replace this with the actual title using all caps - Cornell University

design. 266 While the city’s Park Board was very happy with Olmsted’s designs,
Charles B. Whitnall was not. Although he was offered a place on the Board, he
rejected the position. 267 Instead his work led him in the development of
another Commission, one that would ultimately become the main city
planning body of Milwaukee.
In early 1906 a new “Park Improvement Commission” had been
introduced to the Common Council, but had been indefinitely postponed. 268
In late 1906 the measure was reintroduced under the name “Metropolitan
Park Commission” and came to a vote in April 1907. It was enacted under the
parameters to “systematically procure information as to all facts bearing upon
the needs of present and future of the city in regard to parks, playgrounds and
boulevard.” 269 The measure was adopted, and the commission was established
for three years. It would consist of eleven members: one to be a member of
the Common Council, the City Engineer, and eight citizens not holding official
positions. 270 In July 1907, Whitnall was appointed, probably because of the
1906 Report. Alfred C. Clas, prominent Milwaukee architect, a member of the
national American Civic Association, an active advocate for city planning, was
voted president. 271
The Metropolitan Park Commission quickly expanded from its original
scope. Tasked with creating a system of parks, boulevards and driveways, it
266
http://lakeparkfriends.org/history.shtml, 13 October 2012
267
“Undated Whitnall Biography,” 2.
268
Milwaukee Board of Public Land Commissioners, City Planning Division “Preliminary Reports of the
city planning commission of the city of Milwaukee” (Milwaukee: The Division, 1911), 4.
269
Milwaukee Common Council, Proceedings of the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee for the
years 1907-1908,(Milwaukee, Wisconsin: The Council, 1908), 1553.
270
Milwaukee Board of Public Land Commissioners, City Planning Division, 4-5.
271
McCarthy, 8.
63