In The News
A New Vision For Southport Park Becoming A Reality
By Jeffrey Zampanti for Kenosha.com 3/3/23
A plan to revitalize Southport Park is moving forward thanks to a partnership between the Southport Park Association and the City of Kenosha.
Southport Park Association, a nonprofit connecting people, parks and preservation, received approval for its Watershed Rejuvenation Project at Southport Park, 7501 2nd. Ave., during Monday’s Board of Parks Commission meeting at City Hall.
SPA is seeking funding sources through grants and contributions from the private sector.
Last year, the group received a $87,000 grant by the Fund for Lake Michigan for phase one of the project. It included improvements to the storm water drainage system at the historic Southport Park Beach House and design of a landscape plan to mitigate watershed pollution along the shoreline.
Monday’s meeting revealed Southport Park landscaping plans featuring a naturalistic prairie garden, improved walking and cycling pathways, upgraded signage, and expansion of ADA accessibility.
Big Plans For Southport Park
By Daniel Gaitan for the Kenosha News 5/19/22, 3:21 PM
There are big plans in store for Southport Park.
The Southport Beach Park Association, working with the City of Kenosha, recently received an $87,000 grant through the Fund for Lake Michigan to make the area a bustling park again.
The funds will be used to develop detailed engineering specifications for the stormwater drainage system at the historic Southport Beach House, and for the design of a detailed landscape plan to mitigate watershed pollution along the coast of the park, 7501 Second Ave.
The plans are Phase 1 of a Southport Park Watershed Rejuvenation Project. Such improvements aim to help address pollution runoff associated with stormwater, erosion, habitat restoration and park accessibility.
Landscape plans for the future of the park include a prairie garden, improved walking and cycling pathways, upgraded signage, and expansion of disability accessibility, among other projects. The city is responsible for contract administration management for the design and engineering phase.
Southport Park Association Awarded $87,000 Grant By The Fund For Lake Michgan
Courtesy of Kenosha.com January 17, 2022
The Southport Park Association, working in partnership with the City of Kenosha, has been awarded a grant in the amount of $87,000 by the Fund for Lake Michigan. The amount awarded will be used to develop detailed engineering specifications for the storm water drainage system in the Southport Beach House and the design of a detailed landscape plan to mitigate watershed pollution along the coast of Southport Park. These plans are Phase 1 of the Southport Park Watershed Rejuvenation Project.
The project looks to move beyond the restoration of the Historic Beach House to needed improvements to the shoreline and landscape. These improvements will address pollution runoff associated with storm water, erosion, habitat restoration and park accessibility. The City of Kenosha will provide contract administration management for the design and engineering phase of this project.
Plans Revealed For Southport Park Renovation
By Steve Marovich for Kenosha.com October 29, 2020
There’s plenty of excitement these days along Kenosha’s southern lakefront about the future of Southport Park, 7501 Second Ave.
A renovation is underway of the historic Southport Park Beach House, along with a multi-million dollar revetment or fortification of the sea wall south of 75th Street.
What’s next, according to city and neighborhood planners, is a major effort to improve the park itself.
The Southport Park Association of Kenosha has proposed a conceptual plan for Southport Park.
The plan calls for a the installation of a natural prairie garden landscape, which would include new pedestrian and bicycle paths, new activity areas for all age groups, expansion of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility throughout the park, a venue for watercraft and play equipment rentals, along with upgraded electrical, lighting and signage.
