South Milwaukee Blog

We are stronger, together — and are at our best when we partner to solve problems. That is why I was happy to see the South Shore health departments announce a collaboration that will bring a COVID-19 testing facility to the former Bucyrus campus in South Milwaukee.

From the press release …

The Cudahy, Oak Creek, South Milwaukee/St Francis Health Departments in the south shore announced they will build on their strong partnership to establish the Zone E Community Coronavirus Specimen Collection Site. This testing site will be the first of its kind in the South Shore area, offering free, low barrier tests to any Wisconsinite who believes they need to be tested.

“As the cases of COVID-19 in our State climb, testing all individuals with high risk exposures to COVID-19 remains a key strategy for containing further spread of infection,” said Heather Puente, Cudahy Interim Health Officer. “All persons who were in close contact with a person infected with COVID-19 (defined as being within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) should be tested, regardless of symptoms.”

With the limited number of area medical clinics, local leaders in the south shore are dedicated to ensuring their communities have local, accessible testing options. “Having access to local testing is instrumental for our communities,” said Puente. “This testing site removes barriers to testing for many people, whether they are unable to get to a testing location, uncomfortable going to a medical clinic, are uninsured or under-insured, or are looking for more convenient access.”

“Our battle against COVID-19 is far from over,” said Jackie Ove, South Milwaukee/St. Francis Health Officer. “Uniting together through innovative partnerships in one of the ways we are able to maximize resources to combat COVID-19. The municipalities in Zone E have previously coordinated public health programming and emergency response efforts, so this was a natural collaboration. Zone E is defined by the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management as the communities of Cudahy, Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, and St. Francis.”

“The former Bucyrus Campus offers a prime drive through site location that allows for testing to all Wisconsinites. It allows for easy entry and exit, as well as contained space within the facility.”

“Access to local testing, combined with masking, social distancing, and staying home to isolate or quarantine when appropriate, is critical to combat COVID-19,” said Darcy DuBois, Oak Creek Health Officer. “No one wants to pass this illness to their friends or family. Getting tested provides vital information and peace of mind on an individual level and on a community level; it helps us protect those we care about and slows the spread of the disease.”

Official dates and times of the Zone E Community Coronavirus Specimen Collection Site will be released soon and will be available on the health department’s websites.

The health department is also seeking applicants to staff the testing site. Temporary positions are open for all experience levels. Apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/smilwaukee

I want to thank our local health departments for their tireless efforts in responding to the pandemic, as they work to keep us safe and limit the spread of the virus. They continue to step up and do their best in incredibly difficult circumstances, with little leadership from Washington D.C. or Madison, where lawmakers are more focused on litigating than legislating.

The work of local health departments is not over, as the pandemic deepens across the state. South Milwaukee reported 31 new coronavirus cases in the past week. We have had 77 new cases since Sept. 18.

We all play must play a role in limiting the spread of the virus. Wear a mask when needed. Socially distance. Avoid crowds. Practice good hygiene. Stay home when you’re sick — and get tested when appropriate.

I am happy we can now do that in South Milwaukee.

Learn more on the city’s coronavirus web page.

South Milwaukee has a new health care option.

Ascension Wisconsin is opening three urgent care centers in Wisconsin — including a Physicians Urgent Care clinic that began seeing patients last week at 3111 S. Chicago Ave.

From the press release …

As part of its commitment to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, Ascension Wisconsin is opening three new urgent care centers in Southeast Wisconsin in partnership with Physicians Immediate Care (PIC). PIC is a Midwest leader in urgent care and occupational health services with more than 40 locations in Illinois, Indiana and now Wisconsin. 

“These new urgent care centers complement our existing urgent care and occupational health sites and provide additional care options to the communities we serve,” said Bernie Sherry, Senior Vice President, Ascension and Ministry Market Executive, Ascension Wisconsin. “The partnership with PIC helps Ascension Wisconsin deliver on the promise to provide care in ways that are affordable, accessible and convenient for all those we serve.”

