City Unveils ‘Reimagined’ Tippecanoe Playfield

Annie Kubes, Brian D. Litzsey, Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic and Mayor Cavalier Johnson were surrounded by kids for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Emigh Playfield. Photo taken June 22, 2026 by Sophie Bolich.

Mild weather and cloudless skies set the scene at Emigh Playfield as kids of all ages played on swings, dashed through sprinklers and spun dizzying circles on the merry-go-round at the newly renovated park at 495 E. Morgan Ave.

Representatives of Milwaukee Recreation gathered with city officials and community members Monday morning for an official ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the project, which has been in progress since 2022.

“What you see today is the result of a shared vision,” said Annie Kubes, senior director of Milwaukee Recreation, noting that renovations were guided by community feedback. “This project reflects a significant investment in the Tippecanoe neighborhood … it’s also a powerful example of Milwaukee Recreation’s commitment to providing all members of our community with access to quality green spaces and recreation facilities.”

Features of the reimagined playfield include modern playground equipment; basketball, pickleball and tennis courts; a splash pad; painted play areas; a pump track; shaded seating; and updated lighting. The park is named for Clarence H. (Pete) Emigh, a longtime Milwaukee Public Schools employee and former assistant superintendent of recreation and adult education for the department.

“His legacy of service to our community lives on in this playfield,” Kubes said.

Emigh is the 14th park completed since 2014 as part of Milwaukee Recreation’s ongoing push to update all 52 of its playfields. Work at Emigh was completed last fall, allowing plenty of time for neighbors to experience the refresh before the official reopening.

“Just like many of the families here, I think I’ve been here with my kids over a dozen times already,” said area Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic. “And here’s what we think: It’s unbelievable. MPS and Milwaukee Rec could have just fixed something that was broken, but instead they invested in something that will pay off for generations.”

Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who’s visited the park with his own children in recent weeks, said the project will have a long-lasting effect. “This is where memories are made,” he said, as laughs and happy shrieks emanated from the playground behind him. “That sound is what it’s all about. When kids are able to go out and play and have a good time, it’ll make them have more pride in the area that they call home. That’s one of the things that we’ve been missing in our neighborhoods.”

Located at the heart of a residential neighborhood, Emigh Playfield features on-site parking and restrooms. Existing baseball, softball and soccer fields remain on the southern side of the park.

More than a dozen kids participated in the ribbon-cutting before running off to rejoin the playground games.

“This is what community is all about,” said Brian D. Litzsey, chief family, community and partnerships officer for MPS. “None of this was done in isolation. We don’t own this — this is yours … and every day you walk in this new playfield, take pride in it.”

Photos

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