Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee Announces Multimillion-Dollar Sherman Park Renovation

MILWAUKEE– (April 16, 2024) Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee (BGCGM) is pleased to announce Sherman Park Re-Imagined, a multimillion-dollar renovation of the park which has been home to the Mary Ryan Boys & Girls Club since 1991. The project features 12 exterior park improvements and will begin phase one construction in spring 2024.

Planning for the project began in 2021 with a series of community meetings and work with Milwaukee County Parks leadership, as well as County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson and County Supervisor Felesia Martin.

“The project to improve Sherman Park has been quite a few years in the making and we couldn’t be more excited that we are ready to break ground and get underway,” BGCGM President and CEO Kathy Thornton-Bias said. “Sherman Park is a historical landmark, and we are proud to house our Mary Ryan Club here in the heart of this community. BGCGM is here for the long term, and we are committed to improving this space and seeing the benefits it brings to our community and the youth we serve.”

Along with the Milwaukee County Parks, Ascension Healthcare provided significant funding to BGCGM.

In addition to providing significant funding for the park renovation, Ascension Wisconsin is also expanding its free oral health program at the Mary Ryan Clubhouse to provide free dental care to an anticipated 750 kids at the park during the summer months.

“St. Joseph Hospital and Sherman Park have been longtime neighbors in this Milwaukee community, and neighbors support each other,” said Ascension Wisconsin CEO Daniel Jackson. “Ascension Wisconsin is pleased to contribute to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee to renovate Sherman Park and to deliver more care to the people in this community, aligning with our Mission of helping all people, especially those most vulnerable.”

Additional funding for Sherman Park Re-Imagined includes a federal earmark recommended by U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore, and gifts from MacKenzie Scott and Herb Kohl Philanthropies.

Phase one construction will begin with new lighting throughout the park, new pathways and a new splashpad for the community to enjoy. Completion of phase two of the project is estimated for November 2024, pending additional funding and weather. Both Sherman Park and the Mary Ryan Club will remain open while construction is ongoing.

A ceremonial groundbreaking celebration is slated for Wednesday, April 24 at 11:30 a.m.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee (BGCGM) is one of the largest and longest youth-serving agencies in Milwaukee and the largest Boys & Girls Club in the country. With more than fifty locations in the city of Milwaukee, BGCGM provides youth ages 4-18 with safe, fun, enriching after-school and summer programming including academic support, mentorship, organized athletics, arts, and nutritious meals. Our programs strengthen academic performance, build character, encourage healthy lifestyles, and meet the basic needs of Milwaukee’s youth. More than 80 percent of BGCGM’s annual budget goes toward youth programming. Learn more at www.bgcmilwaukee.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.