{image1}Friends of Bradford Beach, a group formally supported by Milwaukee County's The Park People, debuts a new rendering of its vision for Bradford Beach and a model of its dramatic new playground and water garden area Saturday at the Bradford Beach Jam.

OMC has the first photos of the design, and complete models will be available for public viewing Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The group, which includes OMC's Jeff Sherman, started a year ago and shares the idea that the lakefront needs an area that is interesting enough to attract kids and families for outdoor play, imagination and discovery.

The group unveiled initial plans for a dramatic new vision for Bradford Beach in May, and has worked closely with Milwaukee County in honing its plans for a huge playground and water garden near the Bradford Beach Pavilion.

James Donnelly of The Design Office has completed the new model which will be displayed Saturday, and is available on his Web site.

{image2}More than $5,000 in private money has been raised, and Saturday's event will offer opportunities to purchase beach towels supporting the project. Jam goers also can sign petitions that support the project, which will promote awareness, appreciation, knowledge and stewardship of water resources, local history, ecology and fun.

Money raised at Saturday's event will be used to pay for continuing design and plan development required to present a grand plan for approval by the Lakefront Development Advisory Committee and the Milwaukee County Board. The new playground area could be completed by fall 2006.

To reach Friends of Bradford Beach, contact Committee Chair Deborah Lukovich at (414) 803-3229 or dlukovich@wi.rr.com. The Design Center's Bradford Beach project Web site is designoffice.com/watergarden.