Milwaukee County Parks

County To Get a New Plan For Trail Network

County receives grant funding from the state to update its Trails Network Plan.

County Finds Success With Beer Gardens

Over past decade, county revived history of beer gardens in Milwaukee. And it paid off.

State Awards $4.4 Million for Oak Leaf Trail Projects

Projects include a new connection, trail flooding mitigation and trail modernization.

A Summer-Long Beer Garden for Juneau Park?

As long as Milwaukee County Parks doesn't violate federal tied house prohibitions.

County Parks Fights Ash Borer With Reforestation

Milwaukee County has removed 25,000 trees, but is ramping up its replacement effort.

Crowley Introduces 2023 Budget Laden With ‘Tough Decisions’

Budget increases parks, other departments funding, but shows that cuts are on the horizon.

Massive Tree Planting & Wetland Restoration Program Inaugural Event to Reduce Flooding Risks in the Region

County To Seek Historic Designation for Domes

Board wants National Register of Historic Places listing. A first step toward saving Domes?

DNR, WHEDA Host Home And Habitat Fest At Havenwoods State Forest

Event Unites Housing And Natural Resources

Lake Park Bridge Overhaul Nears Completion

Bridge to reopen next month after six-year closure

Wisconsin Avenue Park Will Be Area’s First With Universal Access

First in southeastern Wisconsin where everything full accessible for those with disabilities.

Supervisors Demand A Domes Plan

Parks Committee recommends pursuing historic designation. But then what?

Task Force Rejects ARPA Funding for Domes

Supervisors want to use $19 million in pandemic stimulus funds to begin fixing Mitchell Park Domes.

Supervisors Martinez, Zerpa, and Martin Disagree with ARPA Task Force Decision to Reject Funding the Mitchell Park Domes

“I am disappointed that our historic domes weren’t guaranteed a future today. This landmark is not only beloved by the south side of Milwaukee, but it is an iconic structure that is enjoyed by visitors from around the world.” said Supervisor Zerpa.  

Could Domes Get National Historic Designation?

Supervisors draft legislation to start the nomination process.

Should County Parks Serve Wine, Spirits?

State law prevents this. County officials pushing legislators to allow this as a revenue generator.

Kosciuszko Park Center May Be Expanded

Repairs, expansion of dormant community center could cost $33.8 million.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center to Host Annual Back to School Event

Crowley Vetoes Downtown Roller Rink

Roller rink in Red Arrow Park won't happen this summer, but idea may not be dead.

Concession Stand at McKinley Marina Now Open

Bartolotta Restaurants has opened Roundhouse, will serve snacks and refreshments with lakefront views.

Supervisors Propose Parks Youth Corps

A program for high school students to learn, earn a stipend and help maintain the parks.

Crowley Signs McKinley Beach Funding

Project will restore beach to original swimming depths to reduce dangerous riptides.

City of Milwaukee’s Independence Day Fireworks Rescheduled for August 2, 2022

North Avenue Bridge Project Finished

Say goodbye to those pesky detours as Milwaukee County finishes job.

Burnham Playfield Reopens To Happy Crowd

Southside park boasts splash pad, playground, futsal and basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields

Downtown Roller Rink Looks Unlikely

Board struggles to find funding, plan lacks true budget and rink won't be ready for this summer.

Jazz in the Park Is Back Thursday Nights starting July 21

Free summer concert series in Cathedral Square Park ‘Jazz’s up’ this year’s Lineup

Parks May Convert Roads to Bike, Pedestrian Trails

Plan would convert 1.3 miles of Little Menomonee and Lincoln Creek parkways.

Supervisor Burgelis Will Host Neighborhood Discussion on the Future of Doyne Park

Bastille Days and the Milwaukee Art Museum Celebrate French Culture in July

Four-day French festival and museum events bring Joie de vivre back to MKE

Chill on the Hill Opens Tonight, June 7, 2022

The Slow Decline of Milwaukee Youth Sports

First in a two part series.

July 3 Fireworks Return!

After a two-year hiatus, fireworks return to Milwaukee's lakefront.

Seasonal Worker Shortage Hurts Parks System

Decades of staff cuts forced parks to rely on a now-disappearing seasonal workforce.

Wasserman Introducing Legislation to Immediately Address McKinley Beach Safety

Downtown Roller Rink Looks Feasible

Downtown BID offers help, parks report says temporary structure needed to protect Red Arrow ice rink.

Lifeguard Shortage Limits Pool Openings Again

No lifeguards at beaches in 2022, limited pool openings.

Enjoy Diverse Mix of New Offerings and Favorites at Lake Park’s Musical Mondays Series Over Eight Nights in July and August

Also, Wonderful Wednesdays Brings Great Entertainment for Kids and Families

Milwaukee’s Only Downtown and Nighttime 5K Run/Walk, Storm the Bastille, Returns in Person for 2022

Lakefront Beer Garden Will Return

War Memorial beer garden, operated by Kegel's, will offer longer hours, live music, weekly bike rides.

East Town Association Reboots Beloved Events for 2022

Bastille Days, Jazz in the Park and the Market return to Cathedral Square

Bartolotta Opening Concession at McKinley Marina

The Roundhouse in McKinley Park will sell light snacks, drinks and some boating items.

Supervisor Burgelis Encourages Residents to Visit Villa Terrace Olmsted Exhibition

Chill on the Hill 2022

Choice School Must Pay Property Taxes

Deal for Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy to purchase former MPS school will require this.

County Faces Drastic Budget Decisions

County is short $87 million over the next five years, could force massive cuts in service.

Bald Eagles Now Reside In Milwaukee

Pair of eagles have nest in county park. Bald eagles now found in all 72 counties in state.

