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One of the best things about Milwaukee County is its staggering number of parks. We’re fortunate to have dozens upon dozens of public spaces within Milwaukee proper and the surrounding suburbs that offer leisure, expansive walking trails, beaches, beer gardens, bandshells, disc golf courses, and countless other outdoor amenities. Most other places aren’t as fortunate as we are in this department, and I absolutely try not to take that for granted.
Along with the abundance of parks in our vicinity comes a metric shit-ton of park benches. These government-funded seats grant us momentary respite and, in some cases, offer pristine views. Though there are many to choose from, I’ve grown especially fond of one particular park bench.
My favorite bench is a bit off the Oak Leaf Trail, just south of the soccer fields near the Milwaukee and St. Francis border. See it? No? Thankfully, I’m not one to gate keep (or bench warm?) when it comes to public seating, so I’ll give you a better look.
Venture about 40 yards east from the Oak Leaf when the trail starts to taper to west as it approaches that FBI building and you’ll see it. My bench.
Admittedly, the bench itself isn’t in the greatest condition. It’s covered in graffiti (including a crude drawing of a penis I only now just noticed when posting the above photo) and the paint is chipping, but it’s also long, sturdy, and dependable.
Most importantly, it’s juuuuuust secluded and set far enough off the path that you won’t hear “on your left” or encounter any barking dogs or whining kids. Or anything else, really, outside of chirping birds and the sound of waves from the bay colliding with the shore. It’s super serene and, based on where I live and typically walk, I come upon it right when I’m feeling like it’s time for a five-minute break to rest, to pick a new podcast, or to answer texts I’ve neglected while trying to unplug for a spell.
Oh, and this is the view when you sit on the thing. Not too shabby, right?!
If you’re reading this from a different city or, hell, even just a different neighborhood in Milwaukee, this bench honestly might not be worth the trip. That’s for you to decide. And even though I know for a fact there are newer, far better-kept benches in Milwaukee County—as well as benches with even more dazzling views—I’m just partial to this one.
If you ever find yourself heading south on the Oak Leaf Trail a few dozen yards beyond the soccer field near the Milwaukee and St. Francis border, I invite you to take a seat on this bench—my bench—and see how she handles. I sincerely hope you’ll like it as much as I do.
What’s your favorite bench in Milwaukee County?