MKE Parks

MKEparks is a City of Milwaukee, Department of Public Works, neighborhood park system. MKE Parks, a City of Milwaukee neighborhood park system, provides outdoor play opportunities in over 60 locations across the City of Milwaukee.
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MKE Parks are funded through the City of Milwaukee and private donations. In collaboration with neighborhood partners, we empower residents to re-create public spaces that reflect local needs, interests, and identity. In doing so, previously underutilized parks are transformed into enriching play environments which provide positive physical, social and economic impact to the areas they serve. All kids deserve quality play opportunities and we work to ensure that is the case in Milwaukee.

Mission: 1. To provide residents with safely walkable community spaces that reflect their recreational needs, interests, identity. 2. To improve community health by encouraging physical activity, interaction with nature, and positive social interaction. 3. To transform underutilized public spaces into high-quality neighborhood parks with unique opportunities for physical activity and play.

Operating as usual

01/15/2021

The Gardner Park Community Gathering Space, made possible via a grant from AARP, is coming together! Here are some progress pics! Tables with game boards, benches, a neighborhood information kiosk, and flower plantings will be arriving later this year!

A great article detailing how cities are partnering with schools to make more park space available during this pandemic....

01/13/2021

This nonprofit is turning empty schoolyards into vibrant public parks

A great article detailing how cities are partnering with schools to make more park space available during this pandemic. https://www.fastcompany.com/90592974/how-one-nonprofit-is-turning-empty-school-yards-into-vibrant-public-parks?partner=rss&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss

Schoolyards are being converted into parks at a time when many people are desperate for outdoor space.

12/15/2020

Killiebrew Court

Killiebrew Court, an amazing collaborative project by MKE Parks, Activate MKE, Artists Working in Education, Inc., lead designer Jonathan Holt, and a host of other volunteers from the Rufus King Neighborhood, came to fruition several months ago at Gore Park. Be sure to check out this excellent video from Tankthink detailing how the process came together and visit the court to see it for yourself!

This is "Killiebrew Court" by TankThink on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

12/14/2020

PHOTOS: The new and improved Pulaski Park, generations in the making

In this photo gallery, Travis Hope of KK River Neighbors in Action explores the newly renovated Pulaski Park.

12/10/2020

Milwaukee Recreation

Winter registration is now open for city of Milwaukee residents! Many classes fill quickly, so sign up today to guarantee your spot. To view the full winter guide online and for more information on registration and safety measures, please visit our website: mkerec.net/guide!

We are working hard to best serve our community while ensuring the safety of our customers and staff. Any schedule changes or cancelations will be communicated to you as soon as possible. Visit mkerec.net/CanceledPrograms for an updated list of canceled winter programs.

Please note that there will be no in-person registration this season.

Spending more time surrounded by greenery helps lower stress levels according to this "neuroimaging" study from Universi...

12/08/2020

Neuroimaging study provides new details on the link between stress reduction and green urban landscapes

Spending more time surrounded by greenery helps lower stress levels according to this "neuroimaging" study from University of Hong Kong researchers. A great excuse to pay more frequent visits to your local park!
https://www.psypost.org/2020/11/neuroimaging-study-provides-new-details-on-the-link-between-stress-reduction-and-green-urban-landscapes-58662

Viewing green space in urban landscapes elicits substantial activity in key areas of the brain related to attention and stress regulation, according to ...

12/04/2020

Check out these amazing parks from around the world!

We are delighted to announce the 2020 Large Urban Parks Awards - recognizing the quality of the Parks, the skills of the people who manage them, and the value they bring to the cities they serve.

Press Release: https://buff.ly/2L9QmfH
Discovery the Parks: https://buff.ly/2FN95ax

12/02/2020

DPW Milwaukee

🅿️Reminder: Winter Parking rules are in effect.🅿️

✅Please read the street signs for winter parking instructions BEFORE YOU PARK.
✅NO PARKING is allowed on through highways and bus routes from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.

11/19/2020

Milwaukee Public Schools

REMINDER: MPS continues to distribute packaged breakfasts and lunches to children age 18 and under at 50 Stop, Grab, & Go sites.

Read more about the Stop, Grab, & Go @ http://mpsmke.com/stopgrabgo

11/17/2020

Take a tour of Milwaukee's first bike boulevard

Infrastructure improvements on Fratney Street aim to accommodate everyone

11/12/2020

Coming soon to Gardner Park: a new community gathering space and flower plantings! Check out this amazing design from The Green Team (of Wisconsin, Inc.)! This project was made possible via a Community Challenge Grant from AARP Wisconsin.

11/10/2020

WISN 12 NEWS

Holiday cheer is buzzing in the skies above Milwaukee! Tune in Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. for the awesome light show!

11/05/2020

Transportation: City Wins Grant To Build 20th Street Trail

Great news for Milwaukeeans!

New off-street trail for bicyclists and pedestrians would link up north side neighborhoods.

10/29/2020

Eyes on Milwaukee: 45 Projects To Improve Century City Area

Trails, parks and road diets designed to improve residents' health and safety.

