Milwaukee Recreation serves to strengthen and extend the bond between public education and the community. Founded in 1911 by legislation that was reportedly the first of its kind to assign a local public school system the responsibility for conducting recreation programs, Milwaukee Recreation has maintained a leadership position throughout its history. Multiple use of public school facilities for community services, especially in the evenings, has earned Milwaukee Recreation the distinction of being recognized nationally as the "City of the Lighted Schoolhouse."

Milwaukee Recreation enriches the lives of Milwaukee's youth, adults, and families through many innovative programs. These programs are designed to improve the academic achievement of all students during non-school hours, strengthen families, reduce crime in the neighborhoods, and enhance the well-being of all residents.

We strive to enrich and strengthen the community by promoting healthy lifestyles, personal development, and fun through memorable recreational and educational experiences for people of all ages and abilities.

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Personnel

Milwaukee Recreation includes over 90 full-time program & clerical staff, plus approximately 2,500 part-time employees hired annually as instructors, leaders, field attendants, umpires and referees.

Locations

Over 100 schools and community locations are programmed on an annual basis to serve the Milwaukee community.

Funding

Since 1911, Milwaukee Recreation (a department of MPS) has received its funding through a municipal tax known as the Extension Fund. The purpose of the Extension Fund is to support community programs and services outside of the regular curricular and extracurricular programs. Wisconsin Statutes § 120.13(19) and § 119.47 give the Milwaukee Board of School Directors authority to establish a fund to support community programs and services outside of the regular curricular and extracurricular programs. As stated in the statute, “The school board may establish and collect fees to cover all or part of the costs associated with such programs and services.” The Extension Fund supports playgrounds and community center programming, youth and adult sports programs, aquatics, outdoor education, senior adult classes, and therapeutic recreation activities.