Showing posts with label Urban Ecology Center. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Urban Ecology Center. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Ice Skating Returns to Washington Park
By Joey Zocher, Washington Park Director of the Urban Ecology Center
I love it when people stop in and tell me stories about the past. Just the other day someone stopped in with a photo from the early 1900s of the Washington Park lagoon filled with ice skaters. It’s remarkable to see how excited people are when they talk about their memories of skating in Washington Park, and shows how rich this park’s history really is. We are very happy to announce that there will be ice skating again in Washington Park this year! As the word is starting to spread, there are several recurring questions. I thought I could answer for you here. The first most frequently asked question is, “When will the ice be open?” Washington Park’s lagoon is now being treated like those in all the other parks, so once the County Parks staff determine the ice is thick enough, they will announce it on their website: www.countyparks.com.
Will the bathrooms be open?
Our open hours are Tuesday-Friday 4-7pm and Saturdays 9-5pm. The community building is not generally open to the public at other times. So, if you want to join us for a cup of hot chocolate and warm up, come during our open hours!
Are there skates available?
We are happy to include children’s skates in our equipment lending program, thanks to the generosity of Harley Davidson Foundation. In addition, we have several pairs of adult skates that have been donated. The best way to be sure to have the right size is to BYO Skates. If would like to borrow ours, please call in advance to check for sizes. Also, if you have a pair of skates collecting dust in your basement, consider donating them!
If ice skating isn’t your thing, there’s still lots to do in the winter at Washington Park. Stop by any time during open hours to borrow snowshoes, sleds or ice fishing equipment. At our Winterfest on January 30th, you can get a taste for all of these things, as well as try cross country skiing, take a ride on our sleigh, and of course, practice your ice skating. Come inside to warm up with some hot chocolate, then get back outside and play!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Martin Drive Neighborhood Attractions
Déjà vu Consignments – This shop located right on Vliet Street is filled with interesting secondhand products and gently-used items. Bring your sellable items to Déjà vu Consignments and, if your items are purchased, you will receive a percentage of the profit.
Eat Cake! – A mere glance at the specialty cakes on display in this local shop is sure to make your mouth water! Eat Cake! specializes in creating every type of cake imaginable – from elaborate, elegant cakes to ridiculous, non-traditional masterpieces.
Highland Park and Pies – From the outside, this unique looks like a snug European cottage surrounded by beautiful flower gardens. On the inside, patrons relax with homemade bakery, sandwiches and warm drinks in a cozy setting. Highland Park and Pies is frequented by neighborhood residents who can be found relaxing with friends at one of the patio tables on a pleasant afternoon.
Washington Park – Washington Park is one of three parks in Milwaukee that are part of “The Grand Necklace of Parks” envisioned and designed by the famed landscape architect Fredrick Olmstead at the turn of the 19th century. The former site of the Milwaukee County Zoo, Washington Park is home to an Urban Ecology Center, a public pool, an enormous bandshell, a senior center and a large lagoon teeming with wildlife.
Miller Brewing Company Tour – Nothing beats a free tour of the Miller Brewery, the crown jewel of Brew City. Visitors of all ages are treated to a video, a tour the bottling center, a climb up to the brew house and a stroll through the historic Miller caves before sampling the beverage that made Milwaukee famous. Kids are treated to an alternative beverage – root beer.
Organized Nighttime Trick or Treat – For nearly 15 years, the Martin Drive Neighborhood Association has organized a special event frequented by hundreds of children, teenagers and parents. Each year, a different block from the Martin Drive Neighborhood hosts the event and the entire street is shutdown for this unique and exciting event.
Pizzeria Tazza – Want a good slice of pizza? Look no further that Pizzeria Tazza, a great, locally-owned pizza joint on Vliet Street. The pizza-themed interior, including plush booths shaped like pizza slices, was designed by MATC interior design students. Look for the building with a gigantic coffee cup and saucer perched atop the building.
Urban Ecology Center – Located on the edge of the Washington Park Lagoon, the Urban Ecology Center uses its “outdoor laboratory” to teach members of the community about the environment in an urban atmosphere. The center opened in Washington Park in the fall of 2007 and offers neighborhood environmental education programs to neighbors of all ages.
Vliet Street Commons – a public art project and gathering place designed by Jill Sebastian.
Vliet Street Farmer’s Market – Join neighbors from the Martin Drive Neighborhood every Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Support farmers from the neighborhood by purchasing local produce, products and art.
Washington Park Senior Center – The senior center, managed by Interfaith Older Adult Programs and funded the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, is a terrific resource for adults “50 or better”. The center provides special facilities and programs such as a woodshop, a fitness center, computer classes, yoga lessons and art instruction, all provided for free or a for a nominal fee.
