Right in an area where visitors and residents may least expect it, is the Bradfor Beach, one of Milwaukee's gems. This area is home to a variety of special events, family outings, and beachside fun, all just a stone's throw away from the heart of downtown Milwaukee. The beach is part of the Milwaukee County park system, and is located right along the shores of Lake Michigan. It has been a destination for Wisconsinites for years, but began to deline in popularity in the 1990's and early years of the new century. Seeing this decline, a group formed in 2008 to restore Bradford Beach to its former status as a Milwaukee destination for fun. Supporters launched a program that included food and beverages served from the onsite beachouse, as well as a store that sells sunscreen and beach items, as well as beach rentals. The beach is now plays host to a variety of social events including sports, charity events, wine tastins, and concerts. Area businesses are helping to fund this effort, understanding that the success of Bradford Beach means more business for them.
Bradford Beach hosts a variety of beach volleyball leagues throughout the spring and summer months. There are also tournaments arranged for charity and other reasons. Most of these leagues and events are sponsored by local businesses, and feature men's, women's, and co-ed teams. There is also a beach soccor league available for those who are not volleyball enthusiasts.
Throughout the spring, summer, and fall months, Bradford Beach hosts a number of events. The winters in Milwaukee are cold and dreary, so residents are eager to hit the beach as soon as the sun is shining again. Events include concerts, beach parties, family days, and sports tournaments. Warm weather holidays and special celebrations around town are all reasons to have a special event at Bradford Beach. Many of these events also serve as charity fundraisers, so attendees can not only enjoy themselves on the sunny shores of the beach, they can feel as if they are giving back to the community.
In addition to the special events held at the beach, there are regular activities for community members. There is a fitness training class held on the beach includes six weeks worth of sessions of strength movements, agility drills and plyo-metric exercises. You can sign up for all six weeks of the class, or one week at a time. For those interested in fitness but not ready to take on a hardcore training class, yoga classes are held Saturdays during the summer from 7:30 - 8:30 am. Imagine beginning your weekend mornings with lakeside yoga classes. Participants can attend individual classes or sign up for series of ten. The beach, like many areas in other Milwaukee public parks, is available for rental to the public. Guests are welcome to either bring their own food and refreshments, or enjoy one of many options from the lakeside food and drink stand.
Join others who have been pleasantly surprised by the downtown beach that offers a variety of fun for the whole family. The next time you are in Milwaukee, head to Bradford Beach.
