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Milwaukee Recreation
 
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Current Projects

Milwaukee Recreation

Milwaukee Recreation is on a mission to Dream, Build, and Play at 52 play spaces in Milwaukee.

Based on the work completed via the Equity Prioritization Model, a series of revitalization projects are already underway. The following timeline lays out the preliminary projects.  Recognizing the vital role community engagement and partnerships play in these playfield renovations, we invite you to explore this information and get involved. Collectively we can bring these play spaces back to life and create healthier neighborhoods for our city.

Click on each available link for our proposed playfield plans at each site.


Milwaukee Recreation Playfield Revitalization ProjectMilwaukee Recreation works with the community throughout the entire process to dream and create a new play space deserving of the surrounding neighborhoods. Use the drop-down menu below to find the list of locations that are currently in our community engagement and design phases of the process.

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  Lincoln Playfield

Lincoln Playfield

The renovation process is currently underway to transform Lincoln Playfield and the fieldhouse, creating a safer and more accessible community recreation space in south Milwaukee. Interactive community engagement events were facilitated by Milwaukee Recreation in the summer of 2021.  The visions and feedback gathered from the engagement events have directly informed the decisions for the current design.

  Emigh Playfield

Emigh Playfield

Emigh Playfield is set to be one of the next playfields renovated in Milwaukee. Milwaukee Recreation led community engagement events on site during the summer and fall of 2022. Community participation at these events was critical in determining programming priorities. With guidance from the community and stakeholders, Milwaukee Recreation is moving forward with the site design process. 

  Metcalfe Playfield

Metcalfe Playfield

Milwaukee Recreation hosted three community engagement sessions in 2023 to discuss future renovations to Metcalfe Playfield. All community members were invited to visit these events to provide feedback, review potential designs, and share ideas.

  Cass Street Playfield

Cass Street Playfield

Cass Street Playfield is set to be one of the next playfields renovated in Milwaukee. This will be a partnership with the Green & Healthy Schools Initiative.

Green & Healthy School Initiative and Milwaukee Recreation will be leading community engagement events throughout 2024. Community participation at these events will be critical in determining programming priorities.

  Milwaukee Recreation Community Center & Browning Playfield

Milwaukee Recreation Community Center & Browning Playfield

Milwaukee Recreation is exploring possibilities for a new recreation community center and aquatic facility at the former Browning School and Browning Playfield location (5575 N. 76th St.) The 7.5-acre site contains two unoccupied buildings and Browning Playfield near the intersection of N. 76th St. & W. Silver Spring Dr.

The proposed community center would fill service gaps for a variety of recreation and sports programs, while expanding wellness access in the community for individuals of all ages and abilities. Planned amenities include a gymnasium, indoor pool, multi-purpose rooms, elevated walking track, and more. Potential playfield improvements include, but are not limited to, walking paths, year-round shade structure(s), ADA access to all interior and exterior facilities, lighting and utilities, public art, playground equipment, new or repurposed pickleball courts, splash pad, basketball courts, sports fields, seating, outdoor learning spaces, green infrastructure improvements, skateboarding elements, and landscaping.


Milwaukee Recreation Playfield Revitalization Project

Shovels are in the ground at these playfield locations! Use the drop-down menu below to see which locations are currently under construction.

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  Modrzejewski Playfield

Modrzejewski Playfield

Modrzejewski Playfield and fieldhouse will be renovated to create recreation space that supports the neighborhood. Milwaukee Recreation completed in-person community engagement sessions and online surveys throughout 2021.

This project involves a full-scale renovation of the playfield, and will feature upgraded age-appropriate playground equipment, a splash pad, basketball courts, shade structures, and a multi-purpose field. New and upgraded site amenities will be added, including lighting, benches and trash receptacles.

Playfield renovations construction will begin in 2024 with completion in summer 2025.

  Wick Playfield

Wick Playfield

The renovation process is currently underway to transform Wick Playfield into a neighborhood destination! Interactive community engagement events were facilitated by Milwaukee Recreation in conjunction with the Washington Heights Night Market during the summer and fall of 2022. The visions and feedback gathered from these engagement events, an online survey, and stakeholder meetings have directly informed the decisions being made during the current site design process. Playfield renovations will begin in spring 2024 with completion by the end of 2024.


Milwaukee Recreation Playfield Revitalization Project

With these renovated sites, Milwaukee Recreation is proud to to provide programming to all ages, while community members have a safe place to gather and recreate. We are thrilled to present these spaces to neighborhoods throughout the city!

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  Carmen Playfield (2023)

Carmen Playfield

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)

Stark Playfield

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)

Pulaski Playfield


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)

Franklin Square Playfield

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)

Clovernook Playfield

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)

Southgate Playfield

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)

Ohio Playfield

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)

Custer Playfield

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)

Columbia Playfield

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.

 

Contact Us

For more information on the Master Plan Update:

Pamela Zimmerman

Specialist - Design & Development
Email: Pam [at] mkerec.net

Jeff Dhein-Schuldt

Manager - Design & Development
Email: Jeff [at] mkerec.net

Jason Wilke

Manager - Design & Development
Email: JasonW [at] mkerec.net

Stephanie Wilson

Manager - Design & Development
Email: Stephanie [at] mkerec.net

(When emailing our staff, please replace the "[at]" with a traditional "@" symbol. Ex: Staff@mkerec.net)

© Milwaukee Public Schools 2022
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