Harley-Davidson Unveils Davidson Park

Harley-Davidson, Inc. has unveiled Davidson Park, a new community park located at its Juneau Avenue campus in Milwaukee. This project, spearheaded by the Harley-Davidson Foundation, was developed in partnership with the internationally recognized Heatherwick Studio. The 4-acre park, formerly a parking lot, has been transformed into a green space intended for the enjoyment of Milwaukee’s Near West Side residents and visitors. Local firms HGA and Greenfire Management Services collaborated with Heatherwick Studio to bring this vision to life.

“When we started this project, we did so with one main goal, and that was to further connect the Company with our hometown Milwaukee, a place that we’ve been proud to call home for over 120 years,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “No matter how fast you move forward, you can never forget where you’ve come from – this project both celebrates our heritage and reinforces the power of the Harley-Davidson brand to be a force for good within our communities.”

The park includes various features designed to promote community engagement and enjoyment of nature. Central to the park is "The Hub," a multi-use events space and amphitheater, surrounded by lush plants and trees, including species sacred to the Potawatomi tribe. The space is built with locally sourced materials and integrates sustainable infrastructure to manage stormwater.

Main Street, the park's primary pedestrian thoroughfare, is designed for events like farmers’ markets and food trucks, connecting key areas of the park such as the playground, community lawn, and picnic knoll. Union Plaza serves as the main entrance, offering flexible space for temporary markets and events.

Other features include the North and South Lawns, providing shaded areas for relaxation and community activities, and the Little Legends Playground, designed for children with nature-inspired play elements. The park also includes three hillside viewing areas for special events, the 1903 Tavern for refreshments, and the Potawatomi Serenity Garden for contemplation and meditation.

Davidson Park is intended to be an inclusive space for all to enjoy. The park’s development involved significant community input, ensuring it meets the needs and desires of local residents.

Future plans for the Juneau Avenue campus include a STEAM Lab and the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Headquarters. The STEAM Lab will provide educational resources and mentoring in science, technology, engineering, art, and math, while the Factory Racing Headquarters will offer an engaging look at Harley-Davidson’s racing history and enhance visitor experiences.

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