The urgent care centers will be located in South Milwaukee, Brookfield and Mount Pleasant: 

• Physicians Urgent Care – South Milwaukee: opening October 5, 2020, at 3111 S. Chicago Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI 53172 Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Physicians Urgent Care – Brookfield: opening November 9, 2020, at 19165 Bluemound Road, Brookfield, WI 53045 Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., Saturday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Physicians Urgent Care – Mount Pleasant: opening early 2021, at 1019 S. Green Bay Road, Mount Pleasant, WI 53406

At Physicians Immediate Care, we are excited to expand into Wisconsin with one of the leading health systems in Wisconsin as part of Ascension’s regional and national effort to bring more accessible and more affordable care to its patients.  Ascension Wisconsin’s leadership and strong commitment to that goal aligns perfectly with our purpose of providing “remarkable care you can count on, when and where you need it,” said Stan Blaylock, CEO of Physicians Immediate Care.  

Urgent care centers are for patients who need to be seen right away but when it’s not an emergency. They’re a good option for minor illnesses or injuries such as: sinus or upper respiratory infections, high fever, sore throat, cough, flu, ear infections, urinary tract infections, sprains and strains, broken bones, cuts that may need stiches, pink eye, allergic reactions and rashes and COVID-19 testing.

About Ascension Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, Ascension operates 24 hospital campuses, more than 100 related healthcare facilities and employs more than 1,300 primary and specialty care clinicians from Racine to Eagle River. Serving Wisconsin since 1848, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension is one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., operating 2,600 sites of care – including 150 hospitals and more than 50 senior living facilities – in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org. 

About Physicians Immediate Care

Physicians Immediate Care, also known as Physicians Urgent Care, is the Midwest leader in urgent care and occupational health services with over 40 locations in Illinois, Indiana and now Wisconsin. For more than 30 years, the company has provided affordable, convenient medical care to millions of patients. Physicians Immediate Care is dedicated to building healthy communities by providing remarkable care you can count on, when and where you need it. Through its network of urgent care clinics (over half of which are partnered with health systems), the company is fully equipped to provide x-rays, lab testing, medical exams, minor procedures and treatments for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Its clinics offer convenient hours and accept patients who either walk-in or self-schedule same-day appointments through its Urgent Care Pass application. For locations and services, go to visitphysicians.com.

Details on their website. Look for a formal ribbon cutting soon.

Residents may place leaves in the street, at the curb, from October 1 through November 15.

For more detailed information, visit: http://bit.ly/SMFallLeaf

Please consider mulching — it’s better for the environment, and your lawn — or dropping them off at the Self-Deposit Station. The $3 fee is waived for those who are despoiting leaves only.

The latest update from the South Milwaukee and St. Francis Health Department shows 21 new cases of COVID-19 locally since Sept. 25 — and 46 since Sept. 18. The “burden rate” also continues to increase, as the pandemic deepens across the state.

Learn more in the Oct. 2 Situation Briefing from the department.

And you can find updated local information and data on the virus on the city website and Facebook page.

Please stay safe, mask up, socially distance and continue to take other necessary precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19. We are learning to live with the virus, but we must respect it, and be personally responsible in this ongoing fight. That includes me. We all must play a role.

What the media is covering around town …

• USPS, South Milwaukee Defend Choice Not To Test Employees After Positive COVID-19 Case (Wisconsin Public Radio)
• Five Locals Are Opening South Milwaukee Sausage and Meats in the Former Milwaukee Sausage Company Shop (Journal Sentinel)
• Burger Town is Opening in South Milwaukee (Journal Sentinel)
• South Milwaukee Attorney Who Led the Creation of Da Crusher Statue is Trying to Save Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza (Journal Sentinel)
• South Milwaukee Arcade Bowling Alley Has Reopened for Indoor Entertainment (TMJ4)
• South Milwaukee Announces Trick-or-Treating Will go on Amid Pandemic (CBS 58)
• What Should be Built Next to Da Crusher Statue in South Milwaukee? The City Wants Residents’ Input (Journal Sentinel)

Our progress downtown is easy to see these days, and will only build as we head into 2021. Here are updates on our two newest businesses!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The U.S. Department of Education has chosen E.W. Luther Elementary as a National Blue Ribbon School — one of just eight in the state and 367 in the country. It was recognized for “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing.”

