Moraine Beach
Pathway

About the Project

Record-setting, heavy rainfall in spring of 2019 caused portions of the ravine path leading to the beach to fail. For our residents and dog beach pass holders’ safety, the path and access to the dog beach were closed.

In the summer of 2019, the Park District began working with engineering firms, contractors and the US Army Corps of Engineers to investigate numerous repair approaches and reopen the path and Dog Beach.

In early 2020, an engineering firm was hired to develop preliminary site improvement plans. In August of 2020, those plans were presented to the Park Board, and after careful consideration, the Park Board elected to defer the final design phase to a future year.

Repair of the beach path was included in the District’s 2021 Capital Plan and the project’s construction began in the fall of 2022.

Construction of the new pathway and boardwalk was completed in April of 2023, and a new dog enclosure fence was installed in March.

Repair of the stairs leading up to the new path is scheduled to begin late fall of 2023.

Project Updates

August 11, 2023

The existing stairs leading to the Moraine Beach boardwalk are scheduled for repair to begin in late fall of 2023.

August 11, 2023
April 14, 2023

A dog entry enclosure fence was installed; however, the fence project is not complete. Adjustments still need to be made, crews will return to complete the work. Updated signage will be forthcoming.

April 14, 2023
March 14, 2023

On Wednesday, March 15 crews will begin the installation of the dog enclosure fence at Moraine Park and Beach. The path will be closed during the times that crews are working. Work is expected to take 4 days. We appreciate your patience during the fence installation.

March 14, 2023
February 23, 2023

Required handrails have been installed and the site is now reopened. The Moraine Beach Off-Leash Dog Area will open in April.

February 23, 2023
January 16, 2023

Boardwalk construction and site restoration have been completed. The site remains closed awaiting the fabrication and installation of the required stair handrails. The site is anticipated to open in early February.

January 16, 2023
December 19, 2022

Boardwalk construction is nearing completion. Crews are also working on site restoration. Project completion is anticipated in the next couple of weeks.

December 19, 2022
November 10, 2022

Helical piles that will support the new boardwalk are currently being installed. Boardwalk sections have been delivered and will begin being installed next week. The project is expected to be completed by mid-December.

November 10, 2022
October 20, 2022

Crews have completed demolition of the path and are currently working to stabilize the toe of slope along the ravine.

October 20, 2022
September 1, 2022


Crews are currently removing the flagstone path and retaining walls and have begun stabilization work at the toe of the slope. The boardwalk sections are currently being fabricated offsite. Additional equipment and materials will be delivered over the next several days. Once received, on-site work will resume.

September 1, 2022
September 1, 2022

Supply chain issues, contractor availability, and a recent trucker strike delayed the start of construction, but we pleased to announce that the Park District’s Contractor, Team REIL, has begun site mobilization and will begin demolition after Labor Day.

September 1, 2022
June 1, 2022


In preparation for the new ravine boardwalk at Moraine Park, natural areas staff and volunteers relocated spring wildflowers to a safe spot down the path where they will be out of the way of construction.

June 1, 2022
May 18, 2022

The Park Board approved a contract with Team REIL for repair of the Moraine Park beach access path. Construction is planned to take place mid-summer through mid- fall and will include the construction of a boardwalk along the path and stabilization work along the toe of the ravine slope.

May 18, 2022
March 16, 2022

Staff reported to the Finance Committee that four unresponsive bids were received on March 9, 2022 for the repair of the Moraine Park beach access path. Adjustments will be made to the construction documents and the bid solicitation will be re-released in late March. Staff anticipates requesting contract approval from the Park District Board of Commissioners on April 27, 2022. If approved, construction would begin in June.

March 16, 2022
January 11, 2022

Staff reported to the Lakefront, Parks and Natural Areas Committee that construction documents are nearing completion for the repair of the Moraine Park beach access path. The work will include the construction of a raised boardwalk over the path. A bid solicitation for construction will be released in mid-February and work is anticipated to take place in summer.

January 11, 2022
July 29, 2021

On June 8, 2021, the Park District Board of Commissioners approved moving forward with the final design for the project. Staff is currently working with an engineering firm to develop construction documents. Construction of a boardwalk to restore lakefront access is scheduled for 2022.

July 29, 2021