July 24, 2025

Downtown MKE Dog Park to Unleash Fun with Grand Opening and "Yappy Hour" Celebration on Aug. 20

Ribbon Cutting Marks the Opening of Milwaukee’s First and Only Public Downtown Dog Park

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (July 24, 2025) — The much-anticipated Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park will mark its Grand Opening on August 20th at 3 PM with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and “Yappy Hour” celebration to follow. The event, sponsored by Fromm Family Foods in partnership with the Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District (BID #21) and the Historic Third Ward Business Improvement District #2 (BID #2) will welcome public officials, leaders in business, and the Milwaukee community to celebrate a milestone that has reshaped the downtown Riverwalk landscape.

The dog park development, a collaborative effort led by BID #21 and BID #2 was made possible by immense support from the Milwaukee community, public officials, leaders in business and thousands of donors. Downtown’s first and only dog park is located at 103 W. Clybourn St. and features more than 23,000 square-feet of community space, including fenced-in exercise areas for small and large dogs, water stations, and a new riverwalk segment.

“The Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park is the realization of years of collective effort, dedication, and generosity from individuals and organizations across Milwaukee,” said Paul Schwartz, executive director of the BID #2 and the Milwaukee Public Market. “By transforming an underutilized stretch of riverfront into a welcoming space, we are investing in an amenity that improves quality of life and strengthens connections across the Historic Third Ward and Downtown Community.”

Title Sponsor, Fromm Family Foods, played a crucial role in supporting this initiative both with funding and development, and led the brand to begin development on the adjacent parcel of land which will be home to the new Foxtown Landing, distillery, pub, restaurant, cocktail lounge and ballroom event center, slated to open in early 2027.

“We are incredibly proud to help bring this much-needed resource to Milwaukee’s pet lovers and community,” said Tom Nieman, owner of Fromm Family Foods. “It is our hope that the dog park, together with the future Foxtown Landing, will be a vital part of expansion and enhancement of the downtown area and a place of connection and enjoyment for years to come.”

In addition to Fromm Family Foods, the dog park was made possible by the support of a unique group of sponsors and public sector partners, including the Milwaukee Admirals, Berghammer Construction, We Energies, BMO, Veolia, Off Leash K9 Training, LLC, and other businesses, as well as thousands of individuals who pledged support. Public partners include the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Milwaukee County, and the City of Milwaukee.

The Grand Opening event will begin with a ceremony at 3 PM and remarks, followed by a first-of-its-kind Yappy Hour celebration as part of Milwaukee Downtown’s 20th annual Downtown Employee Appreciation Week. The celebration is planned from 4 PM to 7 PM and guests at the event will enjoy beer samples, courtesy of Foxtown Brewing, food trucks, live music, giveaways, and more.

Those interested in attending the celebration can RSVP online and are encouraged to bring their dogs to be the very first to mark their territory at this Milwaukee milestone.

“Milwaukee Downtown and our partners are thrilled to open this catalytic project,” said Matt Dorner, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “Not only will our growing residential base enjoy the dog park and expanded Riverwalk access, but so will our Downtown workforce--many of which live downtown. More downtown offices have also become dog-friendly, which is why this aligns perfectly with our Downtown Employee Appreciation Week celebration. It's another win for downtown and all of our stakeholders.”

The new Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park operating hours will be Monday-Sunday, 6 AM to 10 PM. Similar to other Milwaukee County facilities, the new downtown location requires a County dog park pass that can be purchased on their website.

The Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park sponsors to date include: Fromm Family Pet Food, the Milwaukee Admirals, Berghammer Construction Corporation, We Energies Foundation, BMO, Off Leash K9 Training, Tito’s Vodka, HAWS, Hempel Real Estate, Veolia, 3rd Street Market Hall, Ogden Company, 333 Water, Pritzlaff, Charlee Bear, Community Bark Bay View, Gardner Builders, Hintz Giuffre CPAs, Munson Fence & Paving, Healthpeak, Historic Third Ward Association, St. Paul Fish Company, The Explorium Brewpub, VOTRUST, Fund for Lake Michigan, Milwaukee Urban Forestry Fund, GRAEF and Milwaukee Public Market. Additional sponsors continue to be sought to support the continued reinvestment and ongoing maintenance and operations of the facility. The project is led by Historic Third Ward BID #2 and Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21.

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