Perched atop a bluff 100 feet above the shores of Lake Michigan, Atwater Park is one of Shorewood’s most iconic civic spaces. Serving as a passive park, community gathering spot, and direct connection to the lakefront, the park embodies both the Village’s heritage and its recreational future. The Village of Shorewood partnered with Snyder & Associates to develop a master plan that addressed failing hardscape surfaces, deteriorating landscapes, and the long-term circulation challenges for both maintenance vehicles and pedestrians.
The plan was envisioned not only as a response to ongoing maintenance issues but also as a blueprint for celebrating the park’s historical character. By blending design sensitivity with practical infrastructure improvements, our team sought to ensure the park remains a vibrant community destination for generations to come.
Balancing Maintenance Needs with Civic Character
The project aimed to accomplish three critical objectives. First, it was necessary to establish a safe and reliable maintenance path on the park’s upper level that could handle larger service vehicles. Second, the design needed to reduce impervious surfaces and simplify the materials used throughout the site to promote sustainability and ease of upkeep. Finally, the park improvements had to reflect its role as a civic landmark by reinforcing its historic character and supporting its identity as a community gathering place.
Early collaboration with Shorewood’s Public Works Department ensured that staff input directly shaped design concepts. Special attention was given to the steep grades and tight turn radii that complicate the movement of large fleet vehicles, balancing those functional requirements with the park’s broader community uses.
Preserving Views and Overcoming Site Challenges
The site’s unique topography presented significant challenges. Steep slopes and narrow paths complicated maintenance access, while the park’s cultural value demanded preservation of key visual connections to Lake Michigan and the historic shipwreck just offshore. At the same time, the project required careful coordination with improvements planned along an adjacent state route, ensuring the two efforts would align seamlessly without diminishing the park’s functionality or character.
Drawing Inspiration from the Park’s History
To develop solutions rooted in both practicality and respect for heritage, Snyder & Associates turned to historic imagery and aerial photographs to study the park’s evolution over time. This research revealed circulation patterns and design elements that informed decisions about which pedestrian routes should be maintained, simplified, or reintroduced.
The resulting plan reduced the number of unnecessary sidewalk segments, streamlining movement through the park while lowering long-term maintenance needs. Plaza spaces were incorporated to highlight existing public art and provide flexible gathering points. By reducing impervious surfaces, the design also enhanced bluff stability and minimized erosion risks, offering long-term environmental benefits that strengthen the site’s resilience.
Engaging the Community and Securing Support
Public engagement was a cornerstone of the planning process. The Snyder & Associates team collaborated with Public Works staff to lead community workshops, present design options, and gather valuable feedback from residents. These efforts ensured that the final plan reflected community priorities while also aligning with practical maintenance needs. To support long-term implementation, cost estimates were developed and shared with the Parks Committee, helping position the Village to secure funding through its Capital Improvement Plan.
A Vision Approved for the Future
The master plan ultimately gained approval from both the Parks Committee and the Village Council and will be adopted into Shorewood’s Comprehensive Parks and Open Space Plan. Among the key achievements were the creation of a maintenance path designed for large fleet vehicles, the preservation and enhancement of sweeping views over Lake Michigan, and the integration of sustainable design strategies that reduce impervious surfaces and protect the bluff.
By weaving together historical preservation, practical maintenance solutions, and sustainable design practices, Snyder & Associates created a plan that honors Atwater Park’s storied past while preparing it for a resilient future. With its approval, the Village of Shorewood now has a clear framework to continue investing in one of its most treasured community assets.
