The City of Milwaukee is moving forward with the next phase of improvements at the site known as 31st & Galena Park, a 1.2-acre parcel in the Walnut Hill neighborhood. This project builds on a playground installed in 2018 and reflects years of community engagement, planning, and partnership.

In December 2025, the City will share the final design renderings. Construction is expected to begin in May 2026, with the park completed by the end of summer.

Since the initial playground installation, the project team has made progress on:

• Environmental site review and remediation planning
• Community engagement and stakeholder coordination
• Fund development and grant acquisition
• Conceptual and schematic design
• Internal coordination with City departments and external partners

The site was first activated in 2018 with the installation of a new playground, funded by a $75,000 contribution from the Green Bay Packers, including volunteer labor from then-quarterback DeShone Kizer, and $25,000 from Gorman & Co., who developed the adjacent Washington Park Townhomes.

The playground was envisioned as the first step in a larger redevelopment plan. However, full site development was delayed due to:

• Need for environmental remediation
• Lengthy funding approval process
• Covid-19-related delays

Despite these challenges, the project has remained rooted in the MKE Plays initiative, which emphasizes equity, community ownership, and youth engagement in park design and programming.

The new park will include a variety of amenities designed to serve a diverse and active community:

• Pump Track
  Milwaukee's first in a public park! This asphalt loop with banked turns and rolling hills is designed for bikes, scooters, skateboards, and inline skates.
• Sepak Takraw Courts
  A Southeast Asian sport similar to kick volleyball, already popular among long Hmong, Burmese, and Karen residents. The courts can also be used for basketball.
• Nature Play Area
  A topography-based play space that encourages exploration and creativity
• Adult Fitness Area
  Outdoor equipment for strength and cardio workouts.
• Sledding Hill
  
• Walking Track
• Community Pavilion & Gathering Space
• Landscaping & Tree Plantings