Juneau Park, 801 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., features a statue of Solomon Juneau, great views of Lake Michigan and is perched within walking distance of many marquee destinations.

Yet it, like many parks, needs a little extra "something." More attention / cleaning, some seating and even some new landscaping are my ideas for improvement.

To get here, I've learned, that in partnership with The Park People of Milwaukee County, a non-profit organization founded in 1977, Juneau Park Friends has a new, interim executive committee and new board appointments. These include: Sandy Duffy, chair; veteran Milwaukee broadcaster, Ed Hinshaw, vice-chair; Julie Mosher, treasurer; and Mary Baum and Susan Oster as co-secretaries. Board members are Joyce Broan, Dennis Buettner, Lisa Hatch, Brian Russart, Kathryn Wellner, Barbara and Ted Wiley.

"We are very excited to launch this important effort and encourage others, who are interested in the park, to volunteer or join one of our committees," says Duffy.

In advance of this new organization, several activities have recently been implemented in support of the Downtown park.

The Park People of Milwaukee County, with assistance from Brian Russart, Natural Areas Manager with the Milwaukee County Park Department, organized a Volunteer Work Day in June and more than 50 people participated.

Other clean-up days this summer were organized by Immanuel Presbyterian Church, University Club Tower and Robert W. Baird.