The Lake Michigan Lakefront Park Development is a visionary public space designed to transform the shoreline into a dynamic, accessible, and inclusive waterfront destination. Strategically situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, the project aims to create a seamless connection between residential neighborhoods, recreational amenities, and commercial attractions, enhancing both community life and visitor experience.
At the heart of the design is an expansive network of pedestrian and bicycle pathways that provide continuous connectivity throughout the site. These pathways link surrounding housing developments, public transportation hubs, and nearby commercial areas, including a casino, restaurants, and retail destinations. Clear, accessible routes also lead directly to the beachfront, boat docking facilities, and marinas, ensuring intuitive movement for residents, visitors, and boating enthusiasts alike.
The park is designed with a diverse range of public amenities to support recreation, relaxation, and community engagement. Key features include:
Sitting and Lounging Areas: Strategically placed along the waterfront and within shaded groves, these areas offer scenic views, social spaces, and quiet respites.
Shaded Areas and Tree Groves: Carefully selected native tree plantings provide cooling shade, habitat diversity, and aesthetic richness throughout the park.
Children’s Play Areas: Safe, engaging, and age-diverse play zones are integrated within natural landscapes to promote healthy outdoor activity.
Landscaped Zones and Naturalized Plantings: Thoughtfully curated plant palettes reinforce sustainability, seasonal interest, and habitat restoration.
Terraced Public Pool: A signature feature of the park, the multi-level public pool offers panoramic lake views and accommodates both active swimmers and casual bathers, with integrated seating and sun decks.
Beach Access Points: Multiple ADA-accessible entrances lead visitors to sandy lakefronts, enhancing usability and safety.
Boat Dock Access: Designated piers and floating docks support recreational boating, kayaking, and paddle sports, with adjacent drop-off zones and storage.
Direct Connections to the Waterfront and Beaches: Emphasis on physical and visual access to the lake guides the spatial organization of the park, reinforcing a constant connection to water.
Sustainability and resilience are central to the project’s vision. All materials and systems are selected with environmental responsibility in mind, from permeable pavements and rain gardens to native plantings and energy-efficient lighting.
The Lake Michigan Lakefront Park is not only a public realm enhancement, but a regional destination—blending natural beauty, recreational access, and cultural vibrancy. It stands as a long-term investment in waterfront revitalization, community wellness, and urban connectivity
Date : 2016
Client : private
Area : 10 acres
Budget : $20,000,000
Photos : Still Projects