Yesterday, July 30, Mayor Tom Barrett led a group of over 50 people on a walk through Three Bridges Park in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley. It was the latest lap of an effort to "Walk 100 Miles With the Mayor" that began, according to the City's website, 50 days ago. Mayor Barrett has reputedly walked 158 miles in that time. Presumably he added at least a couple more miles walking from one end of Three Bridges Park to the other and then back again.
The affair was well documented, as I expect are all events the Mayor attends. I joined a sizable cadre of camera-wielding participants, some more official than others. Here are a selection of images I captured of the Mayor's leadership as pedestrian-in-command.
Mayor Barrett leads the group through the Valley Passage towards the park.
At the Valley Passage Bridge the group paused to hear from Keith Holt, representing the Bike Federation of Wisconsin, who spoke about the importance of the Hank Aaron State Trail and opportunities available for biking along it.
Hoary Vervain grows in front of a section of the mural gracing the Valley Passage.
For some it was a family affair.
The Mayor led a few of the more adventurous along a newly opened (and as yet unnamed) segment of trail next to the Menomonee River.
Most of the crowd strung out along the Hank Aaron State Trail.
There was another pause at the middle bridge at 33rd Court where Holstein described the history of Three Bridges Park and its unique qualities.
Some of the youngsters giving Holstein their attention.
The group proceeded along the length of the park, which parallels an active railway, to the third bridge at Mitchell Park.
Some chose to leave the paved Hank Aaron Trail and follow the more sinuous gravel trail.
The most prolific wildflower currently in bloom is the gray-headed coneflower, also known as the goldenglow--for obvious reasons!
The participants gathered for a group portrait on the landing of the east bridge, which overlooks the Milwaukee skyline.
After assembling for the photograph, Mayor Barrett urged the participants to "make your way back at your own pace."
The Mayor, who has a prodigious stride, was quickly out in front of the pack.
However, he was always willing to pause to chat, to answer questions, or to accept a request to be in a selfie!
Heading past the community garden plots, still under construction.
Holstein pauses among the goldenglow, adds a glowing smile to the scene.
Almost back to the Urban Ecology Center.
"You Are Here" on the map of the Hank Aaron State Trail near the Valley Passage.
This
post is one in a series that relates to my Menomonee Valley Artist in
Residency. For more information about the residency and links to
previous posts and photographs, go to MV AiR.
No comments:
Post a Comment