Back in September, advocacy group Friends of the Domes presented a plan to repair and subtly “reimagine” Milwaukee’s long-troubled Mitchell Park Domes. On Thursday, two months after the plan was first presented—and eight years since a fallen chunk of concrete caused the temporary closure of the Domes—the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a budget amendment in support of the “Domes Reimagined” plan.
“The Domes have been facing an existential crisis for years,” said Christa Beall Diefenbach, Executive Director, Friends of the Domes, in a press release. “Today’s vote changes that. We now have a path forward that ensures The Domes remain a horticultural oasis for generations to come.”
The $134 million plan will both repair the Domes and create a new children’s garden, nature learning center, and cafe. It will also expand the existing gift shop.
Milwaukee County will be on the hook for $30 million, to be paid out over six years. Those funds are not included in the County’s 2025 budget; instead, they will begin “at a future date.”
The remaining funds will come from a combination of private philanthropy and state and federal tax credits. Thursday’s amendment also supports placing the Domes on the National Register of Historic Places, a requirement for historic tax credits.
“The County investment is 22 percent of the overall project cost,” said Beall Diefenbach. “This project offers a stellar return on investment by all counts.”
Oh, and the amendment puts Friends of the Domes in charge of operations of the Domes, via a long-term lease with the County. The County Parks Department will retain Mitchell Park itself.
“Friends of the Domes applauds the County Supervisors for their support of this initiative,” said Beall Diefenbach. “Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez in particular has been a great partner. His commitment and passion for the South Side are truly commendable.”
What are the next steps? Glad you asked…
The next steps for the project is for County Executive David Crowley to review and approve the budget amendment, which will happen by November 14, 2024, as part of the County budget process. The amendment then authorizes the Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture to develop an agreement with Friends of the Domes for the implementation of the Domes Reimagined plan, subject to County Board review and approval. A progress update on these initiatives will be given to the County Board no later than May 2025.
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