10/27/2020

DPW Milwaukee

Have you heard? A reconstruction project is coming to Walnut Street (20th to 12th) and we want your input to help make major improvements. Join us on Oct. 29th by registering here! https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/581942228016391948
Want more project details, visit our website
https://city.milwaukee.gov/dpw/infrastructure/supportforbusiness/projectsummaries/West-Walnut-Street

Lindsay Heights' Community Planning Council Walnut Way Johnsons Park Neighborhood Association Inc North Avenue / Fond du Lac Marketplace BID #32

10/22/2020

Milwaukee City Development

Don’t miss the upcoming Envision South 13th Street Together meeting!

➡️ milwaukee.gov/Envision13th

¡No te pierdas la próxima reunión de Visualizando la Calle Sur de la 13: Parques, Recreación y Senderos!

➡️ milwaukee.gov/Visualicemos13

#MKE #MKEHome #Milwaukee #envisionsouth13thstreet #visualizandola13 #crisolcorridor

Crisol Corridor Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District - MMSD

10/15/2020

Bublr Bikes

"A fantastic health benefit to a senior citizen. This will encourage me to get out and exercise more."
- Marsha, August 2020

The FREE Bublr Access Annual Pass, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, gives you unlimited 60-minute rides for an entire year. Making Bublr Bikes the most affordable way to get around the city. Riding a Bublr is a great way to exercise and spend time with your loved ones.

Milwaukee County residents who receive FoodShare, WIC, Medicaid, or SSI benefits or are residents of HACM, can apply for a FREE Bublr Bikes Access Pass membership, sponsored by Anthem, through October 31, 2020.

Apply at https://bublrbikes.org/accesspass

#RideBlue4MentalHealth #StayActive #MentalHealth #StayHealthy #Bublr #BublrAccess #LoveMKE #GoByBike #MKEbyBike

10/13/2020

Mayor Tom Barrett

For fall and winter, Milwaukee’s COVID-19 community testing locations will be changing. We will now offer free, no-barrier testing at three drive-thru locations around the city.

We will maintain our current testing capacity of 2,000 tests a day at a main testing hub located at Miller Park. And, to provide greater access, we will also test at the City of Milwaukee Health Department’s Northwest and Southside Health Centers. All are welcome.

An excellent read on the need to avoid "eco-gentrification" when creating new green spaces. https://t.co/XC3U8Kbg1T?amp=...

10/08/2020

Who Benefits from Public Green Space?

An excellent read on the need to avoid "eco-gentrification" when creating new green spaces. https://t.co/XC3U8Kbg1T?amp=1

The High Line in New York City shows that the answer can be the wealthy, who flock to live nearby, driving up property values and driving out long-term, low-income residents

10/06/2020

Mayor Barrett has presented his proposed 2021 City of MKE budget! Residents are invited to virtually join the Joint Public Hearing at 6:30pm, Tue, Oct. 6. Video stream: https://buff.ly/3d4ONcz. Residents can register to speak: https://buff.ly/3jwDlck. Budget details here: https://buff.ly/36DeNdV

10/01/2020

Mayor Tom Barrett

October 18-November 15, DPW Milwaukee will perform its fall leaf collection. Starting today, residents are encouraged to begin raking leaves into curb lanes.

In order to ensure a successful fall leaf collection, DPW asks that all leaves be piled loosely, not bagged or placed in garbage carts. Leaf piles are to be kept away from storm drains and sewer grates, and additional garden debris should be left on top of piles.

Look up your estimated leaf collection at milwaukee.gov/leaves.

09/29/2020

BE COUNTED and complete the #2020Census today at 2020census.gov. It’s quick & easy, important, confidential and helps fund community services. Please don't wait, as the deadline is TOMORROW! #milwaukee #togetherwecount

09/24/2020

How Cities Can Add Accessible Green Space in a Post-Coronavirus World — Living Architecture Monitor

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments to weigh the benefits of keeping green spaces open against the public health concerns that come from their use.

09/22/2020

Urban Ecology Center

Did you know that HKE MKE, presented by Rotary Club of Milwaukee, isn't just one day this year? We have an entire week of guided hikes you can enjoy from September 27-October 3! Grab the kids for a family-friendly activity-filled hike or a loved one for a beautiful sunset hike. Support the Urban Ecology Center and sign up here: urbanecologycenter.org/hkemke.

Shoutout to Milwaukee County Parks for the amazing work they are doing by prioritizing equity in park management! https:...

09/15/2020

Milwaukee Latest City to Put an Equity Lens on its Parks

Shoutout to Milwaukee County Parks for the amazing work they are doing by prioritizing equity in park management! https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/milwaukee-latest-city-to-put-an-equity-lens-on-its-parks

The trend is growing.

09/10/2020

Please come join us on Saturday, September 19th for a socially distanced cleanup and scavenger hunt at Hartung Park! PPE, water, snacks, and cleanup equipment will be provided.

