John C. McKenna Park is the civic and recreational heart of Shorewood Hills. Named for the village's influential long-time clerk, the park serves as the community's central gathering space. It contains the popular Shorewood Hills Pool, tennis courts, a playground, and the historic village Post Office building.
Adjacent to the park is Bamforth Bluff, a steep, wooded slope leading down to Lake Mendota. The Bamforth Bluff Restoration Project is a critical, ongoing effort to combat severe erosion and ecological degradation. The project focuses on removing invasive species (like buckthorn and honeysuckle), stabilizing the hillside, and replanting it with a diverse array of deep-rooted native plants. This restores the natural habitat, prevents soil from washing into the lake, and protects the structural integrity of the bluff and the iconic Lake Mendota Drive, which runs along its crest. Together, the park and the restored bluff represent the village's dedication to both community life and environmental stewardship.