When the first keg is tapped Friday afternoon at Whitnall Park, it won't just be the people getting free beer who are smiling.
The Milwaukee County Parks Department says the beer gardens generated $1.6 million in revenue in 2018. That money is a big part of keeping the entire park system beautiful.
"It's very important for investing back into our parks, and not only the parks our beer gardens are within, but it helps sustain our whole system," said Guy Smith, executive director of Milwaukee County Parks.
The extra money goes to help improve things such as the Oak Leaf Trail, various parks and even things such as Disc Golf Courses. Friday afternoon, three men were flipping discs even though they won't be flipping mugs at the beer gardens.
"I will in a couple months," Josh Favors of Greenfield said.
Favors isn't 21 yet. However, he was pleased to know the money spent at the beer gardens goes to keep the Disc Golf Courses running.
"They always keep up with it," Favors said. "Always well done. Milwaukee County is really good when it comes to their courses."
"It's very important for investing back into our parks, and not only the parks our beer gardens are within, but it helps sustain our whole system." — Guy Smith, executive director of Milwaukee County Parks
"I think it's awesome to have the beer gardens here," Alan Radlinski said. "That money goes to support awesome things like this in the community."
The Parks Department says it has seen a noticeable jump in revenue since last year, when all of its beer gardens began accepting debit and credit cards for purchases.
For more information, you can visit the Milwaukee County Parks Department website.
