Molson Coors' Cheers to Our Parks launches initiative to support County Parks

By Press Release Submitted to OnMilwaukee.com Published Apr 03, 2024 at 6:07 PM

MILWAUKEE – April 3, 2024 – Molson Coors today announced Cheers to Our Parks, an initiative that ensures Milwaukee-area residents have continued access to beautiful, well-maintained green spaces and beer gardens.

In collaboration with Milwaukee County Parks and the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, Cheers to Our Parks includes a match campaign bolstered by a $250,000 donation from Molson Coors. The program seeks to raise an additional $250,000 from park lovers and community leaders, building toward a total
contribution of $500,000 by the end of 2025.

“Cheers to Our Parks reflects Molson Coors’ commitment to our hometown and the invaluable green spaces within Milwaukee,” said Alison Hanrahan, community affairs manager, Molson Coors. “We look forward to working with the Milwaukee Parks Foundation and Milwaukee County Parks, inviting everyone
to join us in this effort. Ultimately, our vision is to create a lasting impact on the future of our parks and the vital role they play in our city.”

The announcement of Cheers to Our Parks coincides with the spring opening of the popular South Shore Terrace Kitchen + Beer Garden, a community gathering spot with classic hometown menu items and views of Lake Michigan.

"I am ecstatic to not only kick off yet another season at South Shore Terrace but to proudly announce the launch of the Cheers to Our Parks campaign," said Guy Smith, executive director of Milwaukee County Parks. "There is no better way to kick off this ambitious campaign that will benefit all county parks, than
to do it at the opening of South Shore – one of the most popular beer gardens in the region and a beloved part of the County Parks system. Prost!"

Located in Milwaukee County’s South Shore Park, South Shore Terrace has 20 tap beer lines with lakefront seating available again this season, thanks to more than $600,000 donated by Molson Coors in recent years to help support the parks system. In addition to South Shore Terrace’s popular menu items, new this year is the inclusion of the Cheers to Our Parks Cheese Curds.

Beyond South Shore Terrace, Cheers to Our Parks aims to increase engagement across the more than 150 county parks through the creation of a Park Champions coalition. These individual volunteers will invest their time and talent into stewarding a thriving parks system. By signing the park pledge on the Milwaukee Parks Foundation’s website, Park Champions commit to completing three of the five actions below in 2024:

Donate to Milwaukee Parks Foundation to contribute to the $250,000 match fundraiser
Visit a Milwaukee County Park or beer garden
Engage with Cheers to our Parks events and volunteer opportunities
Share the Park Champion Badge and your parks “why” on social media
Support Cheers to our Parks with wearable gear

"Parks are a critical part of our community infrastructure,” said Rebecca Stoner, executive director of Milwaukee Parks Foundation. “Declining funding over the last 30 years has jeopardized the sustainability of our parks system. That is why Milwaukee Parks Foundation is so grateful to Molson Coors and Milwaukee County Parks for joining us in launching the Cheers to Our Parks campaign. This campaign gives everyone the opportunity to become a Park Champion and join the movement for a more equitable and vibrant park system."

Supporters can contribute directly to the campaign or explore other engagement opportunities, including events throughout the summer. Park Champions donating $250 or more will receive exclusive commemorative merchandise and invitations to park events.

“The Cheers to Our Parks campaign, backed by the generosity of Molson Coors and the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, will help deliver crucial funds for our parks system and raise awareness to just how much work is on the horizon. Combining our beloved beer garden tradition with this initiative will bring people together, generate revenue for county operations and create positive activity in our parks,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “I’m grateful for our partners’ continued dedication to Milwaukee County and Milwaukee County Parks, and I am looking forward to folks flocking to our parks this summer to visit one of our amazing beer gardens and enjoy a cold one with friends and neighbors.”

Upcoming Cheers to Our Parks Events: