New Community-Inspired, Accessible Playground Celebrated at Popuch Park

MILWAUKEE, WI — Milwaukee County Parks is excited to announce the grand opening of the new Popuch Park Playground, a beloved neighborhood destination and one of the oldest playgrounds in the County Parks system. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 3:30 PM, welcoming families to explore the new space.

Originally installed in 1999, Popuch Park Playground has served generations of families in the community. Recognizing its age and wear, the site was prioritized for replacement in the 2024 adopted capital budget, part of Milwaukee County Parks’ continued investment in safe, inclusive, and vibrant public spaces.

The renovated playground now offers:

• Safe, fun, and accessible play areas for children ages 2–12
• Brand-new surfacing combining poured-in-place rubber and engineered wood fiber for comfort and safety
• Comfortable benches for parents and caregivers to relax
• A friendship swing, one of only a few in the park system
• New bike racks for visitors
• Updated asphalt paths for smoother, more accessible routes

“Milwaukee County Parks are vital community spaces that bring people together, support health and wellness, and create opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors,” said Milwaukee County Executive, David Crowley. “The renovation of Popuch Park Playground represents an important investment in our neighborhoods and our children, ensuring that every family has access to safe, high-quality, and inclusive spaces to play, learn, and grow.”

“This project highlights Milwaukee County’s commitment to investing in neighborhood parks that strengthen our communities,” said Milwaukee County Supervisor, Deanna Alexander. “The new Popuch Park Playground gives local families a safe, modern, and accessible place to play and connect. It’s about more than new equipment; it’s about creating spaces where children can thrive, parents can relax, and neighbors can come together.”

“For more than 20 years, Popuch Park Playground has been a cherished part of this community,” said Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks. “This brand-new playground shows our continued commitment to neighborhood parks and our goal to give every child a safe, fun, and inclusive place to play close to home.”

Community input was central to the project’s design. In spring 2024, Milwaukee County Parks conducted a neighborhood survey, receiving 38 responses that helped shape the final layout, play features, and slide styles. This feedback directly influenced the design, ensuring the new playground reflects the community’s vision. Construction began in fall 2025 and included the removal of outdated equipment, installation of new play structures, and upgrades to site amenities.

Milwaukee County Parks appreciates the participation from the Popuch Park community throughout the planning process. The department looks forward to welcoming families to enjoy the revitalized playground for many years to come.

Popuch Park Playground is the third playground Milwaukee County Parks has replaced this year, following upgrades at Mitchell Airport Park and South Shore Park in 2025.

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.