Park People Of Milwaukee County

The Park People of Milwaukee County, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to strive to enhance and protect Milwaukee County Parks, their resources and facilities; to develop wider public interest in and appreciation of the parks, open space and recreational facilities offered by the park system; to sponsor activities and projects that will enable citizens of all ages, interest and backgrounds to make better use of the county parks; to encourage stewardship and development of individual parks and facilities by groups and individuals; to plan programs for members to acquaint them with the parks and their potential uses; and to accept and expend gifts of real or personal property exclusively for the benefit of the Milwaukee County Park System.

• Weed-Out

This program is a volunteer solicitation initiative designed to significantly reduce the proliferation of invasive plant species that are denigrating the beauty of natural areas in our parks.  Over the last year the Park People (PP) has solicited over 703 volunteers to assist in the removal of invasive species such as Garlic Mustard, Dames Rocket, Burdock, Buckthorn and Asian honeysuckle.  Not only do we provide the tools and supplies, but we also educate the public about this severe threat to our park environments.

• Friends Group Initiative

Through this program PP assists interested individuals in the creation of Friends Groups for their neighborhood parks.  PP provides direction, capacity building strategies and resources for these individuals and works as a liaison between their group and the Parks Department.   Ultimately, these groups work to promote and enhance their parks through volunteer efforts, fund raising, and events.  Over the years PP has assisted in the formation of over thirty groups including; Lake Park Friends, Juneau Park Friends, Friends of the Domes, and most recently Doctors Park Friends.

• Park Market

The Park Market is an opportunity for many Milwaukee County residents who choose to donate park enhancements such as a tree or park bench in memory or honor of a loved one or to commemorate a significant date in their lives. The Park People also work with donors who envision a larger scale park enhancement through the Park Market.

• Funding support for Park Department projects

Through necessity, PP has evolved to serve as a conduit for charitable contributions from corporations, foundations and individuals who understand that our parks are in dire need of financial assistance to offset the effects of a seemingly endless decline in property tax funding.  Since 2006 PP has facilitated and managed nearly 3 million dollars in donations that went directly to park programs, equipment purchases, facility enhancements and employee enrichment.