A: UCC Acosta (5th & Washington)

A+, aquatic, arts, agua, advantages, Acosta ...

Agua es Vida! UCC Acosta Middle School is the proud location of Milwaukee's first WaterMark: a physical 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 take care of the precious resource: water. Following this meeting, there was resounding support for the letter "A."

Ñ: Kinnickinnic River (16th & Harrison)

seÑal, accompaÑa, enseÑar ...

A Mix of Immigrants. The KK River Neighbors in Action (KKRNIA) have championed a WaterMarks marker to be installed along the Kinnickinnic River to share their sense of pride in the positive changes tied to a transformed river and a beautified Pulaski Park. The letter Ñ was selected for this WaterMark site to reflect, celebrate, and recognize the Latinx community. When you see this WaterMark, the KKRNIA hope you share in their pride in 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. (Illuminated marker to be installed soon!)

S: Greenfield Avenue (School of Freshwater Sciences)

Science, Study, Sciences ...

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!)

M: Greenfield Avenue (2nd & Greenfield)

Making, Milwaukee, Manufacturing ...

Water in Our Work. From wooden water wheels that powered the first flour mills, to freighters hauling iron ore across frigid lakes, to genomic sequencing tracking waterborne pathogens, water has always been an engine of industry, a corridor for commerce, a key ingredient in the manufacture and sale of economic goods, 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, to keep or make it clean, 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. (Illuminated marker to be installed soon!)

H: Greenfield Avenue (Harbor View Plaza)

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!)

V: Greenfield Avenue (1st & Greenfield)

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. The connections to water can seem invisible. How do drinking water systems protect the public from pathogens? How do our transportation and infrastructure choices impact the water we drink? How does water shape where and what we do together now, in history, and in the future? 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, and Milwaukee Water Works. (Illuminated marker planned for future installation…)

G: Green Tech Station (31st & Capitol)

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 marker to be installed soon!)

C: Melvina Park in the 30th Street Corridor

Community, Century City, Connections, clean, Collaboration ...

“C” is for community, Century City, connections, clean, collaboration… By the end of 2023 the City of Milwaukee plans to work with a contractor to redevelop the park at the west end of Melvina where it meets Hopkins. The resulting space, 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.

H: Beerline Trail in Riverwest/Harambee Neighborhoods

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.

L: Lindsay Heights Neighborhood

Love, Lindsay, Loyal, Liquid, Life, Light ...

“L” is for love, Lindsay, loyal, liquid, life, light… Community residents from Milwaukee’s Lindsay Heights neighborhood selected the letter “L” to stand proud in their neighborhood. Lindsay Heights is already recognized as the city’s first Eco Neighborhood, with a variety of green infrastructure and anchored by the presence of Walnut Way near 17th and North. Alice’s Garden, Fondy Park, and Ezekiel Gillespie pocket park are points of local pride. Neighbors are reclaiming Lindsay Heights through community organizing, activities through the Neighborhood Improvement District, positive events on vacant lots, and collaborations among church groups to bring healing, love, and light to the people who call this heart of Milwaukee home.

?: 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 (2023)

Check back in 2023 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. If you are an artist interested in learning more about opportunities for involvement, please contact the WaterMarks team.