Wednesday Night Concert Series – Milwaukee County Parks sponsors a weekly concert series at the Blatz Temple of Music Bandshell in Washington Park all through the month of July.
Westside Artwalk - A biannual event held in April and September is supportive of the arts and economy by offering exposure of local artists’ works while creating interest and vibrancy of our local businesses. Visit Vliet Street, from 60th to 43rd, the Village, and other Wauwatosa locations. Over 35 locations will feature art, entertainment and special events.
Wick Field – One of the largest outdoor sport centers in Milwaukee County, Wick Field is outfitted with a number of tennis courts, baseball diamonds, football and soccer fields. Wick field is home to a number of intramural sports leagues, from kickball to flag football.
Eat Cake! – A mere glance at the specialty cakes on display in this local shop is sure to make your mouth water! Eat Cake! specializes in creating every type of cake imaginable – from elaborate, elegant cakes to ridiculous, non-traditional masterpieces.
Highland Park and Pies – From the outside, this unique looks like a snug European cottage surrounded by beautiful flower gardens. On the inside, patrons relax with homemade bakery, sandwiches and warm drinks in a cozy setting. Highland Park and Pies is frequented by neighborhood residents who can be found relaxing with friends at one of the patio tables on a pleasant afternoon.
Washington Park – Washington Park is one of three parks in Milwaukee that are part of “The Grand Necklace of Parks” envisioned and designed by the famed landscape architect Fredrick Olmstead at the turn of the 19th century. The former site of the Milwaukee County Zoo, Washington Park is home to an Urban Ecology Center, a public pool, an enormous bandshell, a senior center and a large lagoon teeming with wildlife.
Miller Brewing Company Tour – Nothing beats a free tour of the Miller Brewery, the crown jewel of Brew City. Visitors of all ages are treated to a video, a tour the bottling center, a climb up to the brew house and a stroll through the historic Miller caves before sampling the beverage that made Milwaukee famous. Kids are treated to an alternative beverage – root beer.
Organized Nighttime Trick or Treat – For nearly 15 years, the Martin Drive Neighborhood Association has organized a special event frequented by hundreds of children, teenagers and parents. Each year, a different block from the Martin Drive Neighborhood hosts the event and the entire street is shutdown for this unique and exciting event.
Pizzeria Tazza – Want a good slice of pizza? Look no further that Pizzeria Tazza, a great, locally-owned pizza joint on Vliet Street. The pizza-themed interior, including plush booths shaped like pizza slices, was designed by MATC interior design students. Look for the building with a gigantic coffee cup and saucer perched atop the building.
Urban Ecology Center – Located on the edge of the Washington Park Lagoon, the Urban Ecology Center uses its “outdoor laboratory” to teach members of the community about the environment in an urban atmosphere. The center opened in Washington Park in the fall of 2007 and offers neighborhood environmental education programs to neighbors of all ages.
Vliet Street Commons – a public art project and gathering place designed by Jill Sebastian.
Vliet Street Farmer’s Market – Join neighbors from the Martin Drive Neighborhood every Sunday from 11am to 3pm. Support farmers from the neighborhood by purchasing local produce, products and art.
Washington Park Senior Center – The senior center, managed by Interfaith Older Adult Programs and funded the Milwaukee County Department on Aging, is a terrific resource for adults “50 or better”. The center provides special facilities and programs such as a woodshop, a fitness center, computer classes, yoga lessons and art instruction, all provided for free or a for a nominal fee.
Wednesday Night Concert Series – Milwaukee County Parks sponsors a weekly concert series at the Blatz Temple of Music Bandshell in Washington Park all through the month of July.
Westside Artwalk - A biannual event held in April and September is supportive of the arts and economy by offering exposure of local artists’ works while creating interest and vibrancy of our local businesses. Visit Vliet Street, from 60th to 43rd, the Village, and other Wauwatosa locations. Over 35 locations will feature art, entertainment and special events.
Wick Field – One of the largest outdoor sport centers in Milwaukee County, Wick Field is outfitted with a number of tennis courts, baseball diamonds, football and soccer fields. Wick field is home to a number of intramural sports leagues, from kickball to flag football.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
January Nieghborhood E-news
Martin Drive E-News
January, 2008
In this edition:
Thank-You’s
Three Ways to Beat Winter Blahs or Cabin Fever
1. Wed. Jan. 23 is Game Night at Deja Vu
2. Scrabble Anyone?
3. Whistling In The Dark Author Returns to Vliet Street
Michael Murpy Milwaukee’s Best Alderman
Urban Ecology Center Wish List
Winter Garbage Removal
Christmas Tree Disposal
Martin Drive Blog
Thank You’s
Thank you to the individuals who put up the festive holiday bows on every street in our neighborhood. Some of you performed this task in the bitter cold. We did appreciate it and it sets our neighborhood apart. Thanks also to the carolers who were met with surprise as they spread holiday cheer thru our neighborhood, especially Katie H who organized and Jerry W. who held the tune and light the way with his lantern. It was a fun event.
