Our Sites
WaterMarks SITES feature an illuminated blue letter chosen by the community. These Markers provide free WiFi to connect to digital content and pulse before a heavy rain.
A is for…A+, Aquatic, Arts, Agua, Advantages
UCC Acosta Middle School is the proud location of Milwaukee's first WaterMark: an illuminated marker that reminds us all how water connects and sustains city life. In spring 2018, Acosta students and community members came together to decide what letter would represent the school as a WaterMarks site, as well as serve as a symbol of the community’s mutual commitment to care for our most precious resource: water. Following this meeting, there was resounding support for the letter "A."
Ñ is for…Señal, Accompaña, Enseñar
The KK River Neighbors in Action (KKRNIA) have championed a WaterMarker to be installed along the Kinnickinnic River to share their sense of pride in the positive changes tied to a transformed river. The letter Ñ was selected for this WaterMark site to celebrate their Latinx community. When you see this WaterMark, you will see a place that has welcomed hard-working immigrants from the days when the South Side was an ethnic Polish enclave to the present mix of Latinx and other ethnic groups.
G is for…Gather, Growth, Gritty
“G” is for gather, growth, gritty, Garden Homes. Green Tech Station is a unique site that advances Milwaukee’s global leadership in green infrastructure technology and practice. It is an oasis of green space intentionally designed on a remediated slice of abandoned industrial wasteland. It is a beautiful educational amenity amid underserved neighborhoods. It is tenacious as a phoenix. Illuminated WaterMarker installed in May 2023.
H is for…Harbor, Harbor View, Harbor Access
Water in How We Play. Frolicking in fountains, swimming in refreshing rivers, fishing for the next big catch, just enjoying our intimate relationship with the hydrosphere—water is a source of joy and human connection. From our beaches and boat ramps, fishing piers and riverwalks, parks and marinas, there are many ways our families relax and recreate that depend on water. We explore and celebrate the ways water brings us together with each other, with the world around us, and restores a sense of curiosity, creativity, and wellbeing. Consider voices and perspectives from Harbor District, Inc., Milwaukee Water Commons, and Milwaukee Riverkeeper. (Illuminated marker to be installed soon!)
C is for…Community, Century City, Clean, Collaboration
A new community park where Melvina where it meets Hopkins has been supported by years of conversations and direction by neighbors organized by Yvonne McCaskill of Century City Triangle Neighborhood Association, will be Melvina Park, an enhanced space integrating green infrastructure designed to manage 120,000 gallons of stormwater—the equivalent of five blue whales. Melvina Park will also feature new play and gathering spaces, art, and the illuminated “C” WaterMarker.
L is for…Love, Lindsay, Loyal, Liquid, Life, Light
Residents from Lindsay Heights selected the letter “L” to stand proud in the neighborhood. Lindsay Heights is recognized as the first Eco Neighborhood, with a variety of green infrastructure and anchored by the presence of Walnut Way, Alice’s Garden, Fondy Park, and Ezekiel Gillespie pocket park as points of local pride. The Neighborhood Improvement District, activation events, and collaborations among church groups to bring healing, love, and light to the neighborhood.
M is for…Making, Milwaukee, Manufacturing
W water has always been an engine of industry, a corridor for commerce, and the foundation for family-supporting jobs. Clean water is the invisible assumption that makes the economy go. In the twenty-first century, technology to optimize our consumption of water, and to increase its access to people everywhere are new chords on an age-old theme. We share for-profit (Rockwell Automation) and nonprofit (Reflo) perspectives about water jobs in our local and global economy.
Freshwater Sciences
S is for…Science, Study, Schools
Water in How We Learn. Our planet has been called a “pale blue dot” because its surface is immersed in water. Life depends on and abounds in water. The human body is mostly water. On the shores of Lake Michigan—itself a great inland sea—Milwaukee boasts some of the best scientists and students anywhere studying freshwater systems. We explore and share the stories of students, researchers, and scientists at the UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences who have embarked on a quest to understand and protect our water resources. (Illuminated marker to be installed soon!)
H is for…Health, Hydration, Uhuru, Harmony, Healing
“H” is for health, hydration, uhuru, harmony, healing… Community members from Milwaukee’s Riverwest and Harambee neighborhoods selected “H” to go on a WaterMarker near the intersection of the Beerline Trail with Holton Street. The Beerline Trail, stewarded by the Guiding Lens group and Riverworks Development Corporation, already features art and green infrastructure features along this repurposed former rail corridor—now a ribbon of public greenway. Future plans include more trees and gathering spaces along the “B-Line” section in Harambee. In selecting “H” as their WaterMarker letter, neighbors recognize that clean water is necessary for a healthy life, a starting place for greater harmony in a seemingly divided world.
V is for…Vivir, Live, Vivo
Water in How We Live. When we turn on the tap, most of us expect clear, clean water, but this is only possible because of so many seemingly invisible choices we all make. We use water to make food. We all get around the city. We all interact with materials, products, and landscapes. To engage the public in protecting our water to sustain a shared quality of life, we highlight voices from the Plastic Free MKE coalition, City of Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office, Milwaukee Water Works.
?: MMSD “West Basin” Site (2024+)
A marker is planned for MMSD’s West Basin in conjunction with the construction of the West Basin Stormwater Project. The WaterMarks process involving the neighboring community in walks, art, science, and workshops will begin 2024. If you are an artist interested in learning more about opportunities for involvement, please contact the WaterMarks team.
?: Second Location along Kinnickinnic River (2024+)
Check back for more details about the WaterMarks process involving community water art and engagement surrounding the Kinnickinnic River between 16th and 6th streets as the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District works to transform this corridor.
W: Riverwalk @ Wisconsin
W is for…Water, Wellness, Wisconsin, WaterMarks
The Milwaukee Riverwalk follows the steel banks of the Milwaukee River through the heart of downtown and, with a brief gap, extends into the Third Ward all the way to the inner harbor beneath the Hoan Bridge and Lakeshore State Park. At the southwest corner where Wisconsin Avenue crosses the river, the “W” WaterMarker will provide a kiosk promoting our project to new audiences. Did you find the Gertie the Duck statue and Gertie’s kin?
Header photo credit: Michael Timm