Milwaukee County Parks

Could Park Friends Help Prevent Illegal Dumping?

County officials think neighborhood groups could watch for and report dumping.

Supervisor Vincent Applauds Funding Approval for Scout Lake Pavilion, Parking Lot Projects

Southside Park Getting A Fence You Didn’t Know It Needed

Supervisors add funding for fence around Boerner Botanical Gardens.

Construction of Road-to-Trail Projects Planned for 2024

Redundant streets would be made into trails. Public meetings next week.

Board and County Exec At Odds Over Debt, Spending

Board wants to surpass debt limit given new sales tax, surplus.

Parks Replaces Tippecanoe Park Playground

New playground funded through a 2021 real estate deal with Irgens.

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival begins Nov. 16 with kickoff extravaganza

Kickoff ceremony to feature fireworks, Santa, and performances from local entertainers

Starbucks Closing, County Seeks New Vendor For Red Arrow Park

New concessionaire or complementary business would anchor key downtown park.

Crowley Signs Off On Greendale Barn Restoration

A property on Loomis Road once identified for demolition will be redeveloped for events, Airbnb-style rentals.

Kosciuszko Center Remodeling Planned for 2024

Budget proposal includes funding for building improvements.

The Return of Sherman Park Harvest Fest

2nd annual festival on Oct 28 connects community and county government, with free food and entertainment.

A Record Year For Public Golf Courses

A new high of $10 million in revenue in 2023 for Milwaukee County Parks.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Largest Ever Clean-up under EPA’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to Address Milwaukee Area of Concern

Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, new funding agreement between EPA and partners will invest an estimated $450 million to cleanup of nearly two million cubic yards of contaminated sediments

Supervisors Waste $300,000

Three supervisors stall parks project at McKinley Marina, costing taxpayers $300,000.

Do County Parks Have Too Many Bridges?

System has 170 pedestrian bridges, spends millions per year maintaining them.

Parks System Proposes Demolition Of Vacant Buildings

County Executive's 2024 budget proposal includes funding for demolition of unused, nuisance buildings.

Crowley’s 2024 Budget Departs From Decades of Cuts

Thanks to new sales tax and state revenue, property taxes go down and money for county services go up.

Parks Plans to Replace 2 Oak Leaf Trail Bridges

Aging Union Pacific railway bridges spanning I-43 in Glendale need replacing.

Baldwin Secures $13.5 Million to Fight Climate Change, Expand Access to Green Space, and Create Healthier Communities

Baldwin-backed Inflation Reduction Act funding will plant and manage trees and create pathways for careers in tree maintenance in Milwaukee and Dane County

Supervisors Endorse Airbnb Renovation Plan For Dilapidated Greendale Farmhouse

Entrepreneur will redevelop historic Stelzer barn and farmhouse into short-term rentals.

Parks Restoring Wildlife Habitat in Little Menomonee River Parkway

$3 milllion grant from DNR will fund another restoration in Milwaukee Estuary.

Domes Costs Shock Supervisors

'I think we're just in shock,' supervisor says on estimate of up to $100 million for Domes.

DNR Funding New Beach for South Shore Park

New South Shore Beach could be constructed in 2024.

County Committee Moves to Replace Private Bus Security

Proposal includes 51 new 'Transit Rangers' trained and maintained by the county.

Whitnall Park Golf Course Getting Redesign

A public meeting is being held Sept. 14 on changes at golf course.

Share Your Opinion on Ravine Road

Sup. Wasserman will hold two community meetings on future of roadway through Lake Park.

Parks Preparing for New, Improved Harley Park

Former Highland Park to get extensive landscaping and then funding from Harley Davidson.

Do We Really Need Ravine Road?

And did Olmsted really want cars motoring through Lake Park?

South Shore Breakwater Getting Emergency Repairs This Fall

But 2023 budget politics may have killed appetite for long-term repairs.

Ravine Road Debate Heats Up

Local parks group wants vehicle access maintained for roadway through Lake Park.

County Executive Hosting Parks ‘Celebrity Softball Game’

Teams include local journalists, artists, business owners, activists, politicians and community leaders.

Sheriff’s Deputy Is Again Sending Controversial Emails To Politicians

The deputy was suspended in 2021 for sending emails to politicians that identified him as Milwaukee deputy.

