Become a friend of the Trail and join our team of dedicated volunteers who use and love the Hank Aaron State Trail. Working together we can encourage people to get active on the Trail, engage in environmental restoration, and provide a safe and engaging experience for all who use it.
The Friends group is able to accomplish all it does thanks to the generous support of its many sponsors and dedicated members. Think of what we could do together with your support!
FOHAST is a local group of the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.
Mission
The Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail is a non-profit run entirely by volunteers dedicated to sustaining, promoting, and enhancing the Hank Aaron State Trail, creating a lasting legacy for present and future generations.
Vision
We bring life to the Hank Aaron State Trail by:
Fostering community connections,
Promoting outdoor activity,
Cultivating a sense of exploration,
Inspiring awareness of the environment, and
Creating unique experiences.
What We Do
Send kids to Bike Adventure Camp
More than 1,000 neighborhood kids have participated in 2-week long camps which teach safety, build confidence, and experience the fun of biking on the Trail.
Establish Stew Crews
Businesses and organizations volunteer on Stew Crews and keep their adopted sections of the Trail free of litter.
“We’re doing something for the future.”
Provide enhancements
Sculptures, murals, benches, signs, and other art enhance the Trail and connect users to the area's culture and history.
Photo: Kristine Hinrichs Photography
Organize events to activate the trail and engage the community
The Hank Aaron State Trail 5K Run/Walk is the Trail's major FUNDraiser and FUNraiser that brings together over 1,000 people each year to enjoy the Trail and support programs and enhancements that connect our community.
Photo: Kristine Hinrichs Photography
Committees
FOHAST committees bring the organization's mission and vision to life and thrive based on the involvement of community volunteers. Committee members include board members and community members who wish to make a difference in our community. See a committee that sparks your interest? Let us know!
Art Committee
The Art Committee is responsible for public art and aesthetic enhancements along the Trail, contributing to the Trail's character and improving the experience of all who use it.
Run/Walk Committee
The Run/Walk Committee organizes the annual Hank Aaron State Trail 5K Run/Walk, the Trail's largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds are used for trail maintenance, improvements, and to fund youth bike camps in partnership with the Bike Federation of Wisconsin.
Marketing Committee
The Marketing Committee helps to promote the Trail and the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail, including events and initiatives.
fundraising & Membership Committee
Did you know The Hank Aaron State Trail is one of only two WI State Park properties that does not require a fee for day or annual use? The Membership Committee works to promote and grow the number of contributing Friends of the Trail, to support trail initiatives.
urban candlelight hike Committee
This committee organizes the annual Urban Candlelight Hike in Three Bridges Park, a magical winter event that takes place each February. This event is co-hosted with the Urban Ecology Center in Menomonee Valley.
CHANGE Coalition
The Community Assessment and Group Evaluation (CHANGE) Coalition is dedicated to enhancing access to physical activity and nutrition for the residents, citizens, and employees of our community. Read more here.
Board of Directors
OFFICERS
President
Robert Peschel, Community Membery
Vice President
Jill Maertz, Rockwell Automation
Treasurer
Dru Denison, Deloitte
Secretary
Dan Adams, Milwaukee County Transit
Past President
Mike Brady, Story Hill Neighborhood Association
Past President
Bruce Keyes, Foley & Lardner LLP
Board Members
Nik Abasovski, Sevan Multi-Site Solutions
Michelle Kramer, Community Partner
Mark Plichta, Foley & Lardner LLP
Dana Shinners, SEWRPC
Mirtha Sosa, UW School of Medicine and Public Health
Judy Springer, Ph.D., Milwaukee Area Technical College
Chris Steinkamp, Urban Ecology Center
Contact Us
General Contact Information
info@hankaaronstatetrail.org
414-563-7051
Angela Vickio
Milwaukee Work Unit Superintendent | Hank Aaron State Trail, Lakeshore State Park, Havenwoods State Forest
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Angela.Vickio@wisconsin.gov
414-274-4281
Roberto Ayala
Park Manager | Hank Aaron State Trail, Lakeshore State Park, Havenwoods State Forest
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Roberto.Ayala@wisconsin.gov
414-940-0674