Washington Park
Washington Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a unique outdoor destination. Historic urban park on the city’s West Side. It also holds special significance, serving Milwaukee’s Black neighborhoods and a hub for cultural events.
Recommended Activities: Visitors can enjoy cycling, fishing, and walking here.
Tips for a Safe & Enjoyable Visit:
- Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
- Bring appropriate licenses and follow local fishing regulations.
- Respect cultural heritage sites and follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Carry a repair kit and check your tires before riding.
- Wear a helmet and reflective gear for safety.
Outdoor Afro’s mountain adventure in Moab sporting these fly sock designs by Smartwool
Ten Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders from across the United States swooped into Moab, Utah, during September to add new skill-building experiences to their monthly network activities happening across local communities. “We got to know Moab and its offerings so well,” said Mardi Fuller, a four-year volunteer leader who guides Outdoor Afro’s local Boston network. “After the February 2021 skiing Capstone, I felt equipped and empowered to implement annual ski programs into my network. This desert Capstone has me dreaming about mountain biking and e-biking events.” As one of the national not-for-profit organization’s annual professional development opportunities, this year’s Moab Capstone in Southeastern Utah traveled to Arches National Park and other nearby nature attractions.
Outdoor adventure coach Shawn Brokemond of Sports Adventure led the capstone. She introduced volunteer leaders to some of the region’s most popular outdoor activities: canyoneering, mountain biking, packrafting, and stargazing. “It was super helpful to observe Shawn's leadership and teaching style – as well as all of the guides we worked with,” said Fuller. “I will incorporate these learnings into my general leadership practice. As one of my fellow volunteer leaders said repeatedly: ‘I'm here to learn and be led.’ It's a rare opportunity for us to receive rather than plan, coordinate, and lead. It truly gave me ideas, perspective, and reminders of what it feels like to be a participant.”
Outdoor Afro brand partner Smartwool joined the fun, providing volunteer leaders with the proper foot protection for every educational and recreational step. “The benefits of a good wool sock cannot be understated,” said Michael Casarrubia, marketing manager, community and partnerships, with Smartwool. “Our socks naturally wick moisture away from the body, helping regulate body temperature, resist smelly odors, are soft to the touch, and are essential equipment when heading into nature.”
Since 2020, Outdoor Afro and Smartwool have found common ground in community, sustainability, belonging, and the outdoors. Outdoor Afro celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Smartwool provides comfortable, capable gear that empowers outdoor enthusiasts and athletes to go far while feeling good along the way. Together, both make a classic pair in what a genuine partnership in nature looks and feels like. Continuing its shared mission to make the outdoors easily accessible, Smartwool lives for sustainability efforts. Designating the apparel brand as a natural collaborator and supporter of Outdoor Afro’s Volunteer Leader Program.
“The socks were extremely durable and provided comfort in the various Capstone events,” said Jimmy Allen, who leads the South’s Charlotte network. “It’s definitely my go-to sock for all future network activities.” In addition to annual Capstone experiences, Outdoor Afro’s selected and trained volunteer leaders guide their hometowns in year-round network activities. More than 100 volunteer leaders host innovative interpretations of fishing, biking, foraging, backpacking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, gardening, skiing, and more. Customized network events inspired and driven by community interests.
Annually, network participants in neighborhoods nationwide frequently ask: What is the best gear and equipment to invest in for their next Outdoor Afro adventure? Knowing what’s safe, sustainable, and comfortable is a request volunteer leaders often receive while guiding network experiences throughout U.S. communities. Exactly why Smartwool is Outdoor Afro’s top recommendation in foot protection and base layer support. Since 1999, the apparel brand has redesigned its base layers to provide all-day comfort and outdoor performance. “OMG! I have never worn a pair of Smartwool socks, but they were so awesome,” said Frances James of Outdoor Afro’s Bay Area and Northern California network, who received several compliments for her mushroom, campfire, and hatchet sock designs. “I wore them two days in a row. These socks fit me like a glove, providing a ton of support and padding while mountain biking, e-biking, and 4x4ing.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT SMARTWOOL: Based in Denver, Colorado, Smartwool® is a sock, apparel, and accessories brand whose products are designed to get the most out of the inherent benefits of Merino wool to bring comfort, confidence, and community to a life lived outside. For information on the full range of Smartwool® products or to find a dealer near you, visit Smartwool.com. Smartwool, a division of VF Outdoor, LLC, is a brand of VF Corporation.