China Lights Festival Will Return Next Month

Popular art and cultural experience returns to Milwaukee area for the sixth time.

Ravine Road Project Could Begin in 2024, With Pedestrian-Only Option

Parks requesting funding for planning, design and extensive public engagement.

Parks Launches Mitchell Park Campaign

Public engagement campaign aimed at building support, awareness for The Domes, Mitchell Park and a potential project.

Groundbreaking Held For Moss Universal Park

First park in county, and perhaps in U.S. that's wholly accessible for people with disabilities.

Oak Leaf Trail Could Be Extended in 2024

Federal funded trail connections planned in Kohl Park and Bender Park.

Parks Struggling Against Illegal Dumping

County parks have 'hot spots' for illegal dumping by contractors, landlords and others.

Grants Could Fund Marina Upgrades

County grant office and Parks department seek federal and state grants.

Park Being Renamed After Milwaukee Jazz Legend

Cawker Play Area to become Al Jarreau Park.

Historic Stelzer Barn, A Former Hostel, Could See New Life

Greendale entrepreneur proposing major investment in former farm owned by Milwaukee County Parks.

Hank Aaron State Trail Sinkhole Fixed

Trail reopens between S. 76th Street. and S. 89th Street.

Downtown Development Agreements Will Help Fund County Parks

TIF districts for Northwestern Mutual and Fiserv projects funding county park improvements.

City Endorses New Lakefront Marathon Course With Hoan Bridge

Approval eliminates issue that doomed the 2022 race.

Donors Interested in Saving Mitchell Park

But not necessarily saving the domes. Local supervisor, Parks and philanthropic community moving toward a new Mitchell Park project.

County Sales Tax Hike Gets First Approval

County officials detail future cuts without sales tax plan, as Parks Department is halved and senior centers eliminated.

Sinkhole Closes Part of Hank Aaron State Trail

Trail closed between S. 76th St. and S. 89th St.

An Eagle Statue for Jacobus Park

Descendants of park's namesake wish to donate a statue to the park, named for energy company founder, former supervisor.

Oak Leaf Trail Projects Could Start in 2024

List includes a new ramp near UW-Milwaukee and trail modernization projects.

Community Invited to Participate in Painting of New Cawker Park Mural

The park is soon to be renamed Al Jarreau Park in honor of the late great legendary musician born in Milwaukee.

Bikes, Sculptures and Lots of Music

Week two of Summerfest headlines another packed Milwaukee summer weekend.

Switching To Electric Vehicles Would Save Milwaukee County Money

A new analysis of fleet electrification shows savings along with massive reduction in emissions.

Could MCTS Have New Security by 2024?

Task Force rushing to finalize a proposal for county buses before budget season. Will it work?

Milwaukee to Celebrate Independence Day in 2023

Tradition of City Celebrations to Include Fireworks, Family Activities, and Community Events

July 3 Fireworks A Week Away

But a new rule: No camping for annual fireworks. And volunteers sought to help clean up parks afterward.

Pushing Sand at McKinley Beach

850 truckloads of sand will be hauled in for reconstruction of beach.

Parks Seeks Sponsors for Free Admission Days

Milwaukee County Parks wants to offer special free admission days to three venues in 2024.

The City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention Grants $370,000 to Summer of Healing Awardees

“Active Streets” Serves As Road-to-Trail Test Runs

Milwaukee County Parks closing sections of Little Menomonee and Lincoln Creek parkways.

Meet Up And Eat Up, Milwaukee! Summer Meals Program Provides Three Daily Meals to Kids, Teens and Families

Kickoff event highlighted Summer Meals, educational and recreational programs at 140+ sites throughout Milwaukee County

Community invited to provide input on forthcoming Cawker Park murals

What Is The Future Of Doyne Park?

Golf course closed in 2022. Park could become a natural prairie or mountain bike trail.

Bastille Days Celebrates 40th Anniversary July 13 – 16

One of the world’s largest French festivals will bring back old traditions, new entertainment for 2023 iteration

Universal Ability Park Could Be Named Moss Park

Wisconsin Avenue Park would be redeveloped and renamed after major donor.

How To Get to Summerfest 2023

No car? No problem. Here are 9 other ways to get there.