Three Cures for Winter Blahs
1. Wednesday is Game Night at Déjà vu Consignments
Winter getting to you? No matter what the weather, you can walk up to Déjà vu on a Wednesday night and play Board Games, a sure cure for winter boredom and cabin fever. Stop in on Wednesday, Jan. 23rd and play. On the menu, Déjà vu’s own Mulled Cider, Original Recipe Chex Mix and Cheese Fondue to finish off that totally 70’s experience! The fondue pot and cider will be hot by 6 pm. Come by yourself or bring a partner. If you have a game you would like to play, bring it along. What could be more fun?
Games available for play:
ScrabbleScruplesPokenoPictionary
2. Scrabble Anyone?
We have a neighbor, Mary, who loves to play Scrabble and is looking a like-minded Scrabble enthusiast to meet for a round or two of Scrabble, possibly at the Highland Park Pies or at Perpendicular. Sound like fun? If interested, contact Mary at 526-2742.
3. Whistling in the Dark – A Novel about two girls growing up on Vliet Street
Here is a sure way to beat the winter blahs. Go buy or borrow "Whistling in the Dark", read it and join us for a discussion of the book with many local references to our neighborhood and interesting commentaries about life in Mid-century Milwaukee.
This novel is the story of two sisters growing up on Vliet Street in the summer of 1959. The book has many references to Washington Park and local places and involves an intriguing mystery plot, loss of innocence as told through the eyes of imaginative, ten year old sister, Sally O’Malley. This book is Milwaukee. Samson the Gorilla and the Milwaukee Braves are in the story line. While the book has smatterings of biographical truths and characters and is a collection Lesley Kagen’s memories of childhood, growing up near the historic Hi-Mount Boulevard District west of Washington Park the mystery plot is fictional. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet and chat with Lesley, one of our own, when she returns to Vliet Street.
Wednesday, January 30th at 6:30 pm at Perpendicular Wine Bar Gallery, 5000 W. Vliet St.
Reserve your space by calling - Perpendicular Wine Bar Gallery - 456-1660
Books can be purchased at Rainbow Booksellers - 5704 W. Vliet Street
Open Wednesday evenings and Saturdays
Michael Murphy – Voted Best Alderman by Shepherd Express readers voted Michael Murphy best Alderman in Milwaukee. “Murphy is a clear common-sense voice on the Milwaukee Common Council, a representative who cares about a deal's details and doesn't forget about the little guy. He asks sharp questions in meetings, often getting others to reveal what they did not intend to talk about. And he has helped to establish the city's Housing Trust Fund, which will help residents find and secure affordable housing. In his low-key, no-nonsense way, Murphy doesn't seem to pursue an agenda beyond doing what's right for the city.”
Washington Park Urban Ecology Center Wish List
Volunteers are invited to help act as extra ears and eyes after school at the center when kids are hanging loose. If you have some extra afternoon time, call Joey at 344-5460 to help. The center is looking for donations of bird feeders, bird seed, clipboards, crayons and markers, a dehumidifier, film canisters, fishing nets and poles, flat bed sheets, kites, kids books, lined paper notebooks, a love seat, microscopes, musical instruments, pens and pencils, storage bins, sleds, snowshoes and stopwatches.
Winter Garbage Removal
There will be no garbage pick-up on New Years Day, Jan. 1 or Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 15. During the winter months, we are not required to take our carts to the curb. We are required to return the carts from the sidewalk within 24 hours. There are fines for non-compliance.
The city does assist elderly and disabled persons to have sanitation crews pull garbage carts to the curb. For information on these services, call the DPW Call Center, 286-8282.
Holiday Tree Disposal
Trees can be placed on the curb and will be collected by the City of Milwaukee crews. As a greener alternative, trees can also be taken to the Self-Help Centers at 3879 W. Lincoln or 6660 N. Industrial Road. Trees dropped at those locations will be ground into mulch or composted for use by city forestry crews.
Martin Drive Neighborhood Blog
A blog is a web log or a website where entries are written in chronological order and commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.
With that said, the Martin Drive Neighborhood Blog is informative and it is a chronicle of what is happening in the neighborhood. There are two ways to access the blog. Visit the Martin Drive Neighborhood Website: www.martindrive.org or go directly to the blog: http://martindrive.blogspot.com/
January, 2008
In this edition:
Thank-You’s
Three Ways to Beat Winter Blahs or Cabin Fever
1. Wed. Jan. 23 is Game Night at Deja Vu
2. Scrabble Anyone?
3. Whistling In The Dark Author Returns to Vliet Street
Michael Murpy Milwaukee’s Best Alderman
Urban Ecology Center Wish List
Winter Garbage Removal
Christmas Tree Disposal
Martin Drive Blog
Thank You’s
Thank you to the individuals who put up the festive holiday bows on every street in our neighborhood. Some of you performed this task in the bitter cold. We did appreciate it and it sets our neighborhood apart. Thanks also to the carolers who were met with surprise as they spread holiday cheer thru our neighborhood, especially Katie H who organized and Jerry W. who held the tune and light the way with his lantern. It was a fun event.
