Charles B. Whitnall was born in Milwaukee on January 21, 1859. The family home at that time was located on the banks of the Milwaukee River just north of Locust Street. As the son of a florist, he developed an early interest in flowers and nature as well as strong beliefs that beauty in an individual's surroundings were vital to human welfare.

Mr. Whitnall ultimately took over his father's business and became a very influential figure in the floral industry. He helped form the National Association of Florists and was the originator of the Florist Telegraph Delivery System (FTD).

In 1905 Whitnall leased his greenhouses and became involved with ventures in banking. In this pursuit he was also creative and successful; however, he never lost his interest in environmental issues.

Mr. Whitnall served as Secretary of the Milwaukee County Park Commission since its inception in 1907, Whitnall served in that capacity until his retirement on Jan. 1, 1941 at the age of 81. Always a promoter of land acquisition along Milwaukee County waterways and lakefront for park use, Whitnall envisioned a large tract of land in a rural area where all Milwaukee County citizens could come into intimate contact with lakes, streams, trees, shrubs and flowers. He found that tract of land in 1924 and began to push for the purchase of the acreage that is now Whitnall Park.

In 1910, while continuing to serve as a park commissioner, Whitnall was elected to the position of City of Milwaukee Treasurer. While holding that position he established the system allowing for time payment of city taxes.

Whitnall's early master planning served as a blueprint for much of what developed within the Milwaukee County Park System. In 1923 he prepared the first preliminary plans of a county parkway system in which he envisioned a "necklace of green," encircling the county, following the water courses. – a place people could go to enjoy lakes, streams, wildlife, flowers and trees. Additionally, he proposed acquiring substantial rural areas while they were available and urged the Park Commission to buy these properties to prepare for a time when social and economic forces would make such large parks a necessity. In spite of critics who argued these areas were "too far away and people will never go there", 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.

This former florist, banker and city treasurer is most remembered as the father of the Milwaukee County Park System. Charles B. Whitnall worked quietly, yet ceaselessly for the realization of his ideals. His 40 years of service to the people of Milwaukee County as a member of the Park Commission spanned a period during which the entire concept of what comprises a park underwent rapid revolution. The idea of providing small city square parks as found in the19th century developed into a system with large sites and a variety of facilities. His death on January 5, 1949, ended a half-century of dedication to the vision of human communities in harmony with nature. Whitnall Park is a living memorial to this remarkable man.