There are exciting developments in the works for Swing Park, the play area located beneath the Holton Street Bridge near the Marsupial Bridge.
Safety concerns and recent construction have led to its temporary closure. Now, the City of Milwaukee is planning a transformation, and your input could help shape its future.
What’s Happening?
The city has proposed a new vision for Swing Park, renaming it “The Landing at Tannery Row.”
The plans include a variety of family-friendly upgrades and new features designed to make the space safer and more inviting for all. Some highlights of the proposal include:
- Playground Equipment: A conventional playground will offer a fun and secure space for kids to play.
- Art Screen: A colorful, lighted semi-transparent fence surrounding the playground, adding an artistic touch while enhancing safety.
- River Theater: An outdoor performance space with seating near the river, perfect for community events.
- Boardwalks and Native Plants: Eco-friendly pathways lined with local plants and a stormwater planter will beautify the area and promote sustainability.
- Paddlecraft Dock: Families will be able to access the river directly via a dock, encouraging recreational activities like canoeing and kayaking.
These additions aim to address past concerns while creating a space where the entire community can gather and play.
The new design, led by the Smith Group in collaboration with city officials and community groups, seeks to make the park a safer and more vibrant destination for families, while maintaining its original intent of bringing people from all neighborhoods together.
The City of Milwaukee is encouraging parents, caregivers, and other community members to share their thoughts on the redesign. Public comments are open until September 20, 2024, and feedback will help finalize the plans.
To view the full conceptual plans and submit your thoughts, visit the project’s website.
What’s Next?
Although the park is still closed due to ongoing bridge repairs, the city hopes to begin implementing the new features once funding is secured.
Alderman Jonathan Brostoff has already helped secure $50,000 for the design process and initial improvements, with more funding efforts underway. The Holton Street Bridge repairs are expected to last into 2025, so there’s still time to fine-tune the plans and gather community input.
In the meantime, keep an eye on this space!
Related Post: 25 Best Milwaukee Playgrounds Your Kids Will Love
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
