Guy Smith, Milwaukee County Parks Chief of Operations.
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Content referencing Guy Smith
Kosciuszko Community Center Gets Federal Funding Boost
County announces federal appropriation for South Side community center.
Feb 23rd, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
County Installs Suicide Prevention Signs in Parks
40 signs going up in parks and along the lakefront.
Nov 14th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Little Menomonee River Parkway No Longer for Cars
County Parks road-to-trail project on northwest side 'now a space for people.'
Nov 4th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Can’t Afford Disaster Recovery
County officials were already cutting the 2026 budget when feds denied disaster aid.
Oct 25th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Allows Advertising on Public Lakefront
Only to get angry feedback from citizens and take down the signs. So no more ads?
Oct 21st, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
State Provides Funding Support for Universal Park
DNR grant boosts new park accessible to those of all abilities.
Oct 4th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Suffered Serious Flood Damage
Dozens of sites damaged. County Executive Crowley repeats call for federal assistance.
Aug 26th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
China Lights Will Be Expanded, Extended in 2025
'Magical Forest' aims to delight visitors.
Aug 8th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley Approves $30 Million for Domes
County will start funding Mitchell Park Domes redevelopment in 2026 budget.
Jul 30th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
New South Shore Park Playground Opens
Parks rebuilds one of the biggest, most popular playgrounds in the system.
Jul 18th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
After Quick Success, Parks Fundraising Effort More Than Doubles In Size
'Cheers to Our Parks' seeks donations for $1.25 million effort.
Jul 18th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Committee Backs $30 Million Domes Deal
But supervisors are worried about projects in their districts that won't get funded.
Jul 8th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Celebrating 100 Years of A Sewage Plant
Jones Island is a national landmark. Officials gather to mark its importance.
Jun 25th, 2025 by Jeramey Jannene
The Uncertain Future of Hales Corners Park Pool
Sup. Logsdon wants to fill the pool and see if anything needs fixing. And then?
Jun 21st, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Divided on McGovern Park Senior Housing Project
Halfway through its review process, it remains unclear if project will pass.
Jun 17th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Will Sell Deep Thought At Public Auction
Boat will be auctioned in whole, or, potentially in pieces.
Jun 14th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Replaces July 3 Fireworks With a Drone Show
Private sponsors will pay for more 'inclusive' show with no explosions.
Jun 4th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Opening Dates Set For 39 Pools, Splashpads, Water Parks
Milwaukee County Parks plans to open several locations in waves.
May 22nd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Replaces Its Oldest Playground
New Mitchell Airport Park playground required federal approval and a special design.
May 9th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Opens Public Golf Courses
All 13 county courses are ready for golfers.
Apr 18th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Big Changes Coming to South Shore Park in 2025
Plus: South Shore Terrace opens for the Season.
Apr 11th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Kicks Off Domes, Wehr Nature Center Discount Days
Free parking at Wehr and discounted admission at the Domes begins Thursday, Feb. 27.
Feb 26th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Indoor Golf Facility Proposed For Noyes Park
Youth golf organization planning 15,000 square foot golf facility, new practice facilities.
Feb 21st, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Withdraw Sade Robinson Memorial
Supervisors pull support on behalf of family after racist messages and abuse.
Feb 1st, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Lifeguard Training Begins For Summer 2025
Parks department has lacked full complement of lifeguards for years.
Jan 7th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Ice Skating Starts Friday at Red Arrow Park
Free 'Slice of Ice' experience will be open as long as weather allows.
Dec 13th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Ribbon Cutting on New Lyons Park Playground
New southwest side playground improves accessibility for children and families.
Oct 31st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisor Adds Domes Project to 2025 Budget
Board advances plan to redevelop the Domes, transfer operations to nonprofit.
Oct 24th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Historical Marker Being Removed From Milwaukee’s Last Indigenous Burial Mound
Milwaukee County Parks removing marker in Lake Park.
Oct 16th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
Milwaukee County Replacing Its Oldest Playground
And it's only happening after a special design flourish was added.
Oct 14th, 2024 by Jeramey Jannene
China Lights “Year of the Dragon” Opens in September
Annual festival will include many new lanterns this year, including a brand new dragon.
Aug 8th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Opens New Playground at Vogel Park
Neighborhood park on northwest side gets new ADA-accessible park.
Jul 31st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Department Joins Pickleball Mania
Free, outdoor pickleball comes to the county parks system.
Jul 1st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Planning 10 Miles of New Trails by 2026
Parks sets ambitious goal, plans to focus trail development on "historically underserved communities."
Jun 20th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Federal Funds Turn Zablocki Golf Course Synthetic
Synthetic tee boxes and greens at golf course are another ARPA success story.
