A Walking Tour of Historic Lake Park

Explore one of Milwaukee’s most beloved and historic parks in a tour led by Virginia Small, who writes and speaks about topics related to parks, public spaces, environmental issues and historic landscapes and who is also a frequent speaker for Osher. Lake Park was designed in 1892 by Frederick Law Olmstead, the creator with Calvert Vaux of New York City’s Central Park. Learn about how the park was planned as a holistic experience, with curving paths, overlooks and a series of bridges traversing the landscape’s natural ravines. Additionally, the tour will highlight Olmsted’s inclusive philosophy of “parks for all people” and how those ideas have played a role in making Milwaukee a livable city. This tour is accessible, moderately paced and open to people of all abilities, use of steps into a ravine will be optional.

Meet at Marcia Coles Community Room, lower level of Lake Park Pavilion and Bistro, 3133 East Newberry Blvd.