As we close the books for 2025, we are pleased to announce we have received 2 grants. One grant is from the Green Bay Packer Foundation in the amount of $3,500 for program costs. Specific plans to utilize the funds are listed in our meeting minutes for 12-11-25.

The second grant is from the Wisconsin DNR. FOGP worked with Parks administration to obtain the grant for funding to purchase 70 trees and fencing materials. Parks staff will supervise the planting of the trees and we are to supply volunteers to help do a variety of tasks. Stay tuned for tree planting volunteer opportunities in 2026.

Two wooden heads were carved and installed by Bryan Lorentzen, former owner of Parkway Floral, at the pavilion in Area 5A. They were copied from two heads that were removed due to years of UV and insect damage. At our December holiday gathering, he elaborated on the process. He discovered the structural beams the heads were carved on were made of pine wood. For the replacements he decided to use basswood instead. He had some difficulty reattaching the new carvings and finding an exact paint color match. We are very grateful for his time, exceptional talent and overall perseverance. Be sure to look for his work among the 40 different heads in the same pavilion the next time you visit! (He signed his carvings)

We will be hosting our Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 11th at 6:30 pm in the golf course clubhouse. Bring your memories of Grant Park and share them with all of us. We’d love to hear those!

Prior to the party, a brief monthly meeting will be held from 6 to 6:30 pm. Guests are welcome to attend either the meeting, party or both.

Calendars for sale

We want to share more historical photos with you! In 2019 we produced our first historical calendar, and since then we’ve received multiple requests to create another. We scoured the archives of photos from the South Milwaukee Historical Society and Milwaukee County Parks, and sprinkled in some treasured family photos from the Liebsch family, to create this year’s calendar. The cost is $15 each.

Attached is the flyer for purchase with participating South Milwaukee merchants. All purchases must be made with cash or personal check only (payable to Friends of Grant Park).