feature article - june 2007

Celebration June 23 opens island oasis
New State Park offers best view of Lake Michigan

A BRAND NEW state park opens in Milwaukee this month and this one definitely has the best view of Lake Michigan.

Lake Shore State Park, an island just off the Summerfest Grounds, will be officially opened June 23 with a community kick-off from noon to
4 p.m.

The park, formerly known as Harbor Island, is designed to provide an urban oasis with recreational opportunities and outdoor programs. The 17-acre space includes a trail that connects to the Hank Aaron and Oak Leaf state trails, completing a path from Lake Michigan to the banks of the Mississippi River; a small watercraft beach area with access for canoes and kayaks; fishing areas, and 20 boat slips for vessels up to 60 feet. A bridge connects the north end of the park to the Summerfest grounds and an extension of the land near the Marcus Amphitheater connects on the south.

Activities planned by the Friends of Lakeshore State Park June 23 include:

• Canoeing and kayaking lessons and demonstrations by Laacke & Joys.
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fishing demonstrations and naturalists with live animals.
• Kite flying by Gift of Wings with kites available for rent or sale.
• Nordic walking demonstrations with Tom Rutlin, father of Nordic walking.
• Activities involving the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Discovery World Museum, the Urban Ecology Center and Milwaukee County’s Wehr Nature Center.
• Rain garden, rain barrel and green roof demonstrations by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewerage District.
• Dive demonstrations by the Milwaukee Harbor Patrol.
• Discounted sails on the schooner S/V Denis Sullivan.
• Food, beverages and door prizes.

Friends of the park also are teaming with Polish Fest for the first charity walk in the park. Easter Seals Walk with Me sponsored by Polish Fest will be a 2.5-mile walk beginning at 10:30 a.m. June 23.