Wick Playfield (2024)
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Milwaukee Recreation hosted the grand reopening ceremony for Wick Playfield alongside community members and local leaders!
The newly renovated Wick Playfield (4929 W. Vliet St.) was developed in collaboration with the public to create a safe and accessible space for all of the community’s recreational needs. Based on community input, the renovated site now features modern playground equipment, a splash pad, new basketball courts, comfortable plaza seating, upgraded walking paths, improved lighting, and renovated restrooms.
Following the ceremony, spectators took to the new turf baseball and softball diamonds for some Milwaukee City Conference baseball action between Rufus King and Pulaski, where the first pitch was thrown by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brenda Cassellius and former Milwaukee Recreation director Lynn Greb.
Carmen Playfield (2023)
Carmen Playfield and the fieldhouse were renovated to create an accessible recreation space that supports the diversity of users in its neighborhood.
Site access was clarified through the use of secured vehicle-only entries and improved fencing at the playfield perimeter. Site-wide lighting was installed to support park visitor safety year-round. The fieldhouse renovations included universal access to all common areas, more durable materials and finishes, and improved building security through the installation of new windows and doors.
The playfield is currently used by many different groups, and the new design improves the ability for each to enjoy the park year-round. Multiple low-impact recreational opportunities are now available through the construction of walking loops and seating areas. Renovations included tot-lots and splash pads, a variety of basketball practice play areas, and shaded seating areas. The project also included three Tuj Lub Courts, a popular Hmong game; the courts at Carmen are just the fourth of their kind in the entire country!
Stark Playfield (2023)
Milwaukee Recreation celebrated the grand reopening of Stark Playfield on Thursday, June 13, 2024!
Stark Playfield and the fieldhouse were renovated to create a safe, more accessible, community recreation space in north Milwaukee.
The project involved site-wide earthwork improvements to ensure the space has many level and durable recreation areas, including a high-quality grass multi-sport field with sports lighting, universally accessible tot lot, interactive splash pad with shade structure, asphalt play areas, and updated tennis and basketball facilities.
With the addition of pedestrian-specific park entries, a walking loop for off-street exercise opportunities, and secure gated entries for maintenance vehicles, the new renovation allows all users to access and move throughout the entire playfield more easily. Fencing was replaced around the site to improve the playfield's safety and appearance. The fieldhouse was renovated to establish universal access to all common areas, more durable materials and finishes, and improved building security through the installation of new windows and doors.
Green Bay Playfield (2022)
Green Bay Playfield
Milwaukee Recreation celebrated the grand reopening of Green Bay Playfield with local leaders, community partners, and neighbors on Oct. 8, 2022!
The renovation to the playfield included new basketball and tennis courts, a splash pad, upgraded playground equipment, an obstacle course, shade structures, painted play activities, a kickball and football field, new lighting, seating and picnic areas, an outdoor classroom, increased green space with new plantings, and much more.
Burnham Playfield (2022)
Burnham Playfield
Milwaukee Recreation celebrated the grand reopening of Burnham Playfield with local leaders, community partners, and neighbors on June 29, 2022!
Milwaukee Recreation's renovation to the east portion of Burnham Playfield included the removal of asphalt paving, the planting of shade trees, and the installation of a new synthetic turf soccer field, walking paths, a new playground, and basketball courts. The wading pool at the playfield was also converted into a user-operated splash pad. New and upgraded site amenities have also been added, including improved lighting, benches, and trash receptacles.
Pulaski Playfield (2021)
Milwaukee Recreation and the Milwaukee School of Engineering partnered with a local artist Rozalia Singh to work with the neighborhood on a mural for Pulaski Playfield! In Aug. 2021, the community visited Pulaski Playfield to provide feedback on the mural and meet the artist.
In addition, Milwaukee Recreation and MSOE partnered with Menominee Tribal Enterprises (MTE) to plant a “peace tree” in the playfield. The tree, a white pine grown on Menominee tribal lands, was transplanted to the playfield near Indigenous People’s Day 2021. On Oct. 8, Milwaukee Recreation, MSOE, and MTE celebrated the progress at Pulaski Playfield by unveiling the mural and blessing the peace tree.
Franklin Square Playfield (2021)
Milwaukee Recreation celebrated the grand reopening of Franklin Square Playfield with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 29, 2021.
This playfield includes basketball courts, age-appropriate playground equipment, a splash pad, shade structures, a multi-purpose field, and its own obstacle course!
Clovernook Playfield (2020)
Milwaukee Recreation reopened Clovernook Playfield on Aug 31. 2020, and held a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 31, 2020.
The full playfield renovation included upgraded, age-appropriate playground equipment, a splash pad, basketball courts, shade structures, and a multi-purpose field. New and upgraded site amenities were added, including lighting, benches and trash receptacles.
Southgate Playfield (2020)
Milwaukee Recreation reopened Southgate Playfield in Aug. 2020, and held a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 3, 2020.
The full playfield renovation included asphalt removal and the installation of a new natural turf playfield, shade trees, a walking loop, playground equipment, basketball hoops, and a splash play area. New and upgraded site amenities were also added, including lighting, benches, and trash receptacles.
Ohio Playfield (2020)
The space now features a challenging playground piece with multiple tiers, climbers, and slides. Belt and bucket swings accommodate kids of all ages and an accessible group swing allows children to either lay down and swing alone or swing together. Fun musical play pieces were also added as a unique design element. Finally, shaded picnic tables and benches ensure ample seating options for visitors. The project specified high-quality and durable materials to withstand the demand of this heavily utilized urban park.
The layout transformed asphalt into dynamic play zones, created rolling berms and lawn areas, and added trees and native plantings to enhance the site. Bright colors were selected by the neighborhood during the engagement sessions and add new life to the space.
Custer Playfield (2019)
Milwaukee Recreation hosted the Custer Playfield grand reopening on Sept. 14, 2019 to unveil the playfield's newly constructed basketball courts, age-appropriate play structures, and walking path.
Columbia Playfield (2019)
Milwaukee Recreation celebrated the Columbia Playfield grand reopening on Aug. 17, 2019 to unveil the playfield's newly constructed basketball courts, age-appropriate play structures, splash pads, and walking path.