Lakefront attractions request trolley for patrons

The leaders of three top lakefront destination facilities recently urged Milwaukee County’s leadership to establish short-term trolley service aimed at addressing safety and access issues while the O’Donnell Park garage is closed.
“As winter approaches, the continued closure of the O’Donnell Park garage has the potential to create real hazards for our patrons,” said the leaders of the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, the Milwaukee Art Museum and Discovery World in a letter to County Executive Scott Walker and County Board Chairman Lee Holloway. “Visitors – including families with young children, senior citizens and those with disabilities – who previously used the O’Donnell Park structure are crossing Michigan Avenue, Wisconsin Avenue and other downtown streets and traffic, and soon will be doing so in inclement weather. Or they may elect not to visit at all.”
The letter was signed by Fern Shupeck, executive director of the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum; Dan Keegan, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum; and Joel Brennan, chief executive officer of Discovery World.
The group suggested a modified trolley loop with stops at the US Bank garage, the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Discovery World and the Milwaukee Art Museum. They said it would reduce pedestrian safety issues and provide visitors to the three sites with practical and safe parking and transportation to their destinations throughout the winter.
“We believe this is an ideal set of circumstances for a public-private partnership that addresses safety and access while the leadership of the County searches for the right decision,” they said.