Milwaukee County Parks

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.

Planned Wetland Project Pays for Itself

County plans new wetland in Oak Creek Parkway on county-owned agricultural land.

Board Wrings Extra $8,000 Out Of We Energies Deals

Supervisors, parks department gain more money for two utility easements.

WMSE Announces 2023 Backyard BBQ Concert Lineup, Date

Bob Mould Band – featuring legendary artist, and founding member of Hüsker Dü – to headline

Parks Finishes Trails Plan for Northwest Side

Plan would dramatically increase access to trails for majority-Black neighborhoods.

Domes Annual Spring Show Debuts April 8

"Metamorphosis: The Lives of Frogs and Butterflies" captures the creature' lifecycles amid an explosion of colorful spring flowers.

Parks Lifeguard Recruitment Improves

Milwaukee County ahead of last year's recruitment, though not on track for full staffing.

Radio Milwaukee hires Jay Burseth as Director of Major Giving & Grants, names Kris deFelice as Director of Underwriting & Partnerships

Pair brings over two decades of experience to revenue generating roles at non-profit station

Harley-Davidson May Revamp Highland Park

Would pay for improvements but may seek new name for park near corporate campus.

Parks’ Former Barn Youth Hostel Could Be Redeveloped

Seeking developer for barn and residential building on site located on Root River Parkway.

Milwaukee Parks Foundation Launches Resident-Led Park Activation Fund

Foundation calls for residents to submit requests for park projects up to $10,000

Underwood Park Wading Pool Could Become Splash Pad

Splash pad would save money and be more accessible to people in wheelchairs.

Sherman Park Could Get $2.2 Million Overhaul

Partnership of county and Boys & Girls Club would rehab park, add new amenities.

Wisconsin Avenue Park May Be Renamed

Park designed for people of all abilities already has raised $4.1 million in private funds towards its $7 million project cost.

Parks Foundation Boosts Reforestation Effort

Molson Coors, Fund for Lake Michigan funding reforestation staff with donation.

County Transportation Building Going Solar?

Seeking consultants to study installing solar panels at site in Wauwatosa.

South Shore Breakwater Could Be Partially Repaired This Year

County looking for a contractor to repair 2020 storm damage. Feds rejected FEMA aid.

Jackson Park Project Faces Resistance

Some residents oppose plan to convert roadway to pedestrian-bike trail along KK River Parkway.

Supervisors Burgelis and Martinez to Host Public Meeting on Jackson Park Drive Project

Should Road Through Lake Park Be Pedestrianized?

A survey of nearby residents found great support for a pedestrian and bicycle-only Ravine Road.

Superheroes and A Touch of Arendelle On Tap For Red Arrow Park’s “Slice of Ice” Rink

Downtown Ice CAPE-ade and “Broadway Skates” featuring Disney’s FROZEN among the themed skating events for February

Is Hales Corners Ice Rink Project Dead?

The leader of private/public project says so, now that county demands its $75,000 back.

Board Releases Funds for Park Projects

County board approves $1.3 million in maintenance, repairs and new projects for parks.

County Board Funds $1.3 Million in Vital Park Maintenance Projects

Supervisors Stall, Inflate Cost of Sea Wall Project

Cost of McKinley Flushing Channel rises as county board second guesses engineers.

Free Golf For Parks Employees?

Finance Committee approves free and reduced-price golf as a benefit for parks employees.

Cathedral Square Now Features Ice Bar, Immersive Art Exhibit

Milwaukee Downtown plans additional activities, including Broadway-themed ice skating, in coming months.

County Has Open Call for Lifeguards

Parks department hopes to improve lifeguard numbers, open more pools this year.