Bay View Beach Cleanup
Overview:
Part of summer fun is a trip to the beach and we're lucky to have some great ones in the Milwaukee area! Unfortunately as traffic picks up at the parks and beaches, some trash is inevitably left behind. This is where Sunbeam Kids families can help! We will be heading down to Bay View Beach on Saturday, August 30th (rain date Sunday, August 31st) from 8:00-9:00 am to clean up trash and debris found around the beach. We're starting early to beat the heat and humidity... plus what a great way to start your day off on a positive note!
What to expect:
Gather at our prearranged meeting spot at 8:00 am, then we'll comb the Bay View Beach or Oak Leaf Trail until 9:00 am. 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). We will meet at the Bay View Beach park sign near the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi complex.
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 8/31/25 (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!
