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Case Study: Moody Park

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Charting a new path for the future. When the swimming pool at Moody Park in Milwaukee’s Amani neighborhood closed in 2002, it fell into neglect and became a target for vandalism. But increased engagement from resident associations, non-profit organizations such as the Dominican Center for Women and private-sector organizations such as Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, along with funding from the city and federal level changed the course of Moody Park’s future.

A collaboration between Ayres Associates and Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS) resulted in 4-acres of site improvements to revitalize Moody Park and accommodate the growing recreational needs of an inter-generational neighborhood. The $2 million renovation included a new 3,000-square-foot community center, 5,800-square-foot interactive Splashpad, parking lot, three lighted basketball courts, extended walking paths connecting all areas of the park, and an outdoor pavilion structure with colorful benches and improved landscaping throughout the area. (Scroll to continue…)

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The primary design goal was to provide an attractive, highly durable, low-maintenance facility that the neighborhood would be proud of and provide space for community events. With this in mind, the community building is available for rent and contains an open meeting room, kitchenette and restrooms along with the Splashpad mechanicals and storage areas with additional restrooms and storage accessible from the outside.

To add to Moody Park revitalization, CRS worked with J.P. Cullen to incorporate a custom 12’ x 34’ Radius Trellis (pictured right). The structure was the winner of the Spaces and Places Award at the 19th Annual Mayor’s Design Awards. These awards are presented in an ongoing effort to recognize design excellence throughout the City of Milwaukee. Recipients are believed to have added value to neighborhoods by restoring, constructing or enhancing properties in a way that respects the urban fabric and contributes to the character of the surroundings.

In 2016, Moody Park’s renovation was recognized with a Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Innovation (MANDI) award for the best public space that builds community. County Executive Chris Abele stated,

“There were some who disagreed on whether we should transform Moody Park, but after years of the park sitting underutilized I knew we needed to do something to turn this space into a place the community could embrace and enjoy.

I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to a new vision for the park, especially the neighbors of Amani United, and am proud to see this hard work honored with a MANDI award. But the real victory is that instead of a shuttered pool, Moody Park is now the home to a community center, a Splashpad, and dozens of educational and recreational opportunities for Milwaukeeans of all generations. I always knew that our community-driven approach to thinking about what can be in Milwaukee County parks was a winner, and now we have proof.”

Gallery

CLIENT CHALLENGE 1: Revitalize a neglected park...

CLIENT CHALLENGE 2: Improve quality of life...

CLIENT CHALLENGE 3: Restore peace and safety...

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