County Board Candidates

Seven districts out of 18 have competitive races. See who is on your ballot.

County Board Says Send In The Goats

In perhaps his last act as a supervisor, Jason Haas secures funding for a county goats program.

Local Breweries Collaborate on Milwaukee River Clean-up for Earth Month

Six breweries along the Milwaukee River invite the public to clean up the trails, parks and river corridor together on April 2

Vel R. Phillips Trailblazer Award and Girls’ Day Scholarship honors bestowed

Red Arrow Park Could Be Summer Roller Rink

Parks will develop a plan to operate a roller rink for when winter ice skating shuts down.

It’s Back After a 2-Year Absence Caused by COVID!

20th Annual Humboldt Park Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday, April 2

New Plans Aims To Grow 13th Street

Extension of KK River Trail, traffic calming for Oklahoma Ave and safety improvements for S. 13th Street.

Bridge Repairs Shutting Down North Avenue Bridge

County-owned bridge example of crumbling infrastructure in backlog of projects.

Board Approves Climate Change Plan

Led by Sup. Haas, board approves plan to annually analyze, adapt to local impacts of global climate change.

Army Corps, MMSD Revitalizing Honey Creek

6,700 feet of concrete lining will be removed from stream bed.

Milwaukee Preservation Alliance February 2022 Milwaukee County Supervisor Candidate Survey

Candidates share views on historic preservation, future of Mitchell Park Domes

Reimagining Kosciuszko Community Center

Parks developing plans for redeveloped Kozy, but elected officials still haven't funded a new air conditioning system.

Supervisors Push Federal Review of State Funding

Is huge decline in state aid to county a violation of residents' civil rights?

How to Save Our County Parks

Citizens can get involved and make a difference.

County Seeks Federal Grant for Flooded Trail

Flooded area in Root River Parkway submerges trail for most of the year, requires realigning

Parks Finishes New Kegel-Alpha Trail Plan

Proposal for controversial trail modifications in Mangan Woods in Greendale finalized.

Pension Costs Decimated County Services

New generation of leaders has inherited government unable to pay for parks, buses, buildings and basic services.

Land Sale Could Finance Parks Repairs

Board's finance committee approves using $1 million from sale of County Grounds land.

How Can Milwaukee Save Its Parks?

Policy researchers, public officials say new tax revenue, and public-private partnerships.

Committee Approves Goats Proposal

Unanimous vote for studying use of goats to clear invasive species and perhaps create a “Goatapalooza.”

County Can’t Afford Park System

Fewer local tax dollars available for parks. Officials call for new revenue sources.

Federal Funds For Trails Increasing

State legislators, advocates excited by potential for more bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

MLK Community Center to Host Make a Family Smile 2021 Drive-Thru Turkey Drive

Cathedral Square’s New Frame

Streetscaping project aims to beautify park, support community events.

Board Adopts 2022 Budget of $1.2 Billion

Rising sales tax revenue plugs budget deficit. Federal ARPA funds largely saved for future investments.

Construction Underway on ‘Frame the Square’ Project in Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square

Streetscaping project will bring needed upgrades to the perimeter of the square; all park amenities will remain open and accessible throughout construction

Proposal Aims To Recruit More Lifeguards

Major lifeguard shortage closed pools in 2021.

KK River Oak Leaf Expansion Planned

Bike trail would run between S. 27th St. and S. 16th St. on the south side of the river.

Trunk or Treat…It’s About the Children and Community Festival happening Sunday

Budget Amendment Bolstering Park System Recommended by Finance Committee

Finance Committee Recommends Removal of $2.4 Million from Sheriff’s Budget

Funds would be spent instead on human needs, infrastructure

Send In The Goats?

Sup. Haas wants goats to clear overgrown foliage, invasive species in parks. 'The goats would go home at night.'

Wheel Park Planned For Emigh Playfield in Tippecanoe

Would be city's first park targeted at BMX bikes, skateboards, scooters and skates.

Clancy Applauds Efforts to Provide Healthy Food to Individuals in County Care, Considers Restart of Farm

Milwaukee Marathon Canceled Second Year In A Row

The event was struggling with permitting for the course and security.

Parks Wants ‘Emergency’ Designation For Oak Leaf Sinkhole

Needs emergency authorization to quickly repair bike trail sinkhole and prevent flooding.

Future of Two Golf Courses in Question

Fate of Doyne and Noyes golf courses unclear, given financially hobbled parks system.

Supervisor Coggs-Jones and King Advisory Inc. Invite Community to the 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Book Bag Giveaway

New Park Opens in Historic Third Ward

New Gas Light Park is small and all about the children.

Milwaukee Missed Golden Opportunity with Bucks Championship

A 1% sales tax would have generated new revenue for parks and public transit.

Work Starting on Cathedral Square Upgrade

Changing popular park's perimeter to accommodate crowds, make square more attractive

Parks Planning Oak Leaf Trail Projects

Seeking federal grant money to build new ramp and modernize bike paths.

What They’re Saying: Wisconsin Businesses Beg for Help as Assembly Considers Veto Override

Food Truck Festival Coming to McKinley Park Saturday

Park'd Pop-Up Pub & Grub will have food trucks and a 1960's milk truck dispensing beer.

Food Truck Festival Coming to Milwaukee Lakefront Saturday

The Nature Conservancy Kicks Off Milwaukee program With Lamont Smith

Milwaukee Downtown Hosting “Art in the Park”

Red Arrow Park will be site of live canvas and chalk mural painting through August 11th.

EPA Administrator Tours Pulaski Park

Michael Regan calls MMSD and county project to revitalize KK River a national model.

Bay View Dog Park Reopened

The barks are back. Last of seven Milwaukee County dog parks to reopen.