Sure, it's still March, but we must plan for summer beginning now. That's why I'm calling for the creation of a new, Lake Michigan Milwaukee fountain.
Hat tip to Gary Petersen, former marketing manager at the Department of City Development, who's mentioned this idea many times through the years. I'm, though, again writing about it in an attempt to gain a bit of momentum.
Why a fountain? Why not?
Milwaukee's known for water – and beer (with the main ingredient being water) – and with the formation and success of the Milwaukee Water Council, a signature fountain (or several) could truly help cement the city's place as a leader in innovative water technologies. Not to mention, like the Bronze Fonz, give tourists and residents something tangible and unique to trumpet, be proud of and share photos of.
Sure, this may sound trite. But little things like a fountain can help enhance perceptions, drive tourism and generally change attitudes.
Let's do it, Milwaukee. It's time to build us a fountain.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
