Milwaukee County Parks Celebrates a Year of Enhancements and New Beginnings

Milwaukee County Parks Celebrates a Year of Enhancements and New Beginnings
Milwaukee, WI – The Milwaukee County Parks Department is proud to reflect on a year marked by significant achievements and improvements across our beloved park system.

“Investing in Milwaukee County Parks is good for our economy, our health, and our quality of life. That’s why since I took office, we’ve increased the Parks budget by almost $10 million,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “I am proud that several exciting capital projects moved forward in 2024. Looking ahead, we know our County Parks system will require additional investments and upgrades. My administration will keep working to tackle our deferred maintenance backlog and invest back into our parks, trails, and outdoor amenities so we can provide families and kids with safe and accessible spaces, make our communities more vibrant, and support the health and wellbeing of Milwaukee County residents.”

From playground upgrades to new recreational facilities, here are some of the highlights from 2024:

1. Tiefenthaler Park and Walker’s Square Park Improvements
   Both Tiefenthaler Park and Walker’s Square Park received official approval for significant upgrades this year, enhancing the community spaces with modern amenities and increased accessibility.
2. New Greens at Zablocki Golf Course
   Golf enthusiasts welcomed the installation of new synthetic greens and tee boxes, the first of their kind in the state of Wisconsin, at Zablocki Golf Course, providing a superior playing surface and enhancing the overall golfing experience.
3. McKinley Beach Reopening
   After much anticipation, McKinley Beach proudly reopened to the public, boasting restored facilities and improved safety measures to ensure a welcoming environment for all visitors.
4. Froemming Park Pickleball Courts
   The grand opening of the new Pickleball Courts at Froemming Park was celebrated, introducing this fast-growing sport to more community members and enriching our recreational offerings.
5. Vogel Park Playground Ribbon Cutting
   Vogel Park’s new playground was unveiled, featuring innovative play equipment designed for children of all abilities, underscoring our commitment to inclusive play spaces.
6. Mitchell Airport Park Playground Groundbreaking
   A groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of construction for the new Mitchell Airport Park Playground, set to provide a creative and engaging environment for children by spring 2025.
7. Little Menomonee River Parkway to Trail Project
   The groundbreaking for the transformation of the Little Menomonee River Parkway into a trail project began, aiming to enhance connectivity and outdoor activities in the area.
8. Lyons Park Playground Upgrades
   The community celebrated the ribbon cutting for significant upgrades at Lyons Park Playground, which now features modern play structures that foster safe and fun outdoor activities.
9. New Pickleball Courts at West Milwaukee Park
   West Milwaukee Park also saw the addition of new Pickleball Courts, further supporting the growth of this popular sport within our county parks.
10. Trails Campaign Kickoff
    Since 2020, the public support for trail usage and demand for trail projects has increased significantly. In response, Milwaukee County Parks has kicked off a Trails Campaign with the goal of adding 10 miles of new trails between 2024 and 2026. Our mission is to increase access to recreation equitably, serving all community members while minimizing the impact on natural resources. This campaign aligns with Milwaukee County’s vision for health and racial equity by providing safer alternatives to streets with reckless driving and prioritizing trail projects in historically disinvested communities.

In addition to these projects, Milwaukee County Parks has closed or substantially completed 18 capital projects this year, representing an investment of over $7.6 million dedicated to improving our parks. This includes the upgrades made to the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center as well as making great strides with AOC (Area of Concern) projects.

“These projects reflect our commitment to enhancing Milwaukee County’s green spaces and recreational facilities to benefit our community,” said Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks. “We are proud to provide environments where residents and visitors can engage in healthy, joyful, and inclusive activities.”

Milwaukee County Parks remains dedicated to improving our park system through thoughtful upgrades and the introduction of new facilities, ensuring that our parks continue to be cherished spaces for all.

For more information about these projects or upcoming events, please visit our website.

About Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Parks is dedicated to enriching the lives of the community by providing safe, enjoyable, and affordable recreational opportunities while preserving the natural and cultural resources of the parks. Spanning over 15,000 acres, the Milwaukee County Park System includes more than 150 parks and parkways, over 100 miles of trails, numerous community centers, golf courses, botanical gardens, beaches, and hundreds of playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas. Committed to sustainability, health, and equity, Milwaukee County Parks continues to strive towards a vision where everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy the benefits of green spaces and recreational facilities.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.