Harley-Davidson Unveils Davidson Park: A New Community Space at Their Milwaukee Headquarters
Harley-Davidson, Inc. has recently introduced Davidson Park, a vibrant community space on their iconic Juneau Avenue campus in Milwaukee. Spearheaded by the Harley-Davidson Foundation in collaboration with the renowned Heatherwick Studio, this project transformed a 4-acre parking lot into a lush green space designed to benefit employees, local residents, and visitors alike.
Project Highlights
Davidson Park was born out of a collaboration between the Harley-Davidson Foundation and Heatherwick Studio, with HGA serving as the architect and engineer, and Greenfire Management Services overseeing construction. The park was designed with a focus on community engagement, reflecting the spirit of Milwaukee’s Near West Side (NWS) neighborhood.
Engaging the Community
In 2021, the Harley-Davidson Foundation partnered with Near West Side Partners to host an Appreciative Inquiry Summit. This event brought together over 200 stakeholders, including residents and local businesses, to discuss the neighborhood's needs. A significant takeaway was the call for a safe, green space that fosters health, art, culture, and youth activities. Heatherwick Studio’s design for Davidson Park was directly inspired by this community feedback.
Features of Davidson Park
The Hub and Foundation Stone: At the heart of Davidson Park lies "The Hub," a multi-functional event space and amphitheater surrounded by lush greenery. The space, complete with tiered seating, encourages social interaction and community gatherings. The central Foundation Stone, created by local artist Megan Huss, commemorates the Near West Side and the park’s development.
Main Street: Serving as the park’s main pedestrian pathway, Main Street connects key areas like The Hub, playground, and community lawn. It’s envisioned as a venue for farmers' markets and craft fairs, with festive lighting enhancing its charm at night.
Union Plaza: As the park's main entrance, Union Plaza provides a versatile space for markets and events and features a striking 10-foot sculpture inspired by Harley-Davidson’s iconic bar and shield.
North and South Lawns: The North Lawn offers a shaded area for relaxation and community activities, while the South Lawn features a picnic knoll perfect for gatherings, surrounded by vibrant greenery.
Little Legends Playground: Designed with input from the community, this playground offers wooden log climbers, stepping stones, and accessible play elements for children aged 1 to 12.
Viewing Hills: These three hillside areas provide scenic views of The Hub and are perfect for events like movie nights and music performances, all surrounded by native plants.
1903 Tavern: Partnering with Molson Coors, the 1903 Tavern offers an open-air social space where visitors can enjoy beverages, with a portion of proceeds supporting the park’s mission.
Potawatomi Serenity Garden: This contemplative garden reflects the geometry of the medicine wheel and features plants significant to the Forest County Potawatomi tribe, offering a peaceful space for reflection.
Looking Ahead
The opening of Davidson Park marks just the beginning of further developments at Harley-Davidson’s Juneau Avenue campus. Future plans include a STEAM Lab dedicated to science, technology, engineering, art, and math education, and the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Headquarters, which will offer visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the brand's racing heritage.