Keeping the "public" in our public spaces is critical to the sustainability of all of our community-owned treasures, including the Milwaukee County Parks. This engaging educational forum and luncheon will examine the Parks, looking at both their history and future from a sustainability and equity lens. Join a stellar lineup of thought leaders as we dig into this timely topic.

• Coffee Service
• Welcome and Introductions – Christa Beall Diefenbach, Executive Director, Friends of the Domes; Doris Maki, Horticultural Services Director, Milwaukee County Parks
• The State of the Parks – Guy Smith, Executive Director, Milwaukee County Parks
• Green Milwaukee: A History of Our Parks and Open Spaces – John Gurda, Milwaukee Historian
• Milwaukee County Parks: A Visual Tour – Eddee Daniel, Project Director, Preserve Our Parks
• Lunch
• The Future of Parks – Tom Mortensen, Site Planner/Landscape Architect, raSmith; Matt Helmeid, Community Director, The Ability Center; Steven Hunter, Programs Director, Nearby Nature MKE
• Closing Remarks - Marcelia Nicholson, Chairwoman, Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
• Sustainability Tour of the Domes (Optional)

Location: Mitchell Park Domes Greenhouse No. 7 (annex)

Cost: Current Friend of the Domes members receive $10 off the ticket price. To become a member, visit our membership page.

Registration Options

• $50 General Admission
• $40 Discounted Friends of the Domes Member
• $25 Scholarship Supported

To ensure this event is accessible to everyone who is interested in attending, scholarships are available. Please use the scholarship ticket option. For additional scholarship support, please contact FOD@MilwaukeeDomes.org.

FOD Media/Photo Release Policy: Photos and other media taken during the symposium may be used for marketing purposes. By purchasing a ticket, you are consenting to this policy. Please email if we may not use photos in our marketing efforts.

FOD Adult Education Cancellation and Refund Policy: Registrants may cancel registration up to two weeks in advance of the symposium and receive a refund for the price excluding all EventBrite fees. No other refunds will be given.