Nowadays, middle and high school sports encompass more than just classics like football, basketball, and track.  At 18 Milwaukee Public Schools esports labs throughout the city, students practice to compete against other schools throughout Wisconsin in video games like Rocket League, Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros, and NBA 2K.  Like traditional athletics, esports is fast-paced and exciting while teaching valuable life skills like teamwork, communication, problem solving, and accountability, said Milwaukee Recreation Esports Program Manager Gabi Olmedo.

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  On Thursday, Dec. 18, the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Board of Directors approved Annie M. Kubes as Milwaukee Recreation’s 12th senior director in the department’s 114-year history. Kubes’ first day in the role will be Dec. 29. She will succeed Brian D. Litzsey, who was promoted to MPS' chief family, community & partnerships officer position in August. Kubes brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked continuously for the department in various part-time and full-time capacities since the age of 16.

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  Washington High School of Information Technology was recognized by Special Olympics at a Dec. 18 ceremony for its successful and inclusive Unified Sports program.  A program of Special Olympics, Unified Sports brings together students with intellectual disabilities, called “athletes,” and students without disabilities, called “partners,” to practice and compete together on the same sports team. Washington’s Unified program, established in 2022, currently includes basketball and flag football teams.

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Milwaukee Recreation has so much to celebrate this holiday season! Through free and low-cost programming for all ages and abilities, we’ve continued our mission of enriching and strengthening the community by promoting healthy lifestyles, personal development, and fun through memorable recreational and educational experiences. From summer and out-of-school programs to sports leagues and wellness classes to arts, music, and more, we provide quality, safe programming across the city.

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  Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Recreation have now helped over 10,000 participants earn their probationary license and practice safe driving since launching the MPS Drive initiative in 2016. Through the MPS Drive program, MPS and Milwaukee Recreation provide currently enrolled MPS students between the ages of 15-17.5 with low-cost driver education. The course is free for all age-eligible students, with only a $35 fee due for a temporary driver's permit.

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  On Thursday, November 20, grantees of the Milwaukee Recreation Partnership for the Arts and Humanities gathered for the second annual Connected Roots Summit at ThriveOn King Collaboration. Milwaukee Recreation’s Partnership for the Arts and Humanities The Partnership for the Arts and Humanities is a $1.7 million allocation of funds by the Milwaukee Board of School Directors to support afterschool and summer arts and humanities-related opportunities for youth and families.

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  The morning air is crisp at Minooka State Park as hundreds of cyclists from schools across Wisconsin gear up for their third race of the 2025-26 season. Among the vast sea of school tents and bike repair stations, Milwaukee Recreation’s mountain bike team (MKE MTB) gathers in front of the Rec ‘N’ Roll Mobile to celebrate their season. Since its inception almost 10 years ago, MKE MTB has evolved into more than just an athletic program; it is a space for young people to find passion, determination, and community.

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  On Saturday, Oct. 18, Milwaukee Recreation youth sports supervisor Gianna Holschbach was recognized by the Urban Learning Collaborative with the 'Rising Star' award. The Urban Learning Collaborative (formerly Milwaukee Teacher Education Center) is a non-profit professional development center that was founded in 1996. The 'Rising Star' award "recognizes an emerging leader whose contributions and growing responsibility expand their sphere of influence across the profession." The event was hosted at Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel in downtown Milwaukee.

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  Joe and Holly Januzzi (née Wintrone) were not interested in a traditional wedding, replete with the grand ceremony, a white dress, and the like. But when Milwaukee County continued its pandemic-era policies that put a pause on courthouse wedding services, Joe and Holly were forced to pivot. Joe Januzzi grew up in nearby Wauwatosa, Wis., just a few blocks from Milwaukee Recreation’s Wick Playfield.

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  During the fall months, the fields outside Beulah Brinton Community Center are packed with a variety of youth sports programming. For many young athletes throughout the city, Milwaukee Recreation’s youth sports programs build the foundation of their sports knowledge and abilities, teaching them essential technical skills and broadening their understanding of teamwork and sportsmanship.  Milwaukee Recreation has served countless young athletes and their families across various sports by providing engaging and accessible leagues, camps, and clinics.

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