In September 2012, swings of various sizes made from tires and other recycled material were installed underneath the Holton Street Viaduct just north of Brady Street. 

The park became a favorite of kids and adults alike and received nicknames like "swing park" and "the pop-up park" because it seemingly came into existence over night and without buzz.

The swings were created by Keith Hayes and a group of urban activists. Hayes is  the founder of beintween, which conducts many recycling-focused projects geared toward improving and celebrating public spaces.

The swings were erected to add another dimension to the space that had already been converted into a "Media Garden" meeting space by La Dallman architects.

Last month, it was determined the swings were in need of repair and removed. In an effort to raise funds, beintween – along with MKE BKE, the Makerspace, the City of Milwaukee and NEWaukee – launched a "Save Our Swings" initiative.

The goal is to raise $11,000 over the next month.

"Our goal is to help raise money to replace the swings with a safer, more permanent solution," says NEWaukee’s Ian Abston.

I have spent many hours at that park with my family. My son even had a birthday party there which, unbeknownst to us at the time, was two days before the swings were removed. 

Swinging at any age, I believe, is therapeutic and fun.

To donate money or to find out more, go here.