Construction Update: Lake Access Staircase 

The staircase is currently NOT open for public use. Construction on the public access stairway to Lake Michigan is approximately 85% complete.  To date, this work was largely completed during the winter months. Department staff, contractors, and other partners have been continually observing site conditions throughout for suitable, safe access to continue project activities. Due to recent toe erosion on the bluff and changing lake levels, the Department recently completed revised design and engineering plans that will assist in completing the stairway to the beach. The Department is seeking additional donations to complete this final phase. The remaining construction work has resumed and will go through the winter, with final completion in spring/summer 2023!

Watch a video about the project here!

Grant History, Design, and Engineering

• The Department has been working with Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) and Wisconsin Coastal Hazards Work Group since 2015 on the design, engineering, and construction unique pilot project for public access to Lake Michigan.
• The County received design and engineering funds from Wisconsin DNR Stewardship and WCMP in 2017 and 2018. This unique, pilot project design and engineering include patented construction techniques as well as meets international design standards for a public access structure. A stairway structure meeting international design standards for a bluff site has not previously been constructed for public use.
• In finalizing design and engineering plans to meet these international standards (e.g., PE stamped engineering plans), construction cost estimates doubled from original concept plans.
• Stairway construction has been designed and phased to protect the sensitive bluff ecology and has not caused additional erosion at the site.
• The County has simultaneously conducted and completed a surface and groundwater study for all of Virmond County Park that will guide the sustainability of this unique pilot public access project (funded by a 2021 WCMP Coastal Resiliency grant).  

Construction Status and Phasing

• The County secured Phase I construction funding and began construction in the winter of 2019 – 2020.
• Phase I construction was completed at the end of winter 2020, which represents approximately 50% of the total construction.
• The County phased the construction project for several reasons:
  • Suitable site conditions for construction, as the frozen ground is most suitable for safe working conditions and to minimize impact to sensitive bluff ecology.
  • Full staircase completion was not possible during a single winter construction season.
  • Phased construction has allowed for seasonal stairway adjustments.
  • Required for meeting Phase I construction grant timelines.
  • Allowed for securing remaining funding for Phase II construction.
• At the outset of Phase I construction, the County secured significant funding for Phase II construction (WCMP and private foundation grants).
• Phase II construction funding includes bluff top gateway amenities (informational kiosk, brick paver path), additional landscaping, and native vegetation restoration.
  • Vegetation restoration is being guided by ecological experts from the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, UW Sea Grant, State of Wisconsin Coastal Hazards Work Group and the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department.
• The County monitored conditions throughout the spring, summer, and fall of 2021 for possibly resuming construction. Construction of Phase II resumed in January, 2022 with the start of suitable site conditions (e.g., frozen bluff face) to protect the ecologically sensitive bluff and allow for safe working conditions.
• Due to toe erosion on the bluff in 2022, the County has been working on revised design and engineering plans that will assist in completing the stairway to the beach. This revised design requires a Phase III construction.
• Phase III construction has begun and will go through the winter, with final completion in 2023! 

Project Fundraising

• Phase II stairway construction funding has been secured; however, grant match funding including gateway amenities and funding for Phase III still requires additional assistance. If you would like to donate to this project, please visit the Donations & Gifts webpage.
• Thank you! Donations and private foundation grants have currently raised approximately 2/3 of the remaining funding required for grant match to implement gateway and restoration activities.