Latest news with #MilwaukeeCountyParks
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Milwaukee County trades fireworks for drones for its July 3 celebration
Milwaukee, get ready to celebrate Independence Day with a slight tech-savvy twist this year. Milwaukee County, in collaboration with the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, plans to use drones instead of fireworks for its long-standing McKinley Beach July 3 celebration. The drone show will blend "cutting-edge drone technology with an original synchronized soundtrack for a dazzling 45-minute performance," featuring images of Milwaukee's iconic landmarks as well as patriotic and local themes, according to the county. 'Milwaukee County is at its best when we come together to create memorable, inclusive experiences for everyone," Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said in a news release. "We're proud to bring the community together for this first-of-its-kind drone show, highlighting not just our beautiful lakefront but the creativity and collaboration that make Milwaukee County so special." The switch marks a national shift in other cities across the country, including Napa, Tahoe City, and Salt Lake City, that have chosen drone shows over fireworks for July 4 celebrations. For many cities, the use of drones offers a safer, eco-friendly and noise-free spectacle. The City of Wauwatosa has also decided to ditch traditional fireworks, replacing them with a drone show July 2. 'This drone show is an exciting and environmentally conscious way to celebrate our community," Guy Smith, executive director of Milwaukee County Parks, said in the release. "Unlike traditional fireworks, drone shows reduce noise and air pollution while still delivering an unforgettable experience ... It's about making memories and ensuring everyone feels welcome in these shared spaces.' The display is expected to start around 9:15 p.m., with public viewing areas available at McKinley Beach and McKinley Park. In 2024, Milwaukee County canceled its annual July 3 lakefront fireworks show due to a lack of sponsorship funding. The county's parks department previously shared that the fireworks display usually cost roughly $350,000 for pyrotechnics and $20,000 for additional staffing and service costs related to the event. The event typically draws in over 100,000 people from across Wisconsin. Bridget Fogarty of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee County trades fireworks for drones for its July 3 celebration
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Milwaukee County pool openings; some to remain closed this season
The Brief The Milwaukee County Parks Department said there are five pools not opening this summer. More than 170 lifeguards are being hired to kick off the season as other pools start to open. All splash pads and wading pools will be open for the summer. MILWAUKEE - The weather is finally starting to warm up, which means local pools are opening up. But the Milwaukee County Parks Department said there are five locations not opening this summer. Big picture view Rena Cannon lives near Washington Park. For the last several years, she said the pool there has been closed. The Milwaukee County Parks Department said it will remain closed this summer. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Pelican Cove Aquatic Center, Jackson Pool, Hales Corners Pool and Grobschmidt Pool are also closed for the 2025 season. "I think they need to open it back up for the community because the children need it," Cannon said. "Like, where is a good pool? And everyone is talking about going south, going south, and it's like, what about over here?" Cannon said she has to drive at least 30 minutes to get to a pool. "That's gas money. If we want to go somewhere three times a week – that's 30, 40 minutes there, and back. That's a long way," she said. "That's a long way to go." What they're saying Andrea Wallace of Milwaukee County Parks said the closures are because of mechanical issues. "With some facilities that haven't been open in years, we have some mechanical issues that we have to deal with – whether it is a bad pool lining or a filter system or concrete work," she said. Instead, Wallace said the department is focused on lifeguard staffing, and starting off the season with more than 170 lifeguards. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News "Staffing has definitely been at the forefront recently," Wallace said. "In the last probably five years as we build the lifeguard core from zero in 2020." Wallace said all splash pads and wading pools will be open for the summer. For a full list of pool openings, visit the Milwaukee County Parks website. The Source The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Milwaukee's abandoned boat; vessel's removal set for May 6
