Milwaukee City Wire

On Thursday, June 13, Milwaukee Recreation celebrated the grand reopening of Stark Playfield alongside community members and local leaders. The completion of Stark Playfield (4951 N. 40th St.) marks the 10th site renovated by Milwaukee Recreation in an ongoing effort to transform 52 playfields throughout the city. With each renovation, Milwaukee Recreation aims to ensure that the communities impacted receive a space that meets their needs. Renovations were completed in the fall of 2023, with significant input from local residents.

“This is really the first significant update to this play space since it was installed in 1958,” Milwaukee Recreation director Lynn Greb said. “The part about this work that we’re most proud of is that we do it based on equity, and so we’ve gone to where the need is the greatest, and we continue improving along that path.”

The renovations at Stark Playfield included upgraded walking paths, age-appropriate playground equipment, a splash pad, shade structures, a multi-purpose field with sports lighting, and updated basketball and tennis court facilities. Many children, families, and community members attended the grand reopening ceremony to explore all the new amenities.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Alderwoman Andrea Pratt were also present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Both commented on the significance of providing updated and accessible recreation spaces for the community.

“Folks are clamoring for these sorts of investments in neighborhoods all across Milwaukee,” Mayor Johnson said. “And the kids in our community, this is what they deserve. This is exactly what they deserve in neighborhoods all across Milwaukee, and Milwaukee Recreation is working to make it happen.”

Alderwoman Pratt called Stark Playfield “a symbol of community, spirit, and joy,” adding that “thanks to the hard work of many, we revitalized this space for future generations.”

Milwaukee Recreation operates a playgrounds program throughout the summer with staff supervising 19 different playground sites from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekdays. They provide enrichment activities, play opportunities, and free meals. Staff will be on-site at Stark Playfield this summer to ensure safe activities for young people from June 20 through mid-August.

In addition to Stark Playfield, Milwaukee Recreation has transformed nine other playfields in Milwaukee since 2019. On June 20, another grand reopening ceremony will be held at Carmen Playfield (7320 W. Carmen Ave.). Construction is currently underway at Modrzejewski Playfield and Wick Playfield. Community engagement events have been hosted by Milwaukee Recreation at Emigh Playfield in 2022 and Metcalfe Playfield in 2023 to discuss future renovations.

For more information about Milwaukee Recreation’s mission to dream, build, and play at 52 play spaces in Milwaukee can be found online.