The project will be led by Marquette alumna and Burke Scholar Program graduate, Diana Yesi Pérez, Arts ’21, who is the Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator for the Department of Environmental Health and Community Wellness at Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers. Attendees will be helping to winterize the Community Garden beds, clean up Pulaski Park and assist with graffiti removal and repainting.
Morning snack and beverages will be provided. Show your school spirit by wearing your Marquette gear! The event will take place rain or shine.
Attendees are encouraged to provide their own transportation. Carpooling is recommended. If you need transportation, please indicate so when registering and we will help make arrangements.
Final details will be provided to all registrants 48 hours before the event.
Please direct any questions or special needs to Dr. Carie Hertzberg at carie.hertzberg@marquette.edu or 414-288-4272.
Hosted by: Marquette University Burke Scholars Program, Center for Community Service, and the Young Alumni Association.
Project Background:
One of Milwaukee’s three intersecting rivers, the Kinnickinnic River (KK), was once a tree-lined stream with natural springs, fishing holes, and abundant wildlife before being channelized with concrete in the early 1960s. Referred to as Milwaukee’s “lost river”, it became a graffiti-covered drainage ditch that was inhospitable to wildlife and dangerous for people in nearby neighborhoods.
Flooding on the KK River had become more hazardous and sewer backups are causing health and safety concerns in the dense neighborhoods near the river. The Sixteenth Street Community Health Center is working to engage the community around ways to revitalize the river while identifying improvements that would benefit the residents.
For more information, view the Kinnickinnic River Corridor Neighborhood Plan: https://bit.ly/3U7Owux.
