by Vince Bushell Green Infrastructure is a term that describes the web of parks, fields, trails, woods, vacant land that make up the undeveloped portion of the urban landscape. Milwaukee neighborhoods need to develop a vision to preserve, promote, and link these resources with a comprehensive plan. Milwaukee River Valley neighborhoods like Riverwest, Brewers Hill, East Village and Brady Street, as well as organizations like the Urban Ecology Center and the Riverwest Neighborhood Association, have been participating in the planning and development of open spaces along the Milwaukee River. Two events are coming up in April that involve community input on open spaces in our neighborhoods. On Thursday, April 11, from 6:30 to 8 P.M. at the COA Youth and Family Centers Board Room, 909 East North Ave, 2nd Floor (the older COA Bldg on North) the Department of City Development will present detailed plans for the landscaping to be done in Kilbourn Park and the adjoining bluff (the clear cut hill below the Park that drops down to Commerce Street). Ideas were first presented to the community in November of 2001. The second event is an expression of community voice while raising money and having fun. The River Revitalization Foundation and the YMCA CDC — Riverwest invite you to show your support for the acquisition of land along the Milwaukee River to preserve, promote and link these resources. Celebrate Earth Day by coming to this after work event on Tuesday, April 23rd from 5 to 10 P.M. in the Palm Garden in the Lakefront Brewery Building on the River, 1872 N. Commerce St. Music provided by Good Mustard and Sawdust Symphony starts at 7:30 P.M. $7 gets you in and you can “buy” and donate a square foot of trail for an additional $5. Proceeds will be used by the River Revitalization Foundation to acquire land between Gordon Park and North Ave. for a bicycle and pedestrian trail. Your support in this effort is as important as the money raised.
by Vince Bushell