Milwaukee County Parks Celebrates Completion of the Little Menomonee River Parkway Roadway-to-Trail Conversion Project

Milwaukee, WI — Milwaukee County Parks is proud to announce the completion of the Little Menomonee River Parkway Roadway-to-Trail Conversion Project, transforming an underutilized and high-maintenance parkway segment into a vibrant, mixed-use trail for walking, biking, and recreation. The new one-mile trail, stretching from Leon Terrace to West Appleton Avenue, is now open to the public.

The project supports Milwaukee County’s vision to become the healthiest county in Wisconsin by advancing racial equity and bridging gaps in access to safe, active recreation. By converting this segment of the Parkway to a non-motorized trail, Parks enhances community health, reduces maintenance costs such as illegal dumping, curbs reckless driving, and enhances the County’s regional trail system of Oak Leaf Trail network.

“Milwaukee County is committed to turning our values into real, tangible improvements for our communities,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “The conversion of this roadway into a trail is an important investment that creates safer spaces, expands access to recreation, and strengthens connections between neighborhoods. By prioritizing equity, safety, and health, we are moving closer to our vision of becoming the healthiest county in Wisconsin.”

“This project is a great example of how Milwaukee County can invest in practical improvements that make a real difference for residents. Transforming this roadway into a safe, accessible trail not only connects neighborhoods but also encourages families to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. It’s a win for safety, health, and quality of life in our community,” said Milwaukee County Supervisor Deanna Alexander

“This project demonstrates how smart design can make our parks safer, healthier, and more sustainable for generations to come,” said Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks. “By converting this section of the Parkway to a dedicated trail, we’ve created a safer and more enjoyable experience for residents while also reducing long-term maintenance demands.”

With an expected 25-year lifecycle, the new trail will reduce maintenance costs by an estimated 50%, saving approximately $12,000 and 52 work hours annually previously dedicated to asphalt patching and road plowing. Those resources can now be reallocated to other park system needs.

Public Input Meetings

During a public open house hosted by Milwaukee County Parks and GRAEF in November 2023 at Maple Tree Elementary School, feedback was gathered from the community. Two design concepts were presented, and the public overwhelmingly supported Concept A, a full roadway-to-trail conversion between Appleton Avenue and Leon Terrace. Residents cited concerns about speeding, illegal dumping, and safety issues significantly reduced during the pilot Active Streets closure that limited vehicle access.

The completed trail now provides nearly one mile of continuous off-street connectivity linking to existing Oak Leaf Trail segments to the north and south, closing a key gap in Milwaukee County’s regional trail system.

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.