Michelle Beltran took shelter from the midday sun under a tree in Mitchell Park. She said her family often visits parks in Milwaukee to keep busy in the summer.

“You have to get out with your kids and spend time with them,” she said, her words punctuated with playful squeals from her grandchildren as they swung from the tree branches and snacked on pink-frosted cookies. “Here we are. We’ve gotten closer and that’s what it’s all about.”