Milwaukee Recreation to Hold Grand Reopening Ceremony for Newly Renovated Modrzejewski Playfield

Milwaukee Recreation will hold a grand reopening ceremony on Tuesday, July 8 at 11:00am to mark the completed renovations to Modrzejewski Playfield (1020 W. Cleveland Ave.) The event is open to the public. Community leaders and Milwaukee Recreation staff will also be in attendance.

Completed in summer 2025, the renovated playfield includes:

• Modern playground equipment
• A state-of-the-art splash pad
• Painted play zones and new basketball courts
• Comfortable plaza seating, shade structures, and updated lighting
• New walking paths and a multipurpose field
• Refreshed fieldhouse, remodeled restrooms, and a community room

Major renovations began in 2024 and were guided by extensive community feedback gathered through in-person workshops and online surveys. These changes aim to create a vibrant, inclusive hub for families, youth, and neighbors.

“We are excited to see the completion of another revitalized community playfield,” said Brian Litzsey – Director, Milwaukee Recreation. “The improvements at Modrzejewski Playfield are truly impressive, and we’re incredibly proud of the final result. It’s a beautiful, dynamic space where children and families can gather, play, and create memories for years to come.”

Modrzejewski Playfield holds deep historical significance. In 2005, Mayor Tom Barrett renamed the former Cleveland Avenue Playground to honor Milwaukee native Robert J. Modrzejewski, a highly decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Modrzejewski received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic leadership during Operation Hastings in the Vietnam War. The renaming not only recognizes his extraordinary service, but also honors his personal connection to the site, where he spent time as a child.

For more information visit mkerec.net/mod.

Milwaukee Recreation is a department of Milwaukee Public Schools, established in 1911 to enrich and strengthen the community by promoting healthy lifestyles, personal development, and fun through memorable recreational and educational experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Milwaukee Recreation is recognized as an accredited agency through NRPA and CAPRA. For more information, visit mkerec.net or contact Claire McHugh (Claire@mkerec.net) at (414) 475-8634 or Brian Hoffer (Brian@mkerec.net) at (414) 475-8938.

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.