Elevated Experiences: 5 travel packing guidelines from an Outdoor Afro cycling expert
Cycling now scales outdoor activities that local participants of national not-for-profit Outdoor Afro mark off their summer travel plans. Just this month, Outdoor Afro volunteer leader Chasity Ramos guided an 8-mile neighborhood spin around Swamp Rabbit Trail in South Carolina’s Greenville County. “Our participants showed up from near and far,” said Ramos to her Instagram followers about the July 15 “Black joy” bike ride. “From Atlanta to Charlotte to Greenville and Greer, our people were outside.”
Her Greenville and Asheville, North Carolina, network supporters automatically accepted the fitness, health, and well-being challenge to a section of the original 22-mile, multi-use greenway. Ramos bonded with cyclists, delivered a few punchlines for laughs (as her personality calls for), and weaved the area’s Black history into pedaling pit stops. For those Outdoor Afro participants who have discovered or rediscovered cycling in their communities with the organization, these biking adventures can often lead abroad.
Curious about newer cycling destinations around the globe? Outdoor Afro’s executive director and international cyclist Lisa Bourne volunteers five travel packing recommendations. Bourne cycles nearly 4,000 miles annually at home and overseas. Whether road cycling, mountain biking, endurance cycling, leisure cycling, e-biking, or in cycling events, global cycling is definitely doable. Her suggestions to plan accordingly:
DECIDE WHAT TYPE OF CYCLING ADVENTURE YOU WANT. During May 2023, Bourne shipped her Canyon road bike to island destination Mallorca, Spain, and headed right along with it. The weeklong stay allowed her to bike more than 120 miles and climb close to 15,000 feet. “Ask yourself: is it a road, gravel, or mountain bike trip for you?” said Bourne. “I’m a roadie. I love climbing – and descending – mountains on my bike.” Bourne admits she’s partial to mountains, especially those near beaches. Hence, this recent trip to Mallorca. Laden with camouflaged coves, chalked mountaintops like the Tramuntana range, fresh market farms, and turquoise water beaches, “I was so blessed to travel for my fourth time to this gorgeous island,” she said.
CARVE OUT TRAINING TIME FOR SPECIFIC TRAILS. Bourne’s Spain trip in the Mediterranean Sea landed her east of the Spanish mainland. Mallorca’s breezy climate and network of paved roads offers dreamy routes for a medley of cycling adventures. Back in 2012, Olympic cyclist Bradley Wiggins trained for the Tour de France by clambering up Sa Calobra – one of the island’s famous cycling climbs with 26 tightly packed, hairpin turns. Today, Mallorca is a cycling destination hotbed for pro cycling teams and amateur cyclists worldwide. Bourne recommends dedicating at least 12 weeks of personal and professional instruction before pursuing new courses. “Hire a cycling coach like Black-owned and -operated CIS Cycling,” Bourne said. “Don’t forget strength training – the core, back, and lots of squats. Try yoga on your off days to open those hips.”
DETERMINE IF YOU WANT TO BRING YOUR OWN BIKE OR RENT ONE. Mallorca is built up with the best infrastructure to support diverse cyclists, confirmed Bourne. For refueling moments, the island provides bike racks stationed at community cafés, local bike shops, trained mechanics on standby, bike rental setups, and hotels with bike garages. “Bike garages allow you to build up your own bike if you’ve brought it along,” Bourne said. “You can even store your bike there when you don’t plan to ride. Mallorca is home to some amazing, local cyclists you can hire to lead you on the roads.” To help pick between bringing or renting a bike, Bourne points out two thoughts. First, look at the number of days you plan to spend on your bike. “If I’m spending one or two days cycling, I typically rent,” she said. “If I’m cycling for up to four or more days, I want to ride my own.” In both instances, Bourne stresses that the body should become well trained and adapted to your individual bike position. Warning: You risk injury riding on a rental for more than a few days if the position is incorrect. Second, calculate the cost of transporting your personal bike. Research if airlines will charge for special equipment. For certain situations, drill down on how much ground transportation will charge for hauling your bike and parts.
