Contact: Clarke Johnson, Lakeshore State Park Superintendent
414.274.4281 or Clarke.johnson@wisconsin.gov
               
Kae DonLevy, Media Contact, 414.588.0617 or kdonlevy@aol.com

Wisconsin State Park Opens in Milwaukee with a
Community Kick-off Event on June 23, 2007

On Saturday, June 23, the Friends of LSP invite you to the grand opening of Milwaukee’s new jewel on Lake Michigan, Lakeshore State Park from noon to 4:00 p.m. The park, formerly known as Harbor Island, is the only urban state park in Wisconsin and is designed to provide an urban oasis with recreational opportunities and outdoor programs.

The 17-acre park includes a trail that connects to the Hank Aaron and Oak Leaf state trails; a small watercraft beach area with access for canoes and kayaks; fishing areas and 20 boat slips for vessels up to 60 feet with overnight boat camping available. 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. At the Kick-off, enjoy a variety of free park activities for all ages including:

Canoeing & Kayaking Lessons and Demonstrations with Laacke & Joys

DNR Fishing Demonstrations and Naturalists with Live Animals

Kite Flying with Gift of Wings — kites available for rent or sale

Nordic Walking Demonstrations with the Tom Rutlin, the Father of Nordic Walking

Activities with Betty Brinn, Discovery World, Urban Ecology Center & Milwaukee County’s Wehr Nature Center

Rain garden, rain barrel and green roof demonstrations with the MMSD

Coast Guard and Milwaukee Police Department Harbor Patrol and Dive demonstrations

Park PassPort, door prizes and food and beverage available for purchase

The Friends of the Park and event sponsor, Luhr Bros. Inc. Construction, are teaming up with the first walk at Lakeshore State Park — the Easter Seals WALK WITH ME and Polish Fest.  Registration for the 2.5 mile walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Visit www.easterseals.org/walkwithme for more information. A limited number of passes to Polish Fest will be given to new Friends of Lakeshore State Park members.

The Friends of the Lakeshore State Park is an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the Lakeshore State Park for the entire community to enjoy.