In the past 40 years, Milwaukee County’s Parks Department has seen its budgeted staff levels decrease by more than 1,000 employees – putting a strain on the department that manages over 15,000 acres of land throughout the County. This budget reverses this trend, increasing expenditures toward parks by $3 million and adding 18 new full-time positions.

“Our parks system is truly the ‘Emerald Necklace’ of Milwaukee County, representing the natural beauty of our county and critical green space for our residents to enjoy in an urban setting,” said County Executive David Crowley. “Investing in parks is crucial to ensure each one of our parks remains up to the lofty standards we set and to keep these green spaces usable and accessible for all of our residents.”

The 2024 Recommended Budget also includes over $20 million in capital investments into Parks’ facilities, to address the historic backlog of projects needing completion throughout the Milwaukee County parks system. Trail improvements, lighting upgrades, and life safety projects are all included in this budget to ensure the County’s parks stay safe, beautiful, and accessible.