According to the award website: “The program celebrates school excellence, turn around stories, and closing subgroup achievement gaps.  The Award is both a high aspiration and a potent resource of practitioner knowledge.”

Why Luther? Here is more from the award winner profile page …

E. W. Luther Elementary is a public elementary school in the suburb of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The city of South Milwaukee is historically working-class with strong roots in manufacturing. We are a neighborhood school with almost all of our students living within a radius of less than one mile, which helps contribute to our strong sense of community.

We promote strategies within our school to encourage and challenge all students to develop their full potential academically, emotionally, physically, socially, and culturally. We provide an environment that encompasses rigor, respect, pride, safety, celebration, relevance, and relationships. Our students are provided a rigorous learning environment focused on the academic and emotional needs of each child.

An environment of mutual respect between all members of our learning community is modeled, and we celebrate each child as an individual academically and emotionally. Through our intentional relationship building, we guide each child to become a productive member of society. We pride ourselves on the culture within our building and the growth mindset of the staff contributes to this. Teachers view all E. W. Luther students as their own, and celebrate one another’s successes. We identify this as a technique that sets us apart from others.

Congratulations to E.W. Luther and the entire South Milwaukee School District for this honor. As a former Luther family, we saw firsthand the culture Mr. Wightman, the teachers, staff, parents and kids were building there, and the school’s dedication to delivering a first-class education for all students.

I see that same spirit across the district, and it makes me proud to be a South Milwaukee school parent. Well done, E.W. Luther!

In the past few weeks, I’ve had the honor of being a small part of the retirement ceremonies for South Milwaukee Police Capt. Jill Kallay and South Milwaukee Fire Department Capt. Brad Sibley, as well as the promotion ceremony for SMPD Capt. Dan Fournier and Lt. Dave Hoeppner.

Here are my Facebook posts from each one. Thanks for your service to our city, and all you do to keep us safe!

---

• 

• 

• 

• 

---

• 

• 

• 

---

• 

• 

• 

From the email sent to families today from Superintendent Jeff Weiss, and found on the district website …

I am excited to announce that we will be moving into our next learning phase on Monday, October 12! At that time we will move into hybrid instruction. Generally, this means that your student will be in person two days a week with virtual instruction the other three days per week.

More information will be coming to you from both me and your school in the coming weeks. This will include specific schedules, detailed in person safety expectations, and what will occur if a student or staff member is exposed or tests positive for COVID19.

Schedules

You will be receiving your child’s specific schedule in the next few days. Please note that right now we are working to double check that all family members are attending the in person classes on the same day. Your student’s school will be sending that information to you shortly.

The elementary schedule will include two cohorts of students. One group will attend in person on Monday and Tuesday, the second group will attend in person on Wednesday and Thursday. The hours for in person instruction will be 8:30 am – 2:30 pm. Students will stay with their own classes and receive music, art, and PE instruction virtually in the classroom or outside. Students will have asynchronous learning the other three days per week.

The elementary schools have before and after school care available for the two in person days through the recreation department. Students can be dropped off as early as 7:00 am and will end no later than 5:00 pm. Please contact the recreation department child care at 766-5932 for more information. 

The middle school schedule will also include two cohorts of students attending either Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday. The in person schedule will be 7:30 am – 2:45 pm. On the opposite days that students attend in person, they will be at home following the in person schedule and attending classes live virtually in the teachers’ classrooms. On Friday all middle school students will be learning asynchronously.

As with the elementary and middle school schedules, high school students will also attend in person two days a week either Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday. The in person schedule will be 7:30 am – 1:30 pm. Students who are home will be attending the in person schedule virtually via a webcam in classrooms. On Fridays, high school students will attend classes virtually (live) from 7:30 am – noon. 

Timeline and Calendar

We are able to move into hybrid instruction as of Monday, October 12, due to the burden rate in South Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. As of Friday, September 18, the burden rate in South Milwaukee was 77.2 and in Milwaukee County it was 91.28. The positivity rates are 5.1% for South Milwaukee and 5.3% for Milwaukee County. This places the district in the hybrid or potentially in person learning model. We have decided to return to the hybrid model first in order to be sure that our safety and health routines are fully understood by all and we have time to make adjustments as necessary. 