The Brief The abandoned boat Deep Thought is expected to removed from Milwaukee's lakefront on Tuesday, May 6. The boat has been on Milwaukee's shore south of Bradford Beach since October 2024. Milwaukee County plans to spend at least $50,000 to remove the abandoned vessel from Lake Michigan. MILWAUKEE - Roughly six months ago, a luxury boat was abandoned on Milwaukee's lakefront after the owners ran out of gas. During those last few months, the boat has become a landmark on the lakefront, tagged by multiple people, and for some, a blight on the beauty of the lakefront. Now, it appears the abandoned boat, known as "Deep Thought," is finally going to be removed from the water between Bradford and McKinley beaches. What we know According to Milwaukee County Parks, the day to remove Deep Thought is set for Tuesday, May 6. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Milwaukee County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman said between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Lincoln Memorial Drive will be closed in both directions between Lafayette Hill Road and E. Tower Road. What they're saying "I can't emphasize enough how big the processes will be to get this boat out because it is really stuck. It's 3 1/2 feet stuck down in the sand," Wasserman said. "They're gonna be bringing three big trucks up to lift the boat up off above the rocks and pulled away so there's a very big operation." All of the work does not come cheap. "It's gonna be expensive. We're expecting to pay the cost upfront. It's at least $50,000," Wasserman said. Dig deeper Starting Monday night, May 5, there will be no parking allowed along Lincoln Memorial Drive from Lafayette Hill Road to E. Water Tower Road. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News For commuters who frequent Lincoln Memorial Drive, including thousands of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee students, they will have to find an alternate route on Tuesday. The Source The information in this post was provided by a Milwaukee County supervisor and previous FOX6 News coverage.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
A portion of Lincoln Memorial Drive will be closed May 6 for the removal of the abandoned boat
A stretch of lakefront roadway will be closed on May 6, as the city takes another stab at removing the abandoned boat "Deep Thought" from Lake Michigan. The boat has been stuck on the shoreline since October after its Mississippi-based owners ran out of gas while operating it. In late April, "Deep Thought" was joined by a salvage crew's pontoon boat that also washed up on the shore in need of rescue. Here's which road closures to plan for Tuesday and how the latest boat removal attempt will work. North Lincoln Memorial Drive will be closed in both directions between Lafayette Hill Road and East Water Tower Road to "ensure public safety and accommodate heavy equipment," according to Milwaukee County Parks. No traffic or parking will be allowed along the road. At both intersections, there will be marked detours to redirect traffic westbound. The impacted area of Lincoln Memorial Drive will be closed to parking starting the evening of Monday, May 6. Parked vehicles during that time may be towed. Traffic will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6. Three cranes will be set up on land to lift the boat from the water, according to Milwaukee County Parks. There will also be security perimeter around the removal, which will be executed by All City Towing. "Removing a large boat from the shoreline isn't something we do every day, so it takes careful planning and coordination,' Guy Smith, executive director of Milwaukee County Parks, said in a news release. 'We're grateful for the community's patience as we work to clear the site and restore this stretch of the lakefront.' This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Lincoln Memorial Drive to close May 6 for abandoned boat removal
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chill on the Hill 2025 lineup revealed; 20th season, run for 13 weeks
The Brief The 2025 Chill on the Hill entertainment lineup has been released. This is the 20th season of Chill on the Hill at the Humboldt Park Band Chalet. MILWAUKEE - The Bay View Neighborhood Association (BVNA), in partnership with Milwaukee County Parks, announced on Wednesday, April 23 the lineup for the 20th Anniversary Season of Chill on the Hill at the Humboldt Park Band Chalet. What we know This year's season will begin on Tuesday, June 3, and will run 13 weeks until Tuesday, Aug. 26. Show time is 6:30 p.m. Chill on the Hill will use the green space between the Band Chalet and the Vine Beer Garden for our Chillers, and Park Road will be closed between Howell Avenue and Idaho Street on Tuesdays to provide more room for food vendors and guests. Food trucks open up at 5 p.m. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android A news release says Chill on the Hill is paid for by sponsorships, donations, and BVNA memberships. Production and fundraising are completely volunteer-led. June 3: Grim Paddle, Louie & the Flash Bombs, Bright Eyed & Blind June 10: The Haggardlys, Whiskeybelles June 17: Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra June 24: SOLSTICE CELEBRATION - Pulpa De Guayaba, Devils Teeth, Dope Music Crew July 1: American Legion Band – 105th Anniversary July 8: Long Mama, Driveway Thriftdwellers July 15: Testa Rosa, Telethon July 22: Abby Jean, Immortal Girlfriend July 29: Jinksie, The Dirty Sweet August 5: COMMUNITY NIGHT - NileXNile, Scam Likely August 12: Peshtigo, Browns Crew August 19: WMSE LOCAL LIVE Cozy Danger, Lauryl Sulfate August 26: Fellow Kinsman, De La Buena All acts and times are subject to change without notice. The Source The information in this post was provided by the Bay View Neighborhood Association and Milwaukee County Parks.