An interesting piece about Frederick Law Olmsted. Did you know he designed several Milwaukee County Parks including Lake...

09/08/2020

8 Famous Parks Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Plus a Tiny One You May Not Know About

An interesting piece about Frederick Law Olmsted. Did you know he designed several Milwaukee County Parks including Lake Park and Riverside Park?

The designer of New York's Central Park believed that public parks were 'democratic spaces' belonging to all citizens, and aren't we glad he did?

09/03/2020

These are some of America’s most beautiful urban parks

See the nation’s geographical diversity, history, and grandeur—without leaving the city.

09/01/2020

Urban Ecology Center

Did you know that some of the scheduled HKE MKE hikes are family adventures led by our Environmental Educators? Turn your hike into a scavenger hunt with Erin Whitney, an insect adventure with Alex Labonte, or an exploration of Menomonee Valley with Miguel Ángel Santos! Register today and sign up for a family hike here → https://bit.ly/HKEMKEhikes

08/27/2020

The Trust for Public Land

The majority of the nation’s schoolyards are empty expanses of asphalt, baking under the hot sun—creating their own “heat islands.” Vibrant, green, cool community schoolyards should be the national standard—both to provide options for outdoor learning during the pandemic, and community resiliency during the climate crisis. Learn more about the value of outdoor space at schools, and new data on heat, in our report: https://bit.ly/31sORi9

08/25/2020

We are a 2020 #AARPCommunityChallenge grantee! We are very excited to get started on our “quick action” project funded by https://www.facebook.com/AARPLivableCommunities and AARP Wisconsin that will involve the installation of an intergenerational community gathering space at Gardner Park! aarp.org/CommunityChallenge

08/07/2020

Resident Involvement with Pulaski Park Flood Management Project | MMSD

MMSD recognizes that engaging the community in collaborative decision making improves the connections between land, water and people. From the beginning, res...

An excellent article from The Guardian highlighting the need for more equitable park construction practices. https://www...

08/06/2020

US parks in minority neighborhoods half the size of those in white areas

An excellent article from The Guardian highlighting the need for more equitable park construction practices. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/aug/05/us-parks-minority-neighborhoods-smaller-more-crowded

The smaller parks are also almost five times as crowded, study shows, as the country struggles with record-breaking heatwave

Join local community members and leaders for a conversation about the long history of community struggles around housing...

08/03/2020

A COMMUNITY / UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP AROUND EMANCIPATORY STORYTELLING AND TRANSFORMATIVE ACTIONS

Join local community members and leaders for a conversation about the long history of community struggles around housing and food justice in Milwaukee neighborhoods! Taking Back Our Worlds: Conversations During Times of Social Distancing is a project that explores the historical and contemporary conditions of social and environmental injustice in the city of Milwaukee. More details here: https://mkeejlab.weebly.com/

Social isolation and health concerns due to COVID 19 have negatively impacted networks around caring and human relationships – the core strength of our communities. In order to respond to this...

Tell Milwaukee County how parks help your personal creativity! https://twitter.com/CountyParks/status/128921528899984179...

07/31/2020

MKE County Parks on Twitter

Tell Milwaukee County how parks help your personal creativity! https://twitter.com/CountyParks/status/1289215288999841793?s=20

“Rosha has a question for you - how do parks help your creativity? Share your video answers at https://t.co/gTAawyaRnI #loveyourparksmke”

Address

200 E Wells St
Milwaukee, WI
53202

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

(414) 286-8532

Website

http://city.milwaukee.gov/mkeplays

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The MKE Parks and MKE Plays Stories

MKE Parks, a City of Milwaukee neighborhood park system, provides outdoor play opportunities in over 60 locations across the City of Milwaukee. MKE Parks are funded through the City of Milwaukee and private donations. In collaboration with neighborhood partners, we empower residents to re-create public spaces that reflect local needs, interests, and identity. In doing so, previously underutilized parks are transformed into enriching play environments which provide positive physical, social and economic impact to the areas they serve. All kids deserve quality play opportunities and we work to ensure that is the case in Milwaukee. The MKE Plays Initiative: Play is an important component of the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual well-being of all people. Parks provide urban residents with opportunities for play. However, without adequate funding for the maintenance of these spaces, and a lack of resident engagement in their design, parks become deteriorated and underutilized.

By 2015, this had become the norm for many Milwaukee parks. They were no longer serving to enhance the quality of life for residents, but rather were burdening them with the violence, substance abuse, and vandalism they attracted.

In response to this growing problem, Milwaukee 10th District Alderman Michael Murphy created the MKE Plays initiative to re-establish parks as a priority for local government and transform the city’s most underutilized parks into enriching play environments. With the help of engaged residents and partner organizations, MKE Plays reconstructed 13 parks over 3 years.

The City of Milwaukee now looks to build on this success and implement the MKE Plays model at 26 parks over the next 6 years, putting the city back on track to sustainable management by 2025. With the continued leadership of Alderman Murphy, we seek to accomplish this vision by:

I love following all the new playgrounds. I wrote a piece today including some of them.