Kinnickinnic river & Jackson park 

Bird’s-eye view of proposed improvements in Jackson Park (north end looking south). The project will bring the river to the surface, reshape and lower the land to give the river more room during heavy rains. The project also dredges the lagoon, reconstructs the Kinnickinnic River Parkway, relocates the bike trail off the parkway, adds a new playground and other enhancements.

Hear from Patrick Elliott, MMSD Project Manager, about these changes.

View of the open-air pavilion with steps leading down to the water. Including ADA walkways, and in the distance, a fishing pier.

Hear from Mike and J from Friends of Jackson and Manitoba Parks about why they’re excited about these improvements.

The open-air pavilion with picnic or event space and restrooms. The plaza offers clear views of the revitalized lagoon, with upgrades around the pavilion to better support the farmers’ market and community events.

Hear from Dena and Marsha with the Jackson Park Farmer’s Market about how these changes will support the market and other community events.

Basketball courts will be relocated to the northwest corner of the park along S. 43rd Street, with an updated parking lot just south and views of the renaturalized Kinnickinnic River.

Hear from Jen with the Jackson Park Community Association as she shares more about these changes and why they’re important for the community.

The project will daylight the Kinnickinnic River, currently underground beneath the soccer fields, and restore it to a natural stream. The project will also construct trails along the river to provide opportunities for the community to connect with the restored stream. The new playground is also visible in the background. Native plants along the river will support the health of the stream and habitat along the restored waterway, and the gently sloping park space will give the river room to spread during heavy rains.

Hear from Cheryl Nenn with Milwaukee Riverkeeper as she explains why this change is important for the environment and community.

The improved trail around the lagoon will have new overlook areas to pause and enjoy the scenery. The lagoon will be dredged, and its water level lowered about 6 feet, allowing it to hold more water during heavy rains. The larger island will remain but the smaller island will be reconstructed at the new water surface elevation. Native plants along the edges will improve water quality and provide a stable shoreline.

Hear from Holly, a community member, about how these updates enhance the park.

The Kinnickinnic River Parkway will include safer crosswalks, new curb bump-outs, and improved parking. The Oak Leaf Trail will be relocated off the parkway, creating a safer and more enjoyable experience for walkers and bikers.

Hear from Sergio with the Jackson Park Community Association and Oak Leaf Familia, and Cassie, a local community member , about how these improvements make the park safer.

The new playground includes swings, a tower with slides, climbing structures, seating for adults, river views, and features accessible for people of different abilities.

See how Jordann Conley, a Manitoba Elementary School teacher, plans to utilize the new playground, and how her students helped shape its design.

An improved pedestrian bridge will connect the walking trail around the lagoon. During heavy rains, water from the river will flow under the bridge and fill up the lagoon. When the storm passes and the water level on the river recedes, the water in the lagoon will flow back under the bridge into the river, returning the lagoon to normal levels. The bridge, similar to the pedestrian bridge in Pulaski Park, will span 150 feet, and in the distance, you can see a new fishing pier.

Hear from Patrick with Milwaukee County Parks about these changes.