Bay View Beach Cleanup
Overview:
We had a taste of the warm weather last week (and it's bound to return soon!) which means it's almost time to enjoy the beach! Unfortunately as traffic picks up at the parks and beaches, some trash is inevitably left behind. This is where Sunbeam Kids families can help however! We will be heading down to Bay View Beach on Saturday, May 31st (rain date Sunday, June 1st) from 1:00-2:30 pm to clean up trash and debris found around the beach.
What to expect:
Gather at our prearranged meeting spot from 1-1:15pm, then we'll comb the beach and trails until 2-2:30pm. You are welcome to leave early. Typically most little ones can stay interested in this activity for 30-45 min, longer for tweens/teens. Trash pickup has been coordinated with Milwaukee County Parks.
Capacity & Age Recommendations:
Open to all ages but must be able to walk for up to an hour on sand, grass, and pavement without limitations or restrictions. We have unlimited capacity so this project will be open to guests right away.
What to bring:
Bring gardening gloves (if preferred over exam gloves that will be provided) and consider bringing a water bottle is the weather is hot.
Each volunteer will need to fill out a Milwaukee County Parks Volunteer Agreement HERE. (This only takes <5min, type in Sunbeam Kids Inc. for the affiliated group). FYI - Sunbeam Kids Inc. does not retain these forms, they get submitted directly to Milwaukee County Parks.
What to wear:
Wear outdoor, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes.
Location/Parking info:
Park on Lake Drive, about 1/4 mi south of Oklahoma Avenue. There is a large complex called Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi (address for this complex is 3221 S Lake Dr, St Francis, WI 53235). When you park in front of/near this complex, walk over a small grassy area to the walking trail, turn left and walk approximately 200 ft and you will see a large wooden staircase leading you down to the lake. Meet at the bottom of the staircase from 1-1:15pm.
Additional information:
- If there is light drizzling rain, we will still plan on doing the cleanup. If severe weather is forecasted, you will be sent a cancellation message no later than 7 am the morning of the event and the event will be rescheduled to Sunday 6/1/25 (same date, timeframe, and location).
- Latex-free gloves, buckets, grabbers, and trash bags will all be provided courtesy of Keeping Greater Milwaukee Beautiful.
- Note: No bathroom is available, so feel free to leave the event early as necessary.
- Volunteers are not allowed to collect needles, sharps, or otherwise hazardous objects. If found, these items should be reported to staff.
- Note: last year we cleaned up South Shore beach; however, this beach is undergoing heavy maintenance, thus the parks asked for our assistance with Bay View beach and surrounding trails.
Project Leader: Merissa Lauzon
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
This project is open to members* and guests. Please only sign up if you know you can attend. We understand illness and emergencies do come up but they are counting on our hands, so if you register and can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP so we can work to fill your spot.
Thank you to our Project Leader Merissa Lauzon for leading this project, and thank YOU for lending a little hand!
Amanda Barnhart
Board President
*While we rely on member donations to keep the good work going, we never want the $40/family/year to be a hurdle to volunteering with us. If you are in need of assistance, we do have a limited number of scholarships available that are 100% confidential, just email and ask!
