Johnson–Odom Park is located at N. 1st Street and E. Wright Street in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood. At approximately 0.58 acres, the park is a small but important open space within a dense network of nearby schools, churches, and community organizations, all of which contribute to the daily life of the neighborhood.

The park is named in honor of Marlene Johnson-Odom, who represented Milwaukee’s 6th District for more than two decades. Known for her steady leadership and deep commitment to her constituents, she focused on civil rights, economic opportunity, and strengthening the central city. She was also instrumental in efforts to rename N. 3rd Street as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and worked to bring together residents, organizations, and development partners to improve neighborhood conditions.

Today, many of the park’s features are outdated and no longer meet the needs of the surrounding community. The current redevelopment effort is focused on reinvesting in the space to better support local families, reflect the identity of the neighborhood, and carry forward the legacy of service and community connection that defined Johnson–Odom’s work.