Green Bay Playfield Being Renovated

Milwaukee Recreation, a department of Milwaukee Public Schools, had a groundbreaking ceremony Friday for a future playfield in Williamsburg Heights. It is part of a larger, multi-year effort to renovate 52 playfields throughout the city.

Green Bay Playfield, located at 3872 N. 8th St., is being renovated and redesigned based on community feedback. The community chose a design called Rings & Ripples, named after rings drawn on pavement and grass mounds.

“In the midst of the pandemic, this community came together, social distancing, to talk about what we need to see here on this playfield,” said Keith Posley, superintendent for Milwaukee Public Schools.

Programming at the new playfield will include a kickball field, playground, U-19 soccer field, basketball court, splash pad and two tennis courts. There are also plans for an obstacle course, playground and outdoor classroom located next to Green Bay Avenue School.

The Playfield Revitalization Project began in 2014, with a 10-year timeframe and $25 million for improvements. Playfields were prioritized for improvements after analyzing the characteristics of neighborhoods, populations and playfield conditions.

“Our goal and commitment is to take on the sites where the need is the greatest,” said Lynn Greb, director of Milwaukee Recreation.

So far, the effort has resulted in renovations to the Clovernook, Southgate, Ohio, Cluster and Columbia playfields. The next finished project will be unveiled June 29th with the reopening of Franklin Square Playfield.

When Green Bay Playfield is finished it will be the first renovated field directly connected to a school.  “This is a continuation of the classroom,” Posley said. “Great play? Great academic success.”

Renderings

Groundbreaking