In December, the Pleasant Prairie Village Board approved the purchase of a small piece of lakeshore property that will be added to Lake Michigan Park in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. The property is located along the coast of Lake Michigan in the Chiwaukee Prairie/Carol Beach area. It was acquired with the intention of improving public access to the lake and preserving coastal ecosystems in the area.

The .19-acre parcel rests between two other pieces of Village-owned parkland, one to the north and one to the south. The parcel features an outfall from the Tobin Creek into Lake Michigan. Due to the small size of the parcel, it has never been developed. By acquiring the parcel, the Village will be able to create continuity between the two bordering portions of Lake Michigan Park, improve public access to the lakeshore, and allow for the preservation of the land in its natural state for future generations to enjoy.

"It's been an ongoing goal in the Village to continue to acquire property in the Chiwaukee Prairie area when it becomes available in order to preserve the unique natural features and ecosystems," commented John Steinbrink Jr., Streets and Parks Superintendent for the Village. "Whenever the opportunity arises, we find it in everyone's best interest to preserve as much of this natural asset as we're able." The Chiwaukee Prairie is a State Natural Area along the shores of Lake Michigan. It is home to more than 400 species of native plants, including endangered and threatened species, and other diverse wildlife.

The Village will purchase the parcel for $30,000. The Village will pay half of the amount with dollars collected from Impact Fees, while the remaining half will be paid for with a matching Stewardship grant from the Wisconsin DNR. Immediately following acquisition, the site will be opened to the public. The Village plans to maintain the site in its natural state.