New Sport Courts Ribbon Cutting at Jackson Park

MILWAUKEE, WI — Milwaukee County Parks is excited to announce the grand opening of the new sport courts at Jackson Park, featuring pickleball, tennis, and futsal courts. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

The new courts mark a major milestone in the Jackson Park & Kinnickinnic River Flood Management Project, a partnership between Milwaukee County Parks and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). The relocation and improvement of the sport courts are part of a broader effort to restore natural river flow, enhance stormwater management, and reimagine Jackson Park as a more resilient and community-focused destination.

“Investing in Jackson Park represents a commitment to the future of our community,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “These new sport courts will provide residents of all ages with safe, accessible spaces to play, stay active, and connect with neighbors and friends. At the same time, our partnership with MMSD will help ensure that these improvements support a healthier, more resilient environment, demonstrating that recreation and sustainability can go hand in hand.”

“It is the opening of spaces like these that breathe life into a community and district. I am proud to now be able to say I have a pickleball court in my district. I look forward to seeing people from all walks of life in the 12th coming to enjoy what this new amenity offers.” Said Milwaukee County Supervisor, Juan Martinez.

“These new sport courts are an exciting addition to Jackson Park,” said Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks. “They provide our community with more opportunities to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and come together, all while supporting the ongoing restoration and care of the park’s natural spaces. We’re especially grateful to MMSD for their partnership, which made these improvements possible and benefits everyone in our community”

“By moving the soccer fields and sport courts now, we’re making room for the future Kinnickinnic River restoration and ensuring these new courts and fields are open before construction begins on the Kinnickinnic River and Jackson Park Flood Management Project north of the Parkway. This work is part of the larger Kinnickinnic River Watershed Flood Management Plan, which aims to reduce flood risk for more than 700 homes and businesses and improve public safety” said MMSD Senior Project Manager, Patrick Elliott.

The Jackson Park & Kinnickinnic River Flood Management Project aims to reduce flood risk for more than 700 nearby homes and businesses, improve public safety, restore riparian and aquatic habitats, and create a more natural, accessible, and beautiful park environment. More than 2,100 feet of concrete channel lining and enclosed culverts along the Kinnickinnic River are being removed and replaced with a natural stream design, expanding recreational space and supporting ecosystem health.

In addition to new sport courts, planned park enhancements include improved trails, lagoon restoration, a new playground, and new opportunities for nature-based recreation. These improvements are guided by community input, which continues to shape the vision for Jackson Park as both a recreational hub and a natural asset for the neighborhood.

Milwaukee County Parks thanks the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), the City of Milwaukee, and the Jackson Park community for their collaboration and support throughout this transformative project.

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.