Jun 19th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Officials Celebrate Kletzsch Dam Fish Passage
$3 million project connects fish to 54 miles of habitat that's been out of reach for 80 years.
Jun 12th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Foundation Says Donors Uninterested in July 3 Fireworks
Parks foundation has been working with county to find sponsors for annual event.
May 31st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Zablocki Golf Course Reopens With Synthetic Greens
New greens should save money on water, labor and fertilizer at county-run 9-hole course.
May 25th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
July 3rd Fireworks Canceled
Without a sponsor, annual event is called off by Milwaukee County.
May 24th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
McKinley Beach Reopens After Four Years
Adding and shaping 11,000 cubic yards of sand to create safer, shallower swimming area.
May 22nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Updating Countywide Trail Plan
Planning process seeks citizen input on future of Milwaukee trail system.
May 18th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Juneau Park Beer Garden Opens Friday
Beer garden opens for second season in downtown park with lake views.
May 15th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Cudahy Nature Preserve Receives Old-Growth Forest Designation
Nature preserve recognized by national network of old-growth forests.
May 2nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Boerner Botanical Gardens Opening 50th Summer Season
The prized public gardens open for the season Wednesday, May 1.
Apr 30th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Whitnall Park Beer Garden Opens This Week
Beer garden offering 24 taps and summer pig roasts opens May 1.
Apr 29th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Announces Discount Days for Domes, Wehr Nature Center
Special days each month aim to attract more visitors.
Apr 18th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Public Golf Courses Open for the Season
12 of 13 county golf courses have opened. Golf has become cash cow for Parks.
Apr 9th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
South Shore Beer Garden Opens Wednesday
County's 2024 beer garden season begins at South Shore Park.
Apr 1st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
See The 2024 Traveling Beer Garden Schedule
New stop added at Kops Park.
Mar 21st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Whitnall Beer Garden Opening This Weekend
With unseasonably warm weather, Parks hosting first beer garden pop-up since 2017.
Feb 28th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Funds Crisis Housing in Uptown Neighborhood, Demurs On Southside Dog Park
Plus: A controversial penguin project is funded, funding for southside dog park is paused and 'high-impact' parks projects are funded.
Feb 2nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
New Runway Dog Park? Maybe Not
Funding source and timeline raise concerns, but county board may be split on the issue.
Jan 26th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Ice Skating Returns to Red Arrow Park
Free, outdoor ice rink is finally open.
Jan 5th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Hopeful for Pool Openings in 2024
Committee adds funding to Parks budget for this, but more pools are not guaranteed.
Dec 18th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
So Much for That Free Bike Trail
Supervisors consider killing deal for pedestrian infrastructure that Wauwatosa would pay for.
Dec 13th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisor Pushes Kletzsch Park Dam Overlook
$309,000 project would increase access to river, allow portage for canoes, kayaks.
Dec 9th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Hiring Lifeguards for 2024 Summer Season
Offering bonuses to overcome shortage. Training starts in January.
Nov 28th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Could Park Friends Help Prevent Illegal Dumping?
County officials think neighborhood groups could watch for and report dumping.
Nov 14th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Domes Costs Shock Supervisors
'I think we're just in shock,' supervisor says on estimate of up to $100 million for Domes.
Sep 12th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
DNR Funding New Beach for South Shore Park
New South Shore Beach could be constructed in 2024.
Sep 8th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Launches Mitchell Park Campaign
Public engagement campaign aimed at building support, awareness for The Domes, Mitchell Park and a potential project.
Jul 31st, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Groundbreaking Held For Moss Universal Park
First park in county, and perhaps in U.S. that's wholly accessible for people with disabilities.
Jul 26th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
27 Pools, Splash Pads and Water Parks Opening in Milwaukee
County boosts the number of facilities it will open for 2023 season.
May 19th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Johnny’s Hot Sauce Popping Up at 1840 Brewing
Plus: Funky Fresh goes wholesale, Third Space adds food, Juneau Park adds beer garden.
May 14th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
New Beer Garden Opening in Juneau Park
No longer traveling, downtown park will have a summer-long beer garden.
May 11th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Highland Park To Become Harley Park
The Harley-Davidson Foundation offers $350,000 for park improvements and 10 years of maintenance.
Apr 13th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Cathedral Square Now Features Ice Bar, Immersive Art Exhibit
Milwaukee Downtown plans additional activities, including Broadway-themed ice skating, in coming months.
Jan 19th, 2023 by Sophie Bolich
County Has Open Call for Lifeguards
Parks department hopes to improve lifeguard numbers, open more pools this year.
