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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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June Staff Spotlight: Tess Noyes

June Staff Spotlight: Tess Noyes

A photo of a smiling young woman with her arm around a man in a blue shirt. Next to the photo, it says "Milwaukee Recreation Staff Spotlight, Tess, Group Leader."

June 1, 2026

Name: Tess Noyes

Job title: Mobile Units Rec 'N' Roll staff attendant and Therapeutic Recreation group leader

Years with Milwaukee Recreation: Tess started with Milwaukee Recreation as a basketball and track and field coach for Team Milwaukee Special Olympics in February 2023, coaching until December 2025. She started with Mobile Units in April 2024 and Therapeutic Recreation in January 2025.

Favorite hobbies: Baking and making homemade soaps and candles

What do you enjoy most about your job with Milwaukee Recreation?

"What I enjoy most about Milwaukee Recreation is getting to build connections within the community and create inclusive, welcoming spaces for participants of all ages and abilities. As an occupational therapy graduate student, I especially enjoy how my work in recreation connects to my OT background by promoting participation, social engagement, independence, and meaningful activities for everyone involved. It has been incredibly rewarding to see how recreation can positively impact both physical and mental well-being while helping people feel connected and supported."

Tess was nominated for our June Part-Time Staff Spotlight by Mobile Units supervisor Kali Norton. Congratulations, Tess!