County Could Pay For Old Loomis Road Repair, After Rejecting State Funding

New Sup. Kathleen Vincent seeks repairs stymied by former board.

Chill on the Hill begins June 6, 2023

6th Annual Promise Zone Bike Ride set for Saturday, June 3

Fireworks Return to Milwaukee’s Lakefront on July 3rd

Think Tank Studying Ways to Finance Parks Maintenance

Massive backlog of county parks infrastructure projects requires creative solutions.

2023 Guide to Farmers Markets in Milwaukee

All located in the city, offering fresh foods, entertainment and community this summer.

Storm the Bastille, Milwaukee’s Only Downtown, Nighttime 5K Run/Walk Returns for 2023

As many as 5,000 participants will help celebrate 40 years of Milwaukee’s French Festival

The Roundhouse Kicks Off Second Season

McKinley Marina beer garden and snack stand will host grand opening on May 25.

County Programs Win 5 National Awards

National Association of Counties' non-competitive awards praise Milwaukee's innovations.

Milwaukee County Wins Five 2023 NACo Achievement Awards

Awarded for Mental Health Emergency Center, Credible Messenger Program, Electronic Patient Care Records System, Strategy Dashboard, and Parks Foundation

27 Pools, Splash Pads and Water Parks Opening in Milwaukee

County boosts the number of facilities it will open for 2023 season.

Parks Adds More Lifeguards For Pools

Pool openings to be announced in the coming week.

Jazz in the Park Is Back Thursday Nights starting June 1

“Milwaukee’s Original Date Night” in Cathedral Square Park celebrates over 30 years with jazzy new lineup

Parks Rethinking Its Building Portfolio

System maintains old, unused buildings as it struggles with inadequate budget. Could some buildings be eliminated?

Red Arrow Park Roller Rink Opens

Downtown ice rink now a roller skating rink seven days a week during warm months.

Johnny’s Hot Sauce Popping Up at 1840 Brewing

Plus: Funky Fresh goes wholesale, Third Space adds food, Juneau Park adds beer garden.

Parks Plans to Rebuild Washington Park Bridges

Aggressive construction timeline to replace two lagoon bridges by end of year.

Chairwoman Nicholson Celebrates Success of Roller Skating Initiative at Red Arrow Park

New Beer Garden Opening in Juneau Park

No longer traveling, downtown park will have a summer-long beer garden.

Parks System Hits Record Revenue

Golf, beer gardens and facility rentals keeping the parks system afloat.

Parks for People or Pavement?

Parks department wants to reduce the paved footprint in Milwaukee County.

raSmith Provides Multi-Disciplinary Services for Reconstruction of Root River Parkway

Collaboration With Milwaukee County Parks and Milwaukee County Engineering Leads to Enhanced Safety, Access, and Sustainability

Supervisor Vincent Invites Residents to Enjoy Newly Renovated Whitnall Park Beer Garden

Parks Planning More Aquatic Facility Openings This Summer

The department is planning to open more splash pads and wading pools, and to focus lifeguards on waterparks.

Jazz At The Vine Music Series Expands To 6 Concerts This Summer Beginning May 25

Lincoln Creek Road-to-Trail Project Beginning

Parks department will convert roadway to bicycle and pedestrian trail.

Parks Department Planning to Improve Restroom Access This Summer

Department unable to open all public restroom facilities in recent years, prompting resident complaints to county supervisors.

Chill on the Hill Announces 2023 Lineup

Diverse Lineups Released for Musical Mondays’ 25th Season and Wonderful Wednesdays Shows in Lake Park This Summer

Special opera performance to kick off 2023 summer music in the park

Board Approves Harley Park Deal

Plus: County board approves Juvenile Justice Center redevelopment, Sherman Park projects and settlement for opioid lawsuit.

Harley-Davidson Foundation’s $350,000 Investment, Highland Park Renaming Approved by Board

Zablocki Golf Course Getting Synthetic Turf

Will become first public course in county to get artificial greens and tee boxes.

Supervisors Back Sherman Park Overhaul

Funding for Sherman Park improvements approved by powerful Committee on Finance.

Highland Park To Become Harley Park

The Harley-Davidson Foundation offers $350,000 for park improvements and 10 years of maintenance.