Urban Ecology Center Reopens Washington Park Branch with Grand Reopening and Winterfest event
Milwaukee, WI, January 22, 2025 – The Urban Ecology Center® (UEC) is thrilled to host the grand reopening of its Washington Park branch on February 1st, 2025, following a transformative renovation and expansion project. The Winterfest community event will begin immediately after the reopening ceremony.
The newly expanded Washington Park branch will allow the UEC to significantly expand program offerings. With the renovation, the UEC plans to more than double the capacity of its Neighborhood Environmental Education Project (NEEP), expanding from 13 to 31 schools within three years. This renewed education and community center will also enhance preschool environmental education, amplifying UEC’s impact on Milwaukee’s youth and families.
“We can’t wait to unveil this revitalized community asset and invite even more of our community to connect with nature,” said Terry Evans, Washington Park Branch Director, Urban Ecology Center. “The building is beautiful but we consider it to be a vessel for connecting neighbors to the nature found within Washington Park.”
The Grand Reopening Ceremony will take place at 10:00 am on February 1st, 2025, and will feature remarks from UEC leadership, elected officials, and community partners. Following the ceremony, at 11:00 am, the Winterfest community event will kick off with family-friendly winter activities, tours of the new facility and opportunities to learn more about the UEC’s environmental education programs.
“The renovation of the Washington Park Branch is a testament to our unwavering commitment to this community and our belief in the transformative power of nature,” said Jen Hense, Executive Director, Urban Ecology Center. “As we open the doors to this revitalized space, we look forward to deepening our connection with our neighbors and continuing to inspire a love of the environment for generations to come.”
Washington Park, a Milwaukee County Park, has a long and fascinating history. Wisconsin land is home to native tribes including the Potawatomi, Menominee, and Ho-Chunk. This area became parkland and was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1866 and was home to the Milwaukee Zoo from 1892 to 1961. In 2007 the Urban Ecology Center became part of the Washington Park community when it opened its branch in the former boathouse on the Lagoon.
The Washington Park improvements are part of UEC’s Imagine Campaign, launched in 2021 in response to community input calling for an expanded reach of its programs. Thanks to the generosity of countless community supporters the UEC has nearly reached its $19.6M fundraising goal for the Washington Park project.
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.
Recent Press Releases by Urban Ecology Center
Urban Ecology Center 7th Annual HKE MKE Returns with a Week Full of Events
Sep 20th, 2021 by Urban Ecology CenterHikes support local organization, presented by the Rotary Club of Milwaukee