We will continue to monitor the burden and positivity rates for South Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. On October 26 we will announce the next learning model for South Milwaukee. At that time, if possible, we will transition to fully in person for the elementary level as of November 2 and for the middle school and high school as of November 9.

Another update relates to parent teacher conferences. We will be moving the conference dates from October 7 and 8 to a time in November. More details will be sent soon regarding the new dates and times.

I support this decision, and credit the district for its smartly conservative approach to getting kids back to school, including my own.

This summer, district leaders announced a phased reopening plan — developed in partnership with the South Milwaukee and St. Francis Health Department — based and science and data, putting student safety first. They have stuck to that plan, and the data now supports the decision to get kids back where we all want them to be (safely): in classrooms.

Of course, the 2020-21 school year is just getting started, this pandemic is far from over, and more flexibility and adaptability will be needed in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Thank you to the kids, parents, teachers and staff who have stepped up during these challenging and unprecedented times.

From the South Milwaukee and St. Francis Health Department …

Help the South Milwaukee- St. Francis Health Department #fighttheflu this year. We are hosting a flu vaccine clinic for children age 18 and under on October 14th. Help us fight the flu this year by getting their flu shot early!

It is by appointment only and you can schedule your appointment by going to https://tinyurl.com/y5osopkz and signing up for an appointment time. You can also call the health department at 414-768-8055 to schedule an appointment or if you have questions.

Getting an early flu shot is more important than ever amid the pandemic, health leaders are advising, so please get immunized.

We are a European themed beer garden that will offer patrons a variety of entertainment options, including various European and Mid-West beverages, live music, foods, cultural sports and games, family activities, whilst supporting local charities.

That’s what is coming to downtown South Milwaukee starting this Friday and every weekend through October, and I love it.

European Beer Gardens is a partnership between James Moran with Moran’s Pub and Brittany Rosales with the Rose Mob Grill food truck, and I’m proud to count the city as a partner in the effort.

The South Milwaukee Common Council approved the lease agreement with Moran and Rosales earlier this month, and the liquor license on Tuesday.

Moran and Rosales are also giving back to the community, through the venture. Its community partner this weekend will be the South Milwaukee Lions Club, who will receive $1 from every pour of Local Lights and a portion of all non-alcoholic beverage sales all weekend. The Nightinjails play at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.

After its Friday start this week, the beer garden will begin a Thursday-Sunday schedule on Sept. 24, in conjunction with the South Milwaukee Downtown Market as the market winds down its season.

Get more details on the European Gardens Facebook page — or just stop by and see for yourself the latest win for our city center, one that promises to be uniquely South Milwaukee. Prosit!

We should all be proud of this city’s special events calendar. I hold it up against any city our size, as we always step up to celebrate our city and bring our community together in ways that are uniquely South Milwaukee.

Then, COVID hit.

Events have obviously been a challenge amid a pandemic, as this spring and summer saw the cancellation of most large-scale activities across the city, state and country. It was the right call, and remains so, as difficult as those decisions were for the city and other event organizers.

But that doesn’t mean events must stop altogether — and they are not in South Milwaukee in coming weeks and months.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the special events shaping up around town. Mark your calendars now, and look more details on all of these in the days, weeks and months ahead.

This list will continue to grow. Find details on the PAC events here.

