Kenosha, March 3, 2025 – Southport Park Association (SPA) has received a $50,000 grant from the Fund for Lake Michigan which invests in water quality initiatives supporting healthy Wisconsin ecosystems. The grant will go toward a modernized exterior storm water drainage system for the Southport Beach House. The new system will reduce nonpoint source pollution – natural and manmade pollution carried by rainfall and snowmelt runoff into Lake Michigan. A matching grant to the City of Kenosha from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program is anticipated in the near future to finalize funding for the project.
“The current storm water drainage system has fallen into disrepair,” says Mike Foster, SPA Vice President, and a member of the association’s Building & Grounds Committee. He emphasized that modernization is necessary to implement best practices for reducing pollution in Lake Michigan. “This is another example of our organization’s efforts to not only preserve, but also to rejuvenate a community asset that has so much quality of life to offer Kenosha.”
Spottswood named new SPA president and Pederson joins board
Speaking of change, Lydia Spottswood was recently elected SPA’s new president. A seasoned board member, and the former Chair of Building and Grounds, Lydia takes over the reins from Susan Andrea-Schlenker who has served as president over the past decade.
Lydia says she’s humbled to be following in Susan’s footsteps. “Her leadership has inspired the creation of our not-for-profit organization and fueled our partnership with the City of Kenosha in the historic preservation and environmental stewardship of Southport Beach House and Park. It’s an honor to serve in this new role and I look forward to building the vibrant community partnerships needed to bring our shared vision to fruition.”
Susan’s passion remains a driving force on our board of directors as we welcome new board member, Mitchell Pederson. Formerly the City Council Chair of Public Works, Mitch has long championed beach house restoration and family-friendly recreational improvements in this community park. His strong background in municipal operations will enhance our working relationship with the City of Kenosha. According to Lydia, “Mitch’s experience as a resident and representative of the Southport Park neighborhood will be invaluable. We’re excited that he is willing to bring his talents and expertise to our efforts.”
About Southport Park Association
Southport Park Association of Kenosha was founded in 2014 by community volunteers as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. We are committed to fostering public-private partnerships that support historic preservation and sustainable environmental stewardship throughout Kenosha’s lakefront park system for the education and enjoyment of generations to come.
