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Community Centers
Milwaukee Recreation hosts programs at seven community centers throughout the city, including two stand-alone community centers (Beulah Brinton and OASIS) and five community centers within MPS schools (Hamilton, Gaenslen, MacDowell, Marshall, and Riverside).

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Playfields
Milwaukee Recreation operates 52 playfields throughout the city of Milwaukee. These playfields range from smaller, pocket parks to large-scale neighborhood hubs. Each playfield features a range of playground equipment, green space, and/or field space.

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Summer Playgrounds Program
Each summer, Milwaukee Recreation provides supervised enrichment activities, play opportunities, and free meals at playground sites across the city for kids ages 6-17. All playgrounds are operated as a “free drop-in” program.

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Splash Pads & Wading Pools
During hot weather, select playfields are equipped with free water-based activities like refreshing sprinklers, water games, hydration stations, splash pads, and wading pools. These locations provide safe spaces for children to cool off while engaging in physical activity.

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Indoor Pools
Milwaukee Recreation serves all community members at indoor pools throughout the city with a variety of aquatics programming, including learn-to-swim lessons, aqua fitness, training sessions, safety certification courses, and more. All pools are located within Milwaukee Public Schools facilities, and many locations have been recently renovated to better serve all community members.

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Twilight Centers
Milwaukee Recreation strives to serve young people at our Twilight Centers, which are safe spaces located throughout the city and open on weekday and weekend evenings. This free drop-in program allows young people to spend time with friends, learn new skills, and work with mentors in a healthy and familiar environment.

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Before- & After-School Programs
Milwaukee Recreation provides a safe haven at hundreds of locations for youth in grades K5-12 during non-school hours. Before- and after-school programs provide varying types of academic and recreational support, including homework assistance and tutoring, enrichment activities, technology education, sports and fitness, leadership training, and social skills development.

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About Us
- Our mission, vision, and values are rooted within our deep history.
- Connect with a staff member in your preferred program area.
- Explore our full-time and part-time job opportunities today.
- Discover our plans to bring renewed recreation to your neighborhood.
- Find your nearest community center, playfield, pools, and splash pads.
- Dive into our latest feature stories and news releases.
- Contact our team to initiate a media request or interview.
- Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter for updated department details.
Registration
- Register online for our programs in the latest Recreation Guide.
- Find frequently asked questions about the course registration process for accounts.
- Refunds are available for some classes in the Recreation Guide.
- Weather updates will also be available on our social media platforms as needed.
- We believe all young people should have access to recreation services.
- We strive to serve all individuals in our programs, regardless of ability.
- Complete this brief form if you did not receive your guide in the mail this season.
Enrichment Programs
- Register now for enrichment courses listed in the Recreation Guide.
- Visit the OASIS Community Center for courses for ages 50 and up.
- Our pools feature swim lessons, aqua fitness classes, certification trainings, swim teams, and more.
- We bring health and fitness to your neighborhood with our free wellness courses.
- MPS and non-MPS students learn critical driving lessons in the classroom and behind the wheel.
- Embrace Milwaukee's natural beauty, including with programs at Hawthorn Glen.
- Join our family of staff and participants with our year-round programs for individuals with disabilities.
- Create new memories at one of our family-friendly special events this season.
After-School Programs
- We are dedicated to providing out-of-school-time arts opportunities for young people throughout Milwaukee.
- We partner with MPS schools to provide academic support, enrichment, and care for youth beyond school hours.
- In partnership with local agencies, we offer young people opportunities to learn and grow throughout the year.
- We provide youth with opportunities to engage in educational and social enrichment activities, and play in safe environments.
- Our staff helps three-year-olds take steps towards kindergarten in a safe environment designed to assist families.
- Ages 10-14 and 12-18 can attend our free evening programs to play sports, spend time with friends, and meet new people.
- Find the updated summer site list for the Camp, CLC, or Safe Place program at your child's school.
Sports
- This school-based program for individuals with disabilities is available in eight different sports.
- Stay connected with friends and meet new community members through one of our adult sports leagues.
- These evening soccer and basketball leagues for young adults are free, competitive, and engaging.
- The MCC is the athletics conference for participating high schools in MPS.
- Youth can stay active and develop lifelong skills in any one of our specialized clubs.
- Team Milwaukee is a community-based athletic program for individuals with an intellectual disability.
- We host school-based youth sports leagues for grades 1-8 in the fall, winter, and spring.
Permits & Rentals
- The fun can come to you with any of our rental packages and recreation mobiles.
- Community members can permit outdoor facilities through the outdoor facility application process.
- To secure an indoor permit for an event, please submit a building permit application.
- Hawthorn Glen rental spaces include an indoor assembly room, outdoor picnic areas, and a soccer field.
- Brinton Community Center has multiple spaces available for rent for your next celebration.
- Review these city ordinances and district policies when permitting with Milwaukee Recreation.
- Milwaukee Recreation is available to set up informational booths at community events.

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Burnham Playfield

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Location

Resources

Permits

Project Description

This project included a renovation of the east portion of the playfield including removal of asphalt paving, installation of a new turf playfield, planting of shade trees, installation of walking paths, a new playground and basketball court, as well as the conversion of the wading pool to a splash pad.

New and upgraded site amenities were also added, including lighting, benches and trash receptacles.

Awards

WIASLA Award of Excellence
MANDI Awards

WIASLA Award of Excellence

MANDI Awards

In Aug. 2023, Milwaukee Recreation received the Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award at the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDIs), recognizing the transformational renovation project at Burnham Playfield.

The MANDIs, which are presented by U.S. Bank in partnership with LISC Milwaukee, celebrate excellence in individuals, organizations, and projects that are improving conditions in Milwaukee’s neighborhoods. Finalists were selected from public nominations by a 40-member independent, cross-sector volunteer committee.

The Brewers Community Foundation Public Space Award honors the creation or use of public space that contributes significantly to the overall well-being of the community.