James Tarantino

Parks Removed One Acre of Concrete in 2023

Parks system making strides in effort to reduce the cost-burden of pavement.

Legalize Hammocks!

Parks Department seeks repeal of ordinance outlawing hammocks in county parks.

Parks Committee Backs Jackson Park Trail ‘Compromise’

Parks committee backs plan to downsize trail conversion along Jackson Park Drive.

Area Supervisors Want Less Road-To-Trail Conversion In Jackson Park

'The trail will be wonderful for everybody else,' but not nearby residents, supervisor says.

Supervisors Oppose Controversial Road-to-Trail Project

Parks department wants portion of Jackson Park Drive with no driveways converted to trail.

Parks System Losing Trees Faster Than It Can Plant Them

Board moving to add funding to 2024 budget for reforestation.

Parks System Proposes Demolition Of Vacant Buildings

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

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?

Ravine Road Debate Heats Up

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

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

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

Parks Rethinking Its Building Portfolio

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

Roller Skating Coming to Red Arrow Park

Summer Spinz will be held every third Friday in June, July and August.

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.

Board Approves Harley Park Deal

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

Supervisors Back Sherman Park Overhaul

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

Harley-Davidson May Revamp Highland Park

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

Underwood Park Wading Pool Could Become Splash Pad

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

Jackson Park Project Faces Resistance

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

Should Road Through Lake Park Be Pedestrianized?

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

Free Golf For Parks Employees?

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

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.

Should County Parks Serve Wine, Spirits?

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

Crowley Signs McKinley Beach Funding

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

North Avenue Bridge Project Finished

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

Downtown Roller Rink Looks Unlikely

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

Parks May Convert Roads to Bike, Pedestrian Trails

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

Seasonal Worker Shortage Hurts Parks System

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

Lifeguard Shortage Limits Pool Openings Again

No lifeguards at beaches in 2022, limited pool openings.

Bridge Repairs Shutting Down North Avenue Bridge

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

Pay Raise, Bonuses Proposed to Address Lifeguard Shortage

Starting wage would be $15 an hour. Returning guards could earn additional $900 in bonuses next year.

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.

Lifeguard Shortage Closes County Pools

Bradford beach will go without guards and only four pools are opening.

County Plans Lakefront Food Festival

Plan is to feature 6 to 10 food trucks at McKinley Marina in July or August.

Hemp Proposal Passed By Committee

4-1 vote okays plan for high-end hemp operation in Mitchell Park greenhouse. Next comes full board.

Battle Over The Winter Farmers Market

Weddings at Domes far more lucrative, Parks leader says, but board backs farmers market.

Jim Sullivan Will Head County Parks

Former state senator is new parks director, will be assisted by Jim Tarantino.

Bucks Sign Contract for Park East Land

Press conference with Abele celebrates award of 10 acres of county land for $1 and big dreams.

County committee approves plan to renovate City Campus complex on west side

Park East corridor underground site issues could cost $10 million to remedy

229 New Apartments in Brewers’ Hill

But one of the two new buildings being developed generated grr-ipes from Matt Wild and Mary Louise Schumacher. Dare we disagree?

Does Milwaukee Need an Aerotropolis?

Many cities have embraced concept of airport centered growth. Is Milwaukee falling behind?

S. 13th St. – W. Oklahoma Ave Business Improvement District Begins Operations

Businesses, property owners, and civic leaders are proud to announce that beginning in 2015BID #50 will begin enhancing the S. 13th St. and W. Oklahoma Ave area.

Milwaukee’s “Stay, Park, Play” Campaign Receives 2nd Year Tourism Grant

Deputy Secretary presents $39,550 check to local tourism officials