Public Art Plan Produces Memorial Bench at 10 Mile Park
Brown Deer’s vision for more public art is beginning to take physical shape—and its first project is something families can sit on, swing from and explore.
Two colorful swing benches have been installed at the new Ten Mile Park, marking the first visible installation connected to the village’s broader Public Art Plan. Created from retired wind-turbine blades and painted with scenes inspired by Brown Deer, the benches combine public art, sustainable design and functional park seating.
A New Kind of Public Art for Brown Deer
The two Everglade swing benches were produced by Noblewins, a company that repurposes retired wind-turbine blades into benches and other public amenities.
Cleveland-based artist Tessa LeBaron painted the Brown Deer benches with imagery celebrating:
Brown Deer’s changing seasons
Local landmarks and community history
The village’s connection to nature
Places and experiences that have shaped the community
Unlike a traditional sculpture that visitors observe from a distance, these installations are designed to be used. Families can sit, swing and take a closer look at the artwork incorporated into each bench.
One Bench Honors Carl Krueger
One of the two swings also serves as a memorial to Carl Krueger, a longtime Brown Deer resident who was deeply connected to the community.
Krueger’s family worked with village staff to develop an outdoor and nature-focused theme incorporating Brown Deer landmarks that were meaningful to him. Private donations helped cover a portion of the artwork, materials and installation costs for the memorial bench.
The Brown Deer Village Board approved the two swings in February 2025, with federal funding supporting the broader Ten Mile Park project and private contributions helping fund the memorial component. You can read more about the approval in the village’s official February 2025 meeting minutes.
Where to Find the New Swing Benches
The benches are located at Ten Mile Park, Brown Deer’s newest community park near Brown Deer Road and the Oak Leaf Trail.
The park’s name comes from the historic Ten Mile Post Office that once stood near the site, marking the location approximately 10 miles from downtown Milwaukee. Its location next to the trail makes it an easy stop during a family bike ride, walk or neighborhood outing.
If you want to make the swings part of a longer adventure, explore our complete guide to the Oak Leaf Trail. You can also find more nearby outdoor destinations in our guide to the best parks in Milwaukee’s North Shore.
How Brown Deer’s Public Art Plan Developed
The Village Board officially adopted Brown Deer’s Public Art Plan in August 2025. The plan grew out of community surveys, staff research and discussions with artists and local stakeholders.
It established guidelines covering:
How artists and projects will be selected
Where public art may be placed
How artwork and financial donations will be accepted
How installations will be maintained
How residents can participate in the process
The Brown Deer Community Foundation was designated as the primary fundraising partner. At the time the plan was approved, the village did not allocate local tax dollars to launch the program.
The Village Board’s August 2025 meeting minutes provide more details about the plan’s approval and proposed selection process.
The village continues to describe the plan as a long-term framework for adding art throughout Brown Deer. Additional projects are expected to depend on artist proposals, suitable locations, sponsorships and private fundraising. Follow progress through the village’s official Public Art Plan page and the Brown Deer Community Foundation.
Planning a Brown Deer Family Outing
The new swings can be a quick destination on their own or part of a larger afternoon in Brown Deer.
Families can pair a visit with a walk or bike ride along the Oak Leaf Trail, explore the many recreational options at Brown Deer Park, or visit the Brown Deer Farmers Market on a summer Wednesday.
For more ideas throughout the community, browse our complete collection of Brown Deer family guides.
After the Brown Deer Pond closes for its regular swimming season, the water will go to the dogs during a series of special dog swims in August. It is a rare opportunity for local pups to splash, retrieve toys and cool off in the pond’s one-acre, sand-bottom swimming area.