MEET THE PARK FRIENDS!!

Hey y’all, I’m Khali Jackson Milwaukee native, mom, future Educator and proud Friend of McGovern.

McGovern Park is a cultural staple in my upbringing—it’s one of those places that really shaped what community feels like. Now being in a position to give back, I don’t take that lightly.

I’m passionate about community advocacy and making sure our neighborhoods have access to spaces, resources, and experiences that actually pour into the people. Being part of Friends of McGovern is about keeping that energy alive and building something even stronger for the next generation.

My name is Minnie Harmon, I am retired, currently Chairperson of the Block watch group.  I am a proud resident of the McGovern Park area for 51 years. 

 We purchased our home here in the McGovern area because of the park and the beautiful trees (100-year-old Champion Tree).  I wanted my children to have a place where they could play and explore the green grass, native plants, ponds, fresh air in the safety of their neighborhood. 

I wanted my family to experience all that the Park had to offered and still offers today. It is a creation by God for all to nurture, care for, and enjoy.

Hi everyone! I’m Patricia Phifer. As a lifelong Milwaukee native, I’ve always appreciated our city's green spaces, but my bond with nature has truly blossomed since I became a Park Friend. Joining the Park Friends of McGovern hasn't just been about volunteering for me—it has allowed me to grow a much deeper, more meaningful relationship with our parks and the neighborhood we call home.

I absolutely love exploring the trails, taking in the quiet beauty of each season, and watching all the wonderful wildlife that thrives here. Through my work with the Park Friends, I am so grateful to help protect and nurture McGovern Park, ensuring it remains a beautiful.

Hi everyone! I’m Naomi Phifer. As a born-and-raised Milwaukee native, my love for our city’s green spaces started early. I grew up exploring our local parks, learning firsthand how vital these natural sanctuaries are to our neighborhoods and our well-being.

Today, I am a student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where I am pursuing my passion for the past and the planet by majoring in Anthropology, with certificates in Archaeology and Environmental Studies. My ultimate career goal is to work in the fields of archaeological conservation and eco-archaeology. 

For me, being a part of the Park Friends of McGovern is the perfect bridge between my studies and my roots. It is my way of directly giving back to the Milwaukee green spaces that shaped who I am today. By rolling up my sleeves alongside my neighbors, I hope to use my background to help protect our local ecosystem, celebrate our community's history