• Thursday, Sept. 17: South Milwaukee Downtown Market Car Show. 3-7 p.m. at Market Square, 11th and Milwaukee. From the event Facebook post: “Rev up your week and get ready for the Car Show at the Market on Thursday, Sept 17th from 5-8 PM! There will be classic cars, roasted corn, craft beers, shopping, 50/50 raffle and live music. Market will open at 3 PM, car show to start at 5PM.” More on the live music here.
• Thursday, Sept. 24: Music at the Market — She’s Right, I’m Left.
• Thursday, Oct. 1: Music at the Market — Bluegrass All Stars.
• Friday, Oct. 2: Rock ‘n Roll Science Show. The first of a series of “Restart the Arts” shows at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.
• Thursday, Oct. 8: Music at the Market — Val Sigal.
• Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24: South Milwaukee High School Theatre Co. presents “Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry,” South Milwaukee PAC.
• Saturday, Oct. 24: South Milwaukee Spooktacular. The downtown trick-or-treating event, presented by DB Tax & Wealth, returns, with some socially distanced family fun. New this year: A pumpkin carving contest and illumination along Milwaukee Avenue and much more.
• Saturday, Oct. 31: Citywide trick-or-treating, 5:30-7:30 p.m. We made this announcement last week, and we’ll be sharing some best practices on how to do it safely in the weeks ahead.
• Thursday, Nov. 5: Piano & My Voice, South Milwaukee PAC.
• Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14: South Milwaukee High School Theatre Co. presents “An Evening With Sherlock Holmes,” South Milwaukee PAC.
• Saturday, Nov. 21: Swing Explosion, “We’ve Got a World that Swings,” South Milwaukee PAC.
• Saturday, Dec. 5: Studio K Flamenco presents “The Flamenco Nutcracker,” South Milwaukee PAC.
• Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11-12: South Milwaukee High School Theatre Co. presents “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry,” South Milwaukee PAC.

Other holiday events are also shaping up, with the Old Fashioned Christmas Committee working to pull off safe version of that special event. I am also working with the South Milwaukee Lions to see how we can safely hold the Lighted Christmas Parade — ideas are welcome! And we are planning to bring back the Festival of Trees, in partnership with Ace Hardware and Caterpillar. More to come on all of these.

Select fall high school sports are back, too! Get schedules here.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who put work in planning events this year that were ultimately cancelled or postponed — and to those who are working to creatively and safely hold events in the weeks and months ahead. None of this would happen without you.

And we need your work now, more than ever.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center is excited to announce “Restart the Arts,” fall programming for the 2020-2021 arts season. These new, limited capacity shows include a silly and educational family show, a one-man Prince music piano show and a Las Vegas style swing concert. Additional shows may be added as they are confirmed.

Here is the press release. From Executive Director Rachel Sorce …

I am very excited to finally announce a few shows for our “Restart the Arts” 2020-2021 fall season!!! After spending a good amount of time cancelling or postponing most of our planned shows and rentals for this arts season, it feels great to make this announcement!

While these shows are much smaller in scale than what we’d normally present, we must adjust programming due to reducing our seating capacity (aka revenue potential) from 786 seats to about 200 seats. This is to allow for physical distancing. These selections represent shows that are a good fit for our venue, audiences and budget. And, while no one knows exactly what audience attendance will look like this fall, I believe that we have an obligation to our community and to the arts industry to connect audiences with artists for inspiration and entertainment.

Live, in-person arts experiences are especially important now. With so many people dealing with isolation, loneliness and even depression, the arts can be a tonic to soothe peoples’ souls. 

Here are the shows …

Friday, October 2 at 7:00 pm

Rock ‘n’ Roll Science Show

(For families with young children)

What happens when a pair of bumbling 80’s rockers show up at the wrong venue to perform a rock ‘n’ roll concert – only to find out they are on the set of a science show performance? Well, the “show must go on,” as this goofy duo does their best to entertain the crowd with science, despite their limited experiences in the laboratory! This family-safe show is a fun look at science, especially physics, and includes fun big-stage experiments, clean humor, and of course a lot of ROCK ‘n’ ROLL music!

Approximate run-time 60 minutes. Tickets go on sale September 15 and are $10 for students and $20 for adults/seniors.

Thursday, November 5 at 7:00 pm

Piano & My Voice

(One- man show featuring Marshall Charloff from Purple xPeRIeNCE)

Performing your favorite hits: Purple Rain, Little Red Corvette, Kiss, Pop Life, and many more! From fronting the greatest Prince tribute show in the world, working with the Atlanta Rhythm Section and writing and producing the Commodores, Marshall Charloff embarks on a solo journey, performing all of your favorite Prince songs in this one-man show. His solo performance delivers Prince’s catalog of hits with only a piano, his voice, and his mastery of audience engagement. The only show of its kind, and licensed directly by the Prince Estate. Approximate run-time 90 minutes. Tickets go on sale September 15 and are $29 for students and $39 for adults/seniors.

