Harley-Davidson opens park on Milwaukee's near west side
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- What was once four acres of parking lot is now a gathering space for the community, and a hub for an iconic Milwaukee company.
With a ribbon cutting on Monday, Harley-Davidson officially opened Davidson Park, which features a playground, tavern, serenity garden, and greenspace along with many other amenities.
The project was spearheaded by the Harley-Davidson Foundation and was created by a collaboration of local and internationally acclaimed designers. Thomas Heatherwick, Founder and Director of Heatherwick Studios, says the design was also in close collaboration with the community.
"When you get together, civility just might break out," he said.
The park took four years to complete. According to Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson, the main goal was to further connect the company with their hometown of Milwaukee.
"A lot has changed in 120 years, but one thing that hasn't, and that won't change, ever. And that is Juneau Avenue is our home," Zeitz said.
Just one of the many connections between Davidson Park and the community is The Foundation Stone, which is located at the center of the park. About thirty students from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design submitted designs for the cast iron disk, the design by local artist and student Megan Huss was chosen.
"I was taking a look at different neighborhoods, and I really liked the architecture that was going on in each spot, so I really wanted to incorporate a piece from each neighborhood," Huss said.
Peter Balistrieri, an architect on the project and Milwaukee resident, says his kids will be able to enjoy the park. He calls it proof of Harley-Davidson's commitment to Milwaukee.
"The idea that any company needs to have a healthy neighborhood for it to be success is sort of the essence of what this is," he said.
Harley-Davidson is not done adding to the Juneau Avenue campus. Zeitz says a STEAM Lab and the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Headquarters are planned.
Harley-Davidson Community Park