Harley-Davidson Museum campus courtyard with brick buildings and landscaped grounds

From Asphalt to Oasis

A former parking lot transformed into a vibrant community park for Milwaukee’s Near West Side.

Making the Park

Davidson Park is a bold transformation led by Heatherwick Studio and HGA with Greenfire Management Services, co‑created with neighbors to honor Harley-Davidson’s heritage while prioritizing accessibility, inclusivity, and community connection. In 2021, Near West Side Partners hosted an Appreciative Inquiry summit that revealed a clear community desire for more green space to support gathering, wellness, and the arts. Opened in June 2024, Davidson Park now serves as a lively neighborhood asset hosting dozens of free events and offering a flexible, vibrant space for everyday enjoyment.

Community Partners

  • Community drum circle gathering at Harley-Davidson campus courtyard

    Forest County Potawatomi

    In partnership with the Forest County Potawatomi Community, the Serenity Garden honors the historic native land with a medicine wheel layout featuring a central stone and quadrants of sacred plants.

  • Brick plaza displaying Harley-Davidson inspired pavement design

    Local Youth

    Working with Story School and MIAD, Davidson Park showcases 24 student-created brick bay designs celebrating local culture and heritage throughout the park’s Hub.

  • Visitors relaxing on grassy hillside overlooking Harley-Davidson park event

    Independence First

    Independence First reviewed the designs and provided feedback to help minimize accessibility barriers wherever possible.

  • Engraved campus map medallion being fabricated on industrial machine

    Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

    The H-D Foundation also partnered with MIAD to solicit designs representing the Near West Side for the 4-foot diameter, cast iron medallion that will be placed at the center of the Hub. The selected design was created by Megan Huss.

Designed with Sustainability in Mind

  • Green infrastructure landscape at Harley-Davidson campus with native plantings and pathways

    Green Infrastructure

    Bioswales, permeable pavers, and underground storage capture more than 225,000 gallons of stormwater, reducing flooding and easing strain on Milwaukee’s sewer system.

  • Visitors relaxing within native ecology garden at Harley-Davidson campus

    Native Ecology

    Over 200 new trees and 120 native plant species bring biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and year-round beauty.

  • Harley-Davidson campus courtyard with amphitheater steps and historic factory buildings

    Pervious Surfaces

    Over 50% of the site absorbs rainfall, helping protect Lake Michigan’s watershed.

  • Curved wooden seating terraces within Harley-Davidson campus landscape

    Lighting & Materials

    Energy-efficient lighting and durable, locally sourced materials make the park safe and welcoming.

Recognized for Sustainable Design

Davidson Park is proud to be SITES-certified, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and community impact.

Download Case Study

Davidson Park is a testament to the power of collaboration and listening. Voices from all over the Near West Side – from Potawatomi leaders to local students and community groups – played a crucial role throughout the process. This is truly a park for the community, by the community.

- Peter Balistrieri, HGA’s Principal and National Corporation Market Sector Leader

Making the Park

Harley-Davidson campus courtyard under construction with pathways and stairs
Harley-Davidson campus amphitheater with circular plaza and historic factory buildings
Motorcycles parked along Harley-Davidson campus walkway near native landscape
Harley-Davidson campus gathering space with string lights and landscaped walkways
Harley-Davidson campus playground area with climbing structures and string lights
Aerial view of Harley-Davidson campus amphitheater with circular plaza design
Engraved campus medallion embedded in Harley-Davidson courtyard plaza
Harley-Davidson bar and shield sculpture in campus park setting
Speaker at podium in Harley-Davidson campus amphitheater plaza
Group photo in Harley-Davidson campus amphitheater with terraced landscape
Playground slide and climbing structure at Harley-Davidson campus park
Terraced seating with native plantings at Harley-Davidson campus amphitheater

Support the Park

Support the park’s programs, events, and maintenance to keep it thriving for everyone.

Learn More

Opened in June 2024, Davidson Park is a dynamic green space created by Harley-Davidson® and the Harley-Davidson Foundation to enhance Milwaukee’s Near West Side. Responding to community input from the 2021 Appreciative Inquiry summit hosted by Near West Side Partners, the park transformed four acres of underused parking into a hub for wellness, the arts, and community gatherings. At its center is The Hub, a 260-foot-wide sunken amphitheater with tiered seating, lush landscaping, motorcycle driveways, and 360-degree viewpoints highlighting both Harley-Davidson’s historic buildings and the surrounding neighborhood. Today, Davidson Park hosts dozens of free events annually and serves as a flexible space for recreation, markets, reflection, and everyday enjoyment, strengthening community connections and celebrating the legacy of Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee.