Demolition Projects within Parks

Project Purpose

Parks has identified sites throughout the park system that are in need of improvement. In some cases, we have abandoned buildings that have sat idle for decades. As we remove some of these vacant structures, we want to know what the public prioritizes to be built in their place. The priority of sites would be based on risk, safety, and resources to keep them running.

For some sites recommended for this project, Parks has set aside funds to develop replacement amenities. Parks’ Engagement Team would work with impacted Supervisors, Friends groups, and community members to determine potential replacement options.

Parks has identified the buildings, assets, and pavement areas listed below as candidates for removal through capital project WP0550. This project was briefed to the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors and approved on September 19, 2024. The County Executive signed off on this project on August 8, 2024.

• Pool Basin (Holler Park) – This facility at Holler Park is no longer in operation by the Easter Seals. With the main building being used by the Office of Emergency Management for short-term emergency shelter operations through the Red Cross, removing the 7,290 square-foot pool basin could provide space for another asset for park users.

• Utility Building/Comfort Building (Manitoba Park) – 896 square foot building that has not been opened in recent years due to deteriorating condition. Replacing this building with another amenity such as an open-air shelter or hard surface court would enhance use of the park and adjacent playground.

• Comfort Building (Cupertino Park) – 907 square foot building that has been unused for more than 15 years. This building is located 930 feet north of the South Shore Fish Cleaning station that has restrooms available for public use. Removing this building would allow for the placement of a public asset such as picnic tables that would provide a scenic view for users.

• Pump House (Lincoln Park Golf Course) – This abandoned pump house has not been used by the Parks Department since the early 1990s. Removing this 140-square-foot structure would remove this from the Milwaukee River floodplain and eliminate a public safety hazard.

• Pavilion (St. Martins Park) – This building is not used by Parks and has significant safety concerns, including a failing roof. Removing this 1,190-square-foot structure would complement the already removed asphalt pad at this location and provide additional green space at this park adding more recreational space adjacent to a school.

These structures were internally vetted by staff for historical context, and public input was gathered as warranted.

Removing these structures will increase overall green space, reduce hard surface (impervious) areas related to storm water run-off, eliminate resources currently used to keep the building from becoming more of a public hazard, and enhance the Parks Department's long-term operational sustainability. Removing five buildings with approximately 3,500 square feet would reduce the maintenance footprint of the department. Eliminating seven asphalt assets would convert approximately 85,000 square feet of paved areas into two acres worth of green spaces.

Work will take place later this spring and summer, and sites will be restored to turf or native vegetation, depending on existing site conditions.