Cathedral Square Friends have been busy this summer and so has Cathedral Square itself. While there have not been the usual crowds for concerts, festivals, farmer markets, and other events, many people have used the square, which has been enhanced by thirty hanging baskets of beautiful flowers on poles in and around the park. The baskets are courtesy of businesses and individuals who have supported our “Color the Square” program.
With the pandemic spurring people to eat lunches outside rather than indoors, the square is the perfect place to dine. Picnic tables have been covered with material that is easy to disinfect and are cleaned throughout the day, thanks to Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. That organization has also attached hand sanitizers to poles in the park and has increased its trash removal frequency.
Of course, the play set that was installed last summer is almost always filled with laughing children. The square has also hosted rallies that have represented viewpoints across the political spectrum, as it has since the park was established in the 1830s.
This summer the Friends have been working on our largest project to date – “Frame the Square.” The project is focused on the perimeter of the square, while future initiatives will seek to address elements within the park. Earlier this year, the Common Council allotted funds towards this effort. The Friends, in partnership with Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, brought on a design team made up of a lead civil engineering firm, HNTB, and a landscape design firm, Kapur & Associates, to begin the design process in coordination with the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County Parks. Prism Technical Service will monitor Small Business Enterprise inclusion and Residents Preference Program participation in the project’s construction. Soon we’ll be sharing the progress with the wider community.
New walkways will replace the sidewalks and the dirt and weeds between the sidewalks and curbs. Unhealthy trees will be replaced, and trees will be added. Other landscaping ideas are emerging as the design progresses. Benches for relaxing and appreciating the surroundings will be installed, as will new bicycle racks and new trash containers.
Watch for these and other enhancements in 2021. It will be an exciting year for everyone who enjoys Cathedral Square, as we try to make the park a more enjoyable and pleasant experience for all.
And of course we’ll be bringing our hanging flower baskets back in 2021, so as always a small donation to fund the watering and maintenance is appreciated. You can donate to “Color the Square” here.
And if you’re interested in becoming a member of Cathedral Square Friends, or just making a donation to help us with the general upkeep of the square (in the past we used donated funds to re-sod a portion of the park), you can become a member here.
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Last Updated: October 2, 2020 by Cathedral Square Friends, Inc.
What We’ve Been Up To This Summer!
Cathedral Square Friends have been busy this summer and so has Cathedral Square itself. While there have not been the usual crowds for concerts, festivals, farmer markets, and other events, many people have used the square, which has been enhanced by thirty hanging baskets of beautiful flowers on poles in and around the park. The baskets are courtesy of businesses and individuals who have supported our “Color the Square” program.
With the pandemic spurring people to eat lunches outside rather than indoors, the square is the perfect place to dine. Picnic tables have been covered with material that is easy to disinfect and are cleaned throughout the day, thanks to Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. That organization has also attached hand sanitizers to poles in the park and has increased its trash removal frequency.
Of course, the play set that was installed last summer is almost always filled with laughing children. The square has also hosted rallies that have represented viewpoints across the political spectrum, as it has since the park was established in the 1830s.
This summer the Friends have been working on our largest project to date – “Frame the Square.” The project is focused on the perimeter of the square, while future initiatives will seek to address elements within the park. Earlier this year, the Common Council allotted funds towards this effort. The Friends, in partnership with Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, brought on a design team made up of a lead civil engineering firm, HNTB, and a landscape design firm, Kapur & Associates, to begin the design process in coordination with the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County Parks. Prism Technical Service will monitor Small Business Enterprise inclusion and Residents Preference Program participation in the project’s construction. Soon we’ll be sharing the progress with the wider community.
New walkways will replace the sidewalks and the dirt and weeds between the sidewalks and curbs. Unhealthy trees will be replaced, and trees will be added. Other landscaping ideas are emerging as the design progresses. Benches for relaxing and appreciating the surroundings will be installed, as will new bicycle racks and new trash containers.
Watch for these and other enhancements in 2021. It will be an exciting year for everyone who enjoys Cathedral Square, as we try to make the park a more enjoyable and pleasant experience for all.
And of course we’ll be bringing our hanging flower baskets back in 2021, so as always a small donation to fund the watering and maintenance is appreciated. You can donate to “Color the Square” here.
And if you’re interested in becoming a member of Cathedral Square Friends, or just making a donation to help us with the general upkeep of the square (in the past we used donated funds to re-sod a portion of the park), you can become a member here.
Category: News