the project area compared with 2025. Parks used operating funds to regrade the beach using the 2023–24 design to achieve roughly 2.5 feet of depth between the breakwaters and reopened the beach after a three‑day closure.
Toomsen said that work at Bender Boat Launch—completed as part of a capital project—removed sediment and achieved an approximately 5‑foot launch depth; the launch reopened May 19. She noted that as a Lake Michigan site, projects require mechanical (not hydraulic) dredging, which increases permitting complexity and cost, and said the department will continue regular monitoring. Toomsen also reported that lake levels are up ("6 inches higher than this time last year, and 2 inches above normal"), and that planned beach nourishment projects appear in Parks' five‑year capital outlay but will compete with other priorities.
Supervisors asked about monitoring cadence, whether material from Bender could be used at McKinley (Toomsen said particle size differed and was not appropriate for McKinley's engineered sand), and the funding needed for long‑term fixes. The department said it will continue monitoring, seek appropriate funding for redesign at Bender to reduce recurring siltation, and include beach nourishment in capital planning.
