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.
Hiking with Friends: The Do’s and Don’ts of Group Adventures
Group hikes are some of the best ways to enjoy nature and deepen friendships—but they’re also where logistics can get tricky. Here’s a quick guide to help your next group outing go smoothly:
Do:
- Agree on a trail that matches everyone’s ability.
- Pack extra snacks and water to share.
- Keep a flexible attitude—plans may shift!
Don’t:
- Leave folks behind. Stick together or designate a leader and sweeper.
- Forget to check the weather or trail conditions ahead of time.
- Assume everyone knows the route—bring a map or GPS.
Above all, focus on the fun. With good planning and group care, your hike is sure to be full of laughter, connection, and shared memories.
Chaya Harris' winter walking suggestions for Oprah Quarterly
Oprah Quarterly featured Outdoor Afro National Program Director Chaya Harris (CLICK HERE TO READ FULL REPORT) in its January 2023 winter coverage, asking the Boston-based outdoorswoman about the health implications of simply walking in cold weather. The right source to quiz, the former public school educator and now nature traveler's tally of winter excursions include New England ice climbing, ice skating, skiing, cross-country skiing, and snow tubing. In 2022, she and Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp took an 18-day Hurtigruten Expeditions voyage together to Antarctica. So, Harris is pretty savvy on penguin diction, too. Coupled with her Oprah Quarterly commentary, Harris shares these good-to-know points and health benefits to this hibernal activity:
QUESTION: CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS ONE GAINS FROM WALKING OUTDOORS?
HARRIS: Walking or hiking is such a popular Outdoor Afro nature activity for our networks across the nation. Specifically because of the many health benefits, including muscle development, building a steadier heart rate, and more time outdoors to address any weight concerns we might have. It’s an opportunity to connect our minds and body in a simple fashion. Taking longer strides and engaging the core are easy actions to increase range of motion, flexibility, and coordination while walking in nature as well.
QUESTION: HOW DOES WALKING IN NATURE, OR JUST THE OUTDOORS, IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH?
HARRIS: It really gives space for us to clear our minds — to re-access daily tasks or challenges from a newer (sometimes creative) perspective. There is this notion of seasonal affective disorder that can make us depressed or anxious as the year changes. Walking can become an answer to discovering peace in these times, becoming an effective source for decompressing mentally from major life shifts. I personally find it interesting how setting goals while walking — like a 15-minute neighborhood stroll — can turn into this serotonin accomplishment boost.
QUESTION: HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO WALK IN NATURE FOR OVERALL WELL BEING?
HARRIS: In these semi-COVID times, it’s valuable. Working remotely has truly become commonplace for a lot of people, families, and communities. Walking as a form of exercise, self-care, or socializing is vital to adjusting during the pandemic. It’s a rewarding outlet worth taking advantage of for our sanity. It certainly grounds me and allows me to release any tension or stress I’m feeling. Walking equally reminds me of the small wonders in life — the birds chirping or flowers blooming — and making the most of each moment in nature. Dedicating time to walk in my neighborhood also gives me gratitude that I’m able to stay home and appreciate the outdoors in my area.
QUESTION: ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC BENEFITS ONE GETS FROM WALKING IN WINTER DUE TO THE COLD WEATHER OR SCENERY?
HARRIS: For one thing: There’s no mosquitos or other creatures that may typically cause fear or anxiety. I find the winter months as much calmer with quieter locations in nature. Winter walking is easier on the joints if you’re in a snowy region. I love that soft crunch under my feet. With the right layers, you can get a fairly low-impact workout.
QUESTION: CAN YOU SHARE TIPS FOR MAKING WALKING A DAILY ROUTINE?
HARRIS: Literally, write down “walking today” on a Post-it Note. Schedule time in your smartphone. Seriously, make walking part of your personal or work schedule. Don’t be afraid to scout a neighbor or colleague to become your walking buddy. It gives the experience a social element. If no one is available, use the opportunity to listen to your favorite podcast or a new album while in route. Don’t forget: Focus on the enjoyment part of walking. Turn it into a daily routine or an award system to self.
QUESTION: ANY PRACTICAL TIPS OR WALKING-IN-WINTER STRATEGIES TO KEEP IN MIND, SAFETY ISSUES, WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE CLIMATE?
HARRIS: Shop fun, comfortable, and durable footwear. Ones so snug you welcome exploring more in nature or your neighborhood. Layering up in the wintertime is high priority in cold weather. Have your base layer (not cotton if you want to keep sweat away), then your insulating layer (fleece options) and outdoor layer (puffy coat or down jacket). If it’s raining, consider a hard shell jacket. I like full zip-ups as a form of extra protection. Plus, they’re easier to pack up.
QUESTION: ANYTHING ONE CAN DO TO ENHANCE THEIR EXPERIENCE WALKING OUTDOORS/IN NATURE?
HARRIS: Pair walking with other nature activities you enjoy. For instance, bird watching, journaling, or photographing wildlife. Also, try walking throughout the four seasons to keep your scenery in nature interesting and with a fresh perspective on life.
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.
We did it again, this time with a challenge...
By Alisha Pye, Los Angeles Outdoor Afro Leader
So we went hiking above the Mountain Gate Country Club again, but this time we decided to mix it up a bit. So we decided to go off the fire trail and hike the hills. This was a great hike although we had fewer people we had a very diverse group, ranging from a mom wearing her 6 month baby, to a 9 year old cross country runner.
This hike was particularly challenging for me because I'm very afraid of heights and cliffs, both of which we encountered. I would love to post pictures of the cliff but I was nearly paralyzed with fear. So here's to embracing fear and moving forward! Because of the challenge that I experienced, I think I enjoyed the hike more.
Overall, we hiked 11.3 miles, every time I even thought about complaining about the distance I looked up and saw this mom wearing her baby, a 9 year old and a grandmother or two chugging along. The diversity in this group was motivating to say the least. We didn't get a chance to stop and take a group picture, but we had a great time. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, the weather amazing and the scenery was breathtaking.
Walking in the Rhythm of Life
I only live a couple of flat miles away from my job at the local Audubon, so with the warm arrival of spring in the Bay Area, I have no good reason not to take the stroll to and from work. Besides, I can definitely use the exercise after enjoying a winter filled with delicious food!
Since walking, the experience has been both delightful and engaging as walking has a way of making contact with outdoor spaces both easy and intimate. I notice and interact with moments and matter I would otherwise miss if whizzing by in an automobile.
In the morning on my way in, I hear Mockingbirds rift on a nearby Sparrow’s song. I observe delivery and municipal trucks stop and start, causing traffic to sway side to side along the busy avenue. Parents tow, push, and prod kids past school yard gates. And each day along my path, I notice the fragrance of new buds blooming.
The return home tells more stories. The aroma of the local Afghan restaurant perfumes the air as its first diners arrive. Mechanics roll down metal doors on another day of repaired clutches. A popular pub kicks off happy hour, and car commuters drive by with a weary determined gaze as the sun aims down toward the horizon.
During these walks I think about how sometimes we make a really big fuss about the outdoors. As though time spent outdoors requires expertise, expensive equipment, or trekking to remote places. Or that the outdoors belongs to some people, but not to others. I have to agree with my friend Carolyn who once mentioned “the outdoors is everywhere,” meaning porch sitters, hikers, mountain climbers, bench warmers, birders, cyclists, neighborhood kids and pedestrians alike, can all equally lay claim to the rhythm of outdoor life. Anywhere there is fresh air.
What are some of the easy ways you interact with the outdoors?