Fowler Lake Waterfront

Oconomowoc, “where the waters meet,” is a thriving lake community located just outside of the Milwaukee metropolitan area. The Oconomowoc Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department chose us to redesign the Fowler Lake waterfront, focusing on the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. Their goal? Make this area a downtown destination for community members and visitors alike.

Our multidisciplinary team of engineers, designers, and environmental specialists created innovative design concepts to help highlight the natural features of the space. They also worked to navigate the sometimes-complicated environmental permitting processes associated with waterfront properties, and we provided construction oversight as the project matured.

Design concepts include a large floating T pier, a six-slip boat dock, a boat launch facility, a shoreline boardwalk, a gazebo, and restoration elements. We engaged the community by posting the concepts online and soliciting input through social media. With active community involvement and an enthusiastic steering committee, the community’s vision for this lakefront redevelopment has now come to fruition. The design additions, especially the new boardwalk (with bump outs that allow people to stop and enjoy the view) have transformed Fowler Lake into the people’s lake.