Atwater Park: Preserving Shorewood’s Natural Beauty
Atwater Park beach in Shorewood, Wis.
If you’ve been to Atwater Beach in Shorewood, you know that the 800 feet of sandy shoreline is remarkably clean.
That’s especially impressive knowing that the beach is directly below a busy park and street at the intersection of Capital Drive and Lake Drive.
The scenic 5-acre park offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. The park is home to the annual Memorial Day celebration, a summer Shorewood Concert Band series, the July 4th fireworks and the annual Shorewood Men's Club Chicken BBQ, which officially kicks off Atwater Beach season each June, when it opens daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Milwaukee Record calls Atwater Beach a “glistening, beach-tastic gem, a gorgeous slice of sand and nature and sun.”
So how does the beach stay so pristine?
A new video from the Village of Shorewood showcases the people and technology making sure our beautiful outdoor spaces stay that way.
A specialized device called a Barber Surf Rake picks up garbage and plastic. The Milwaukee Riverkeeper also introduced another new technology called a BeBot drone, a remote-controlled device designed to clean beaches by sifting through sand to collect plastic debris and other litter. This new device was made possible through the generous support of Meijer.
Ben Habanek from the Village DPW explains the weekly cleaning process from about Memorial Day to Labor Day, and offers insights into where the trash comes from, including the small pieces of debris—bottle caps, cigarette butts, and tiny bits of plastic. He also shares practical tips on how we can reduce the amount of waste found on our beaches and in local waterways.
What many people don’t realize is that much of this pollution originates from stormwater runoff.
“Stormwater is actually the number one pollution source in our waterways,” Habanek says. “All of the rivers, all the ditches, all the storm sewers—everything ends up in the lake.”
That means the trash we see on streets, in parks, or on sidewalks eventually washes into our water. The good news? Everyone can play a part in reducing pollution.
Habanek outlines three key ways to help:
Be Aware – Consider where your trash ends up and reduce the use of single-use plastics. “It all goes somewhere,” he emphasizes.
Get Involved – Volunteer when possible to help with cleanups and community efforts.
Take Accountability – “Clean up after yourself, and sometimes that means cleaning up after others,” he says. “If you see garbage, pick it up.”
Whether you're visiting a beach or simply walking in your neighborhood, small actions add up. Every piece of trash removed is one less piece polluting our waterways.
Atwater Park Bluff Restoration
Atwater Bluff restoration in 2012 by Marek Landscaping
Keeping this natural landscape intact has been a long-term effort. Over the years, storms and erosion have threatened the bluff’s stability, leading to ongoing restoration efforts to protect the shoreline and maintain safe public access.
Atwater Bluff has seen its share of challenges. In 1997, heavy rains caused significant erosion and damaged the pathways leading from the upper park to the beach. The village responded by securing FEMA funding for initial restoration efforts, focusing on retaining structures to stabilize the slope.
Then, in July 2010, a series of intense storms led to catastrophic bluff failures, causing further erosion and destruction of the beach access. In 2012, a large-scale restoration project was launched, combining structural stabilization with native vegetation planting to protect against future erosion. Since then, ongoing funding has helped manage invasive species, strengthen vegetation, and maintain the health of the bluff.
Dune Restoration: A Natural Defense
January 2020 storms brought another test for the bluff, wiping out sections of the sand dunes that served as a natural buffer against erosion. Recognizing the importance of these dunes, the village partnered with Marek Landscaping to plant approximately 3,000 dune grasses along the shoreline. These plants not only enhance the park’s beauty but also play a critical role in stabilizing the sand and providing a healthy habitat for local wildlife.
“Some of the dunes were destroyed by the January 2020 storms, but they did their part in protecting the bluff from erosion,” Marek Landscaping shared in a 2022 update. “These plants will not only safeguard the park, but also provide beneficial shoreline habitat. Who knew that shoreline infrastructure could look so beautiful?”
Next Steps: Strengthening the Bluff for the Future
Now, in 2025, Shorewood is preparing for its next phase of bluff restoration. The Atwater Park Bluff Restoration Project will focus on:
✅ Removing invasive species like honeysuckle and sumac to allow native plants to thrive.
✅ Replanting trees, shrubs, and grasses to enhance erosion control and preserve the natural landscape.
✅ Maintaining the French drain system to improve water drainage and prevent further bluff instability.
✅ Utilizing grant funding from the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Green Solutions Program to support the restoration work.
Over the next two years (2025-2026), the village will allocate nearly $100,000 toward bluff stabilization efforts, ensuring that Atwater Park remains a safe and beautiful destination for generations to come.
Restoring Atwater Bluff is a community effort! Whether it’s through volunteer opportunities, educational programs, or simply staying informed, residents can play a role in preserving this local gem.
Nature has a way of reminding us of its power, but through thoughtful restoration and stewardship, Atwater Park’s bluff will continue to stand strong against the elements—offering a place for families, hikers, and beachgoers to enjoy for years to come.
