Milwaukee County Parks Launches Vision for Super Splash Pad at Washington Park
Image from Milwaukee County Parks.
Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee County Parks has officially issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a qualified consultant team to lead the design and planning of a new super splash pad at Washington Park, advancing recommendations from the 2025 Parks Aquatics Study and continuing efforts to reimagine the County’s aging aquatic system.
Originally constructed in the early 1960s, the swimming and wading pools in Washington Park (1859 N. 40th St.) have not been fully operational since 2019 due to ongoing maintenance challenges.
“This is an exciting step forward in reimagining Washington Park’s aquatics area for future generations,” said Guy Smith, Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director. “We are committed to creating a space that reflects community needs, improves accessibility, and provides a safe, engaging, and modern water experience for families across Milwaukee County.”
The proposed project will be planned in the same location of the park and includes demolition of the existing deep-well swimming pool and wading pool, along with the design of an expanded, super splash pad. Planned features include interactive elements such as multi-level play structures, slides, tipping buckets, water cannons, and spray features for all ages. Parks will also evaluate whether the existing small splash pad is able to remain open through construction to support community needs while the new amenity is built.
Community input will play a central role in shaping the future of the Washington Park aquatics area. Milwaukee County Parks’ Community Engagement team in partnership with Rooted & Rising will host a public input meeting on Thursday, May 21 from 5:30-7:00 pm, at the Washington Park Senior Center, inviting residents to share their ideas, preferences, and priorities for this space.
Milwaukee County Parks is also working closely with Rooted & Rising and neighborhood partners to ensure the design process reflects the voices of those who live in and use the community most.
“We want this to be a space that truly belongs to the community,” said Tony Giron, Milwaukee County Parks Community Engagement Manager. “By working with partners like Rooted & Rising and hosting public engagement opportunities, we are making sure the final design is informed by the people who know Washington Park best.”
A spokesperson from Rooted & Rising encourages residents to lift their voices and engage in this process to help shape a space the community will use and enjoy.
Milwaukee Parks Foundation will play a key role in supporting the project through fundraising efforts that will complement existing public funding.
“Milwaukee Parks Foundation is excited to support this transformative project at Washington Park,” said Rebecca Stoner, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Parks Foundation. “This is an opportunity to invest in a more vibrant and equitable Washington Park that serves all visitors for years to come. Milwaukee Parks Foundation is committed to raising funds for this project, centering neighborhood voice to ensure the future aquatics amenity is responsive to community need.”
Washington Park is one of Milwaukee County’s most historic and active regional parks, home to a wide range of amenities including sports courts, playgrounds, trails, a lagoon, the Urban Ecology Center, and more. This project represents a significant investment in the park’s future and aligns Milwaukee County Parks’ broader strategy to modernize and right-size its aquatics system.
For more information about the project and upcoming engagement opportunities for this project, visit: https://www.mkecountyparks.org/washington-park-aquatics-plan
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.
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