Vision
Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21 (BID #21) and Historic Third Ward Business Improvement District #2 (BID #2) have led a unique partnership with other aligning organizations to continue enhancing the competitive advantages of the greater downtown and the City of Milwaukee as a whole. Our goal was to provide a community asset and a much-needed amenity for the growing cohort of dog owners, while promoting livability, and enhancing key gateways into downtown Milwaukee.
This new public space will be managed as a non-profit partnership, while being open to the public like any of the other Milwaukee County dog park facilities. It offers a new vibrant, inclusive community gathering space following the transformation of the underutilized space.
Addressing a Community Need
Reimagining public spaces and enhancing their uses for the entire community, even those with four legs, continues to be an ongoing goal for the partnering organizations.
As downtown Milwaukee’s residential population continues to grow and more workplaces and hotels become pet friendly, our goal was to provide a playground for pups. The dog park will increase urban livability and is a key gateway that will connect downtown neighborhoods.
Building a More Competitive City
The downtown dog park addressed an issue where Milwaukee is outperformed by its peers. This much-needed community amenity enhances quality of life and makes downtown and the City of Milwaukee more attractive and livable.
Inclusive Community Connections
Not only will the project and the new RiverWalk connection be open to the public, it will also offer countless opportunities to engage in partnerships and events with non-profits, community groups and other pet-focused organizations in ways that will further build community.
Information About the Park
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.
Synthetic turf with irrigation for convenient maintenance
Similar to other Milwaukee County facilities, the new downtown location requires a County dog park pass that can be purchased on their website.
The dog park is part of a larger Riverfront revitalization including expanded walkways to provide more pedestrian access and the future site of Foxtown Landing- opening in early 2027