WaterMarks Expands: New Markers Installed in Neighborhoods Throughout Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI – Tuesday, October 29, 2024 – After a decade of bringing together artists, scientists and community members, WaterMarks is proud to announce the forthcoming installation of five markers, adding to the five previously installed across the city. This initiative represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to develop an inclusive, urban-scaled vision for Milwaukee, helping residents better understand their relationships with the water systems and infrastructure that sustain their lives.

Please join us for a celebration and remarks on Tuesday, November 12, at 11:00am at the newly installed WaterMarker in Lindsay Heights (W. North 15th Street & N. 15th Street) as well as a community resource fair organized by Lindsay Heights Resident Leaders. The Mayor will be in attendance to declare this day, WaterMarks Day!

Each WaterMarker features an illuminated blue letter chosen by the community and is connected to the Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewerage District’s Water Drop Alert. When a Water Drop Alert is issued, each WaterMarker pulses to remind the community to reduce water use before heavy rain. WaterMarkers also provide free Wi-Fi to connect to digital content. The residents of Lindsay Heights selected “L” for their Marker to represent love, loyalty, and resilience within the community.

In the coming months, new Markers will also be installed at Melvina Park (C): Highlighting the neighborhood’s commitment to community and conservation, Rockwell Automation (M): Emphasizing Milwaukee’s industrial history and innovation, Near the School of Freshwater Science (S): Focusing on scientific exploration and Milwaukee’s water heritage and On Wisconsin Avenue, as part of Sculpture Milwaukee (W): Blending contemporary art with the city’s natural landscape.

In October 2024, WaterMarks installed The Beerline Trail WaterMarker (H) at Keefe Ave & Richards St., celebrating Milwaukee’s historic brewing industry and the creative arts community. The first four markers ever installed are located at Acosta Middle School (A), the Kinnickinnic River (Ñ), Green Tech Station (G), and Harbor View Plaza (also H).

These installations are a direct result of our dedicated Neighborhood Project Teams and a diverse network of community partner organizations. For each marker location, numerous meetings are held to identify artists, environmental experts, and community leaders who guided water-related community walks. These walks build momentum for the next phase: a workshop to select the letter for the WaterMarker. Additionally, the selected artist for each marker creates a public art piece installed nearby. Currently, WaterMarks is funded by a National Science Foundation grant (AISL # 2115637), which is managed through a partnership between City as Living Laboratory, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and the Center of Science and Industry (COSI).

For more information and updates on the WaterMarks Program, please visit our website or contact us directly.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.