Testing to begin to see whether swimming can resume at Bay Beach

"They have some great photos of the beaches and the old bath house that was there and all the amenities that were there," said Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Director Mike Reed.

Swimming was banned at Bay Beach in the 1930's because of pollution. Now, the Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission has received a federal grant to study the water quality at the former swimming area. So, U-W Oshkosh water quality specialists are starting a one-year testing program on the area.

"Looking at things like the topography of the beach, the physical characteristics. We take measurements of the beach, where it is right now," said U-W Oshkosh Water Quality Specialist Kim Busse.

From those findings, researchers can develop an action plan.

"If we are seeing high E-coli levels and certain points, we then take that data and work with an engineering company to see what sort of mitigation strategies they can come up with ."

After restoration, Bay Beach officials believe a summer tradition will quickly be restored.

"If it becomes swimmable, I think it will sell itself," Reed said.

U-W Oshkosh researchers are scheduled to meet with Bay Beach officials Thursday and conduct some preliminary testing.

Local 5's Terry Kovarik has the story.