Milwaukee County Parks Awarded $827,376 Through Wisconsin DNR and National Park Service via Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to Enhance Outdoor Recreation and Accessibility

Milwaukee, WI — Milwaukee County Parks is proud to announce it has been awarded an $827,376 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the National Park Service (NPS) through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program. The grant will support accessibility-focused improvements at Milwaukee County Parks in partnership with The Ability Center‘s Moss Universal Park, advancing the County’s vision of creating more inclusive public spaces.

The LWCF is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior that provides matching grants to states and local communities for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. In Wisconsin, the program is managed by the DNR. Since its inception in 1965, LWCF has helped to fund thousands of projects nationwide, preserving natural areas while expanding equitable access to outdoor recreation.

“Wisconsinites deserve parks and outdoor spaces that are accessible for everyBODY, inclusive of all abilities. We know that when public spaces don’t work for the people, the people don’t use the spaces. Creating accessible public spaces is an issue of public health and human dignity. The funding from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program dedicated to Moss Universal Park–the nation’s first universally inclusive park–ensures access to public lands for all Wisconsinites, so that we can continue Wisconsin’s tradition of enjoying our state’s beautiful natural resources together. This is what it looks like to move forward, together,” said Wisconsin State Representative Robyn Vining.

“Our parks are one of Milwaukee County’s greatest treasures, and this grant will help ensure that every person — regardless of ability — can enjoy them together. By leading the nation in accessibility, we are ensuring that everyone can access outdoor recreation and experience our world-class parks system,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “With strong partners like The Ability Center and Wisconsin DNR, I am proud we are fostering healthier communities and creating public spaces that truly belong to every resident and family in Milwaukee County.”

Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks said, “Parks are for everyone. This grant allows us to continue making good on that promise, investing in improvements that directly impact residents and visitors who have faced barriers to recreation in the past.”

“This grant means that children, adults, and veterans of ALL abilities will be able to play together at the country’s first Universal Ballpark, on America’s first Universal Field. For the first time, families of ALL abilities will be afforded the opportunity to play everywhere, with everyBODY, throughout an entire park. It’s an honor to work with the Milwaukee County Parks, and we’re incredibly grateful for the DNR’s visionary support,” said Damian Buchman, Founder & Executive Director AFAR, Inc dba The Ability Center.

About the Land and Water Conservation Fund The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was established by Congress in 1964 to safeguard natural areas, water resources, and cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. The program is funded through revenues from offshore oil and gas leasing—not taxpayer dollars. More information can be found at the U.S. Department of the Interior LWCF website and Wisconsin DNR LWCF page.

About Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Parks is dedicated to enriching the lives of the community by providing safe, enjoyable, and affordable recreational opportunities while preserving the natural and cultural resources of the parks. Spanning over 15,000 acres, the Milwaukee County Park System includes more than 150 parks and parkways, over 100 miles of trails, numerous community centers, golf courses, botanical gardens, beaches, and hundreds of playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas. Committed to sustainability, health, and equity, Milwaukee County Parks continues to strive towards a vision where everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy the benefits of green spaces and recreational facilities.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.