Jan 18th, 2023 by Graham Kilmer
Brewers Donates Scoreboards to Parks
Brewers Foundation and U.S. Cellular donate $44,000 for new scoreboards in Lincoln and Sherman parks.
Dec 14th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Will Public Pools Open in 2023?
Board adds funding to budget, but lifeguard shortage could still be a problem.
Nov 14th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
County Finds Success With Beer Gardens
Over past decade, county revived history of beer gardens in Milwaukee. And it paid off.
Oct 8th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Wisconsin Avenue Park Will Be Area’s First With Universal Access
First in southeastern Wisconsin where everything full accessible for those with disabilities.
Sep 15th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Demand A Domes Plan
Parks Committee recommends pursuing historic designation. But then what?
Sep 13th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Parks May Convert Roads to Bike, Pedestrian Trails
Plan would convert 1.3 miles of Little Menomonee and Lincoln Creek parkways.
Jun 22nd, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
July 3 Fireworks Return!
After a two-year hiatus, fireworks return to Milwaukee's lakefront.
May 26th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Seasonal Worker Shortage Hurts Parks System
Decades of staff cuts forced parks to rely on a now-disappearing seasonal workforce.
May 25th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
Lifeguard Shortage Limits Pool Openings Again
No lifeguards at beaches in 2022, limited pool openings.
May 20th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
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.
Mar 15th, 2022 by Graham Kilmer
How to Save Our County Parks
Citizens can get involved and make a difference.
Jan 17th, 2022 by Marcelia Nicholson, Guy Smith and Rebecca Stoner
Parks Finishes New Kegel-Alpha Trail Plan
Proposal for controversial trail modifications in Mangan Woods in Greendale finalized.
Dec 29th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
How Can Milwaukee Save Its Parks?
Policy researchers, public officials say new tax revenue, and public-private partnerships.
Dec 9th, 2021 by Edgar Mendez
County Can’t Afford Park System
Fewer local tax dollars available for parks. Officials call for new revenue sources.
Dec 3rd, 2021 by Edgar Mendez
Future of Two Golf Courses in Question
Fate of Doyne and Noyes golf courses unclear, given financially hobbled parks system.
Sep 21st, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Saga Of The Domes Continues
Years after task force report and consultant analysis, county officials finally reviewing the options.
Sep 15th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Milwaukee County Parks Traveling Beer Garden Returns
Rare non-casualty of pandemic has run annually since 2014.
May 14th, 2021 by Michael Horne
Wilson Park ‘Car Garden’ Approved
27th Street BID would create unique garden with plantings, paths and shells of classic cars and trucks.
May 12th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
County Micro-Managing At Its Worst?
Board proposal to oversee all county parks bike trail changes is a head scratcher.
Apr 20th, 2021 by Bruce Murphy
Supervisors Push To Be Bike Trail Czars
Parks committee approves resolution giving it approval power over bike trails maintenance, alterations.
Apr 14th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
Wilson Park Garden Project Delayed
Parks still hasn't inked agreement after two months. Supervisors tell department to move quicker.
Apr 2nd, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
‘Classic Car Garden’ Planned for Wilson Park
The proposal from the business district almost bogged down by administrative red tape.
Jan 28th, 2021 by Graham Kilmer
County Creating More Space in Parks
As parks usage spikes, officials closing some parkways to cars to create more space for recreation.
May 6th, 2020 by Graham Kilmer
Wisconsin Reports 2,122 Positive COVID-19 Cases, 56 Deaths
Despite record increases, officials believe curve is flattening, "safer at home" working.
Apr 4th, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
Resist Spring Fever
Practice social distancing, avoid leaving home when possible.
Apr 3rd, 2020 by Jeramey Jannene
County Plans to Expand South Shore Beer Garden
County announces plans to spend $50,000 to plan and design beer garden expansion.
Oct 2nd, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Domes Task Force Recommends $66 Million Plan
Plan to radically alter the domes and Mitchell Park demands fast decision making.
Aug 14th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
Lake Park Bridge Funding Secured
State funds will help restore Ravine Road Bridge, with some left over for Brown Deer Park.
Jun 12th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
“Think Big!” Domes Task Force Is Told
Consultant hired by county offers bold new vision for the domes and Mitchell Park.
May 15th, 2019 by Graham Kilmer
A ‘Maptacular’ Idea to Fund Parks
New fund for parks from merchandise sold, including unique maps of parks.
Nov 27th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Should County Go Into Hemp Business?
Facing huge budget problems, supervisors push for county to grow and sell hemp.
Sep 17th, 2018 by Graham Kilmer
Battle Over The Winter Farmers Market
Weddings at Domes far more lucrative, Parks leader says, but board backs farmers market.
May 24th, 2018 by Andrea Waxman
