Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee Recreation celebrated the reopening of Modrzejewski Playfield on July 8, marking the completion of its 11th full-site renovation in the city. The playfield, located at 1020 W. Cleveland Ave., was upgraded with modern playground equipment, a splash pad, new basketball courts, and other amenities based on community feedback.

"This is truly a welcoming space for everybody, all ages and abilities - a wonderful creation right in the heart of the city," said Milwaukee Recreation senior director Brian Litzsey. "This reopening is a significant step in our ongoing journey to renovate the 52 playfields."

The ceremony was attended by community leaders who emphasized the importance of providing safe and inclusive recreational spaces. Mayor Cavalier Johnson stated, "This is more than just a playfield; this is really a promise to our neighborhoods and a promise to our community that every child, every family, every neighbor will have a safe and welcoming space to play, to relax, and to come together to build memories."

The site has historical significance as it was originally named Cleveland Avenue Playfield before being rededicated in honor of Robert Modrzejewski, a Milwaukee native awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor following the Vietnam War. His nephew Gary Wrotecki attended the event, stating that recreation was important to Modrzejewski.

Milwaukee Recreation has also renovated several other playfields across the city since 2019 and continues work on additional sites.