Construction is set to begin at two Milwaukee Recreation playfields this summer: Stark Playfield (4915 N. 40th St.) and Carmen Playfield (7320 W. Carmen Ave.). Situated on the north side of Milwaukee, both sites will receive necessary updates that will help to revitalize the play spaces and create a welcoming environment for the community.
Stark Playfield and its fieldhouse will be renovated to create a safe and accessible recreation space. The project will involve site-wide earthwork improvements to ensure the space has many level and durable recreation areas, including a high-quality grass multi-sport field with sports lighting, universally accessible tot lot, interactive splash pad with shade structure, asphalt play areas, and updated tennis and basketball facilities.
With the addition of pedestrian-specific park entries, a walking loop for off-street exercise opportunities, and secure gated entries for maintenance vehicles, the new renovation will allow all users to access and move throughout the entire playfield more easily.
Fencing will be replaced around the site to improve the playfield’s safety and appearance. The fieldhouse will be renovated to allow for universal access to all common areas.
Building security will also be improved with the use of more durable materials and the installation of new windows and doors.
Carmen Playfield and its fieldhouse will be renovated to create an accessible recreation space that supports the diversity of users in the Havenwoods neighborhood. Site access will be adjusted through the use of secured vehicle-only entries, and improved fencing at the playfield perimeter.
Site-wide lighting will be provided to support park visitor safety year-round. The fieldhouse will be renovated to allow for universal access to all common areas, install more durable materials and finishes, and improve building security through the installation of new windows and doors.
The playfield is currently used by many different groups, and the new design will improve the ability for each to enjoy the park year-round. Multiple low-impact recreational opportunities will be provided through the construction of walking loops and seating areas.
Renovations include tot-lots and splash pads, a variety of basketball practice play areas, and shaded seating areas. The project will also include three Tuj Lub Courts, a popular Hmong game; the courts at Carmen will be the fourth of their kind in the entire country.
For updates on both the Stark and Carmen Playfield renovation projects visit mkerec.net/playfield. Renderings of Stark Playfield can be found here, and renderings of Carmen Playfield can be found here.
Milwaukee Recreation is a department of Milwaukee Public Schools, established in 1911 to enrich and strengthen the community by promoting healthy lifestyles, personal development, and fun through memorable recreational and educational experiences for people of all age and abilities. Milwaukee Recreation is recognized as an accredited agency through NRPA and CAPRA. For more information, visit mkerec.net or contact Claire McHugh (Claire@mkerec.net) at (414) 475-8634 or Brian Hoffer (Brian@mkerec.net) at (414) 475-8938.
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.
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Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