PACK FOR THE CONDITIONS (THE UNEXPECTED). Not everything during your adventure abroad will go as planned. “Assume there won’t be a bike shop nearby when you arrive at your destination,” said Bourne. “Cycling multiple days? You always want to bring extra.” Extra cleats for clipless pedals. Extra batteries and chargers for electronics. Extra gear and equipment for iffy weather forecasts. “If you're climbing at elevation, the weather will vary,” she said, “so pack layers.” Bourne recommends smart packing, including items like a base layer, jersey, wind vest, long-sleeve packable jackets, and arm/knee warmers. Cycling gear and equipment brands to consider: Rapha, Velocio, PEARL iZUMi, and Giordana.
GIVE YOURSELF GRACE. ABOVE ALL, HAVE FUN. A friend invited a then-amateur cycling Bourne to complete a three-day 350 AIDSRide in the year 2000. The AIDS awareness ride stretched North Carolina to Washington, D.C. Since Bourne loved her gym spin class, she thought “why not.” That experience led to her becoming a Luna Chix – CLIF BAR’s legacy ambassador program for cyclists that inspired more women to ride bikes and at the time supported breast cancer research. Throughout the decades, cycling has given Bourne mental clarity and strength; assisted her with lowering heart rate and blood pressure; and helped maintain her figure (legs and core especially). The years have increased her bike riding confidence and ability to incorporate cycling into the outdoor leader’s traveling lifestyle. She devoted 8 to 10 hours a week for four months straight to train for Mallorca trails. “I exceeded my personal goals,” she said. “In years past, this accomplishment hasn’t always been the case with factors out of my control – like my body’s response to jet lag, the elements, road closures, and at times falling sick.” Bourne has learned to go with the flow on her cycling journey: “Travel being grateful for your health and the freedom to just ride.” More about Bourne’s Outdoor Afro story here.
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow us @outdoorafro on social.
Lisa Bourne appointed first operational executive director
The hardcore cyclist pedals into national not-for-profit Outdoor Afro as its operational executive director – a history-making role for the now 14-year organization. "I'm truly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to assume leadership of the Outdoor Afro organization during this exciting time,” said Lisa Bourne. “Outdoor Afro's mission grounded in Black excellence, education, and leadership resonates with me on the deepest levels.” Bourne’s appointment started Feb. 13 with the Oakland organization after a four-month nationwide search with recruiter Cause Capacity.
In this role, Bourne will support strategic growth efforts and oversee operational efficiency to meet Outdoor Afro’s moment of rapid growth and demands for its programs and staff. Bourne will work in partnership with Outdoor Afro’s Founder and CEO Rue Mapp, key board members, and current staff, serving as an internally facing leader to guide the strategic implementation of best-in-class, not-for-profit operations. With Mapp continuing as the organization’s CEO and spokeswoman, Bourne will construct and manage the necessary infrastructure to enable Outdoor Afro advancements in national programming and network participation across the United States.
“In this ‘Year of Elevation,’ Lisa joins us at the right time,” said Mapp. “We were searching for a passionate and talented executive leader who is also a savvy and proven organizational manager. I truly believe we’ve found the best person for the job.” With a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School, Bourne brings 20 years of progressive experience in corporate, nonprofit, retail, E-commerce, and consulting leadership roles. Prior to this post, Bourne served as senior director of diversity, inclusion, and social impact for Zwift – a virtual cycling and running training app; director of omnichannel marketing for luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman; and vice president of E-commerce, sales, and marketing for Akola Project, Inc.
She also held management positions with brands such as Amazon, Fossil, and The Neiman Marcus Group. An avid cyclist, Bourne inspires and motivates others by riding 3,000-plus miles per year. She has volunteered as a cycling ambassador to drive diversity and inclusivity within the sport. “I'm thrilled to be able to continue to align my passion with my career,” Bourne said, “leveraging my strategic, operational expertise for such a beloved and highly regarded organization." Bourne became the newest hire for the national organization and network.
Outdoor Afro started as a social enterprise for Mapp in 2009. She incorporated the organization in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) and has led the organization since as its CEO. The organization has grown from a one-woman blog and three founding board members to 12 full-time staff and a 13-member Board of Directors. Its operating budget has grown from a modest $110,000 in revenue in 2015 to now more than $2.5 million – largely from foundations, individuals, and corporate partner support. “This position is groundbreaking for Outdoor Afro,” Mapp said. “Lisa will have the ability to help the organization expand our growth and capacity. Her role is the model for how we plan to fulfill our operations for today’s Outdoor Afro experiences and programs.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro @outdoorafro and outdoorafro.org. Lead photo by Ottilie Quince.