The Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens is governed by a dedicated group of volunteers who oversee our mission, ensure effective organizational planning and maintain adequate resources.


Charles B. Whitnall served as Secretary of the Milwaukee County Park Commission from its inception in 1907 until his retirement in 1941. As Secretary, he was a strong proponent of public land acquisition along Milwaukee County’s lakefront and waterways. A longtime dream of Mr. Whitnall’s was to locate and set aside a large tract of land as a haven for city dwellers; a place people could go to enjoy lakes, streams, wildlife, flowers and trees. In 1924, he found the ideal parcel and, over the following five years, advocated its purchase.


Milwaukee County eventually purchased the parcel (1929-1930). Originally dubbed Hales Corners Park, the property was later (1932) renamed Whitnall Park in honor of its visionary, Charles B. Whitnall. After his death in 1949, Mr. Whitnall’s ashes were scattered over his beloved Whitnall Park.


In 1957, the Gardens were named for the landscape architect who designed the original five formal gardens, Alfred L. Boerner.