The new island state park just off the Summerfest grounds is a wonderful addition to Milwaukee’s lakefront. The bridge connecting the island to the mainland is stunning, the walkways ringing the perimeter are wide and lighted for evening strolls, there are boat slips, the views of Milwaukee’s albeit lame skyline are the best you’re going to find, and when the prairie grass grows in it will be an even more attractive setting. Unfortunately, one amenity* that should have been a no-brainer is missing: benches. Once you’re on the island, it’s probably a 30-60 minute walk to make the complete tour, depending upon your age and/or pace. And there are no trees to provide relief from the sun. So if you feel the need to take a breather or just sit and ponder, you’re out of luck.
I don’t know what it is about this community’s disdain of benches. Leaders brag about the beautiful downtown and lakefront, yet there are few public benches to sit and take it all in. The art museum has a few, but they’re useless, especially for older folks. While looking nice and artsy, they’re just big slabs of masonry. So forget about sitting back and relaxing. But perhaps those in charge don’t want people to sit and think. It could be dangerous, after all, if people were allowed to ponder how little they really get for the high taxes they pay.
*Restrooms are missing also so you’d better hope Mother Nature doesn’t suddenly come a-knockin’.
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