Saturday, November 21 at 7:00 pm

Swing Explosion: We’ve Got a World That Swings

(Full swing band with vocals)

Imagine being in Las Vegas and seeing a show with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. or the swinging music of Count Basie and Louis Prima. You’ll get that and more as we recreate the fun and excitement of a Vegas show from the 50’s as we pay tribute to some of the greatest entertainers of that era. Approximate run-time 90 minutes. Tickets go on sale September 15 and are $25 for students and $35 for adults/seniors.

Other Upcoming Shows & Events

• Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 (Shows at 7:30 pm): South Milwaukee High School Theatre Co. presents Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry Spies, murder, love, and other trademarks of Alfred Hitchcock come to life in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast of the master of suspense’s earlier films. With The Lodger, Sabotage and The 39 Steps, Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play is a triple feature, complete with vintage commercials and one that recreates a daring train chase, a serial killer’s ominous presence, and a devastating explosion through the magic of live sound effects and musical underscoring.” Tickets will go on sale October 1.
• Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14 (Shows at 7:30 pm): South Milwaukee High School Theatre Co. presents An Evening With Sherlock Holmes. This original live radio play features three classic Holmes and Watson short stories told in radio play format, as broadcast by CBS Radio in the 1930s and 1940s: The Musgrave Ritual, The Case of the Dead Adventuress and The Adventure of the Tolling Bell. Selected from the public domain and tied together into a single performance by SMHS theatre director Tim Backes, these stories showcase the variety and cleverness found in radio-edition Holmes tales. Tickets will go on sale October 1.
• Saturday, December 5 (Shows at 2:00 and 7:00 pm): Studio K Flamenco presents The Flamenco Nutcracker. Studio K Flamenco presents The Flamenco Nutcracker, an exciting new twist on the beloved holiday classic. Celebrate the season with an unforgettable evening filled with the beauty and passion of Flamenco dance. Follow the Matador Prince as he charges into the enchanted forest filled with intoxicating rhythms, clicking castanets, and staccato footwork. Award winning flamenco guitarist Marija Temo will perform her amazing score live. Join us for a magical holiday celebration like no other in this family friendly performance directed by internationally acclaimed choreographer Kerensa DeMars. Tickets will go on sale October 1.
• Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12 (shows at 7:30 pm): South Milwaukee High School Theatre Co. presents It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry. This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve.” Based on the classic Frank Capra film, this is a great way to get into the holiday spirit! Tickets will go on sale October 1.

Great news, South Milwaukee: Trick or treat is still ON for October 31st!

The South Milwaukee/St. Francis Health Department will be issuing safety guidelines soon, but has given the celebration the green light. Hours are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., as it has been for a number of years.

I am excited we can continue our Halloween tradition in South Milwaukee. Stay tuned for more information.

I am glad to see the Grant Park Beach road be resurfaced in the last week — and happy to help cut the ribbon on Tuesday.

The project is long overdue, and more investments in the park are needed, but it’s a good start— one that could not have happened without the advocacy of the Friends of Grant Park and Supervisor Steven Shea.

As mayor, I also pledge to continue to advocate for our local parks, and make sure we get our fair share of investment, even and especially during the pandemic. Budgets are tough — they are tough for all of us — and getting tougher. Spending on parks often takes a backseat to other priorities for Milwaukee County, but dollars must still flow to our parks.

As I wrote to Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Milwaukee County Board leaders in July, asking for urgent investment in the beach road, beach cleanup from winter storms and other areas …

Grant Park Beach has seen a resurgence in recent years, especially from where it was a decade ago, and it is a huge part of South Milwaukee’s identity as a city. That is in large part due to renewed investment from the county, and, as mayor, I thank you for that. 

Please take action now to ensure those gains are not lost. Please help!

That help is still needed, now more than ever.