Three Cures for Winter Blahs
1. Wednesday is Game Night at Déjà vu Consignments
Winter getting to you? No matter what the weather, you can walk up to Déjà vu on a Wednesday night and play Board Games, a sure cure for winter boredom and cabin fever. Stop in on Wednesday, Jan. 23rd and play. On the menu, Déjà vu’s own Mulled Cider, Original Recipe Chex Mix and Cheese Fondue to finish off that totally 70’s experience! The fondue pot and cider will be hot by 6 pm. Come by yourself or bring a partner. If you have a game you would like to play, bring it along. What could be more fun?
Games available for play:
ScrabbleScruplesPokenoPictionary
2. Scrabble Anyone?
We have a neighbor, Mary, who loves to play Scrabble and is looking a like-minded Scrabble enthusiast to meet for a round or two of Scrabble, possibly at the Highland Park Pies or at Perpendicular. Sound like fun? If interested, contact Mary at 526-2742.
3. Whistling in the Dark – A Novel about two girls growing up on Vliet Street
Here is a sure way to beat the winter blahs. Go buy or borrow "Whistling in the Dark", read it and join us for a discussion of the book with many local references to our neighborhood and interesting commentaries about life in Mid-century Milwaukee.
This novel is the story of two sisters growing up on Vliet Street in the summer of 1959. The book has many references to Washington Park and local places and involves an intriguing mystery plot, loss of innocence as told through the eyes of imaginative, ten year old sister, Sally O’Malley. This book is Milwaukee. Samson the Gorilla and the Milwaukee Braves are in the story line. While the book has smatterings of biographical truths and characters and is a collection Lesley Kagen’s memories of childhood, growing up near the historic Hi-Mount Boulevard District west of Washington Park the mystery plot is fictional. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet and chat with Lesley, one of our own, when she returns to Vliet Street.
Wednesday, January 30th at 6:30 pm at Perpendicular Wine Bar Gallery, 5000 W. Vliet St.
Reserve your space by calling - Perpendicular Wine Bar Gallery - 456-1660
Books can be purchased at Rainbow Booksellers - 5704 W. Vliet Street
Open Wednesday evenings and Saturdays
Michael Murphy – Voted Best Alderman by Shepherd Express readers voted Michael Murphy best Alderman in Milwaukee. “Murphy is a clear common-sense voice on the Milwaukee Common Council, a representative who cares about a deal's details and doesn't forget about the little guy. He asks sharp questions in meetings, often getting others to reveal what they did not intend to talk about. And he has helped to establish the city's Housing Trust Fund, which will help residents find and secure affordable housing. In his low-key, no-nonsense way, Murphy doesn't seem to pursue an agenda beyond doing what's right for the city.”
Washington Park Urban Ecology Center Wish List
Volunteers are invited to help act as extra ears and eyes after school at the center when kids are hanging loose. If you have some extra afternoon time, call Joey at 344-5460 to help. The center is looking for donations of bird feeders, bird seed, clipboards, crayons and markers, a dehumidifier, film canisters, fishing nets and poles, flat bed sheets, kites, kids books, lined paper notebooks, a love seat, microscopes, musical instruments, pens and pencils, storage bins, sleds, snowshoes and stopwatches.
Winter Garbage Removal
There will be no garbage pick-up on New Years Day, Jan. 1 or Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 15. During the winter months, we are not required to take our carts to the curb. We are required to return the carts from the sidewalk within 24 hours. There are fines for non-compliance.
The city does assist elderly and disabled persons to have sanitation crews pull garbage carts to the curb. For information on these services, call the DPW Call Center, 286-8282.
Holiday Tree Disposal
Trees can be placed on the curb and will be collected by the City of Milwaukee crews. As a greener alternative, trees can also be taken to the Self-Help Centers at 3879 W. Lincoln or 6660 N. Industrial Road. Trees dropped at those locations will be ground into mulch or composted for use by city forestry crews.
Martin Drive Neighborhood Blog
A blog is a web log or a website where entries are written in chronological order and commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.
With that said, the Martin Drive Neighborhood Blog is informative and it is a chronicle of what is happening in the neighborhood. There are two ways to access the blog. Visit the Martin Drive Neighborhood Website: www.martindrive.org or go directly to the blog: http://martindrive.blogspot.com/
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