Depending on which news sources you follow, Milwaukee is going through either a “renaissance” or a “reinvention.” However you want to define it, it’s safe to say that Milwaukee is currently building a lot of new and wonderful things! Here are some of them, brought to you by GTG Home Buyers!
• Back in 2018, Milwaukee installed a new playground on an unused 1.2-acre parcel of land on the corner of 31st and Galena streets, in the Walnut Hill neighborhood. The playground was intended to be the first step in a larger redevelopment plan for the site; unfortunately, lengthy approval processes and that whole COVID-19 thing put the project on hold.
Now, eight years later, Milwaukee is ramping up to continue work on the 31st and Galena park. Renderings of the fully realized project were released in December 2025. Construction is expected to begin in May 2026. The site is scheduled to be finished in late summer 2026.
So what’s coming to the park? A whole bunch of things! According to the project’s website:
• Pump Track
Milwaukee’s first in a public park! This asphalt loop with banked turns and rolling hills is designed for bikes, scooters, skateboards, and inline skates.
• Sepak Takraw Courts
A Southeast Asian sport similar to kick volleyball, already popular among long Hmong, Burmese, and Karen residents. The courts can also be used for basketball.
• Nature Play Area
A topography-based play space that encourages exploration and creativity
• Adult Fitness Area
Outdoor equipment for strength and cardio workouts.
• Sledding Hill
• Walking Track
• Community Pavilion & Gathering Space
• Landscaping & Tree Plantings
Nice! Oh, and since the park doesn’t really have a name, you can vote on various submitted names or submit your own. The deadline is February 20. (Sorry, West Allis already has dibs on “Ctrl-Salt-Delete,” “Chicken Plow Mein,” and “Plowie McPlowface.”)
Offsite links to more new and wonderful things…
• “Harbor District building would have a RiverWalk–without public access.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
• “Lakefront Brewery eyes outdoor upgrades for neighboring lot.” [BizTimes]
• “Former JCPenney department store to be converted into apartments.” [Milwaukee Business Journal]
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