October 1, 2025
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Announces Milwaukee County Parks Wins Wisconsin DNR and National Park Service Grant to Enhance Outdoor Recreation and Accessibility
MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is proud to announce Milwaukee County Parks has been awarded an $827,376 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the National Park Service (NPS) through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program. The grant will support accessibility-focused improvements at Milwaukee County Parks in partnership with The Ability Center's Moss Universal Park, advancing the County’s vision of creating more inclusive public spaces.
The LWCF is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior that provides matching grants to states and local communities for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. In Wisconsin, the program is managed by the DNR. Since its inception in 1965, LWCF has helped to fund thousands of projects nationwide, preserving natural areas while expanding equitable access to outdoor recreation.
"Our parks are one of Milwaukee County’s greatest treasures, and this grant will help ensure that every person — regardless of ability — can enjoy them together. By leading the nation in accessibility, we are ensuring that everyone can access outdoor recreation and experience our world-class parks system," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. "With strong partners like The Ability Center and Wisconsin DNR, I am proud we are fostering healthier communities and creating public spaces that truly belong to every resident and family in Milwaukee County."
“Wisconsinites deserve parks and outdoor spaces that are accessible for everyBODY, inclusive of all abilities. We know that when public spaces don’t work for the people, the people don’t use the spaces. Creating accessible public spaces is an issue of public health and human dignity. The funding from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program dedicated to Moss Universal Park–the nation’s first universally inclusive park–ensures access to public lands for all Wisconsinites, so that we can continue Wisconsin’s tradition of enjoying our state’s beautiful natural resources together. This is what it looks like to move forward, together,” said Wisconsin State Representative Robyn Vining.
Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks said, “Parks are for everyone. This grant allows us to continue making good on that promise, investing in improvements that directly impact residents and visitors who have faced barriers to recreation in the past.”
“This grant means that children, adults, and veterans of ALL abilities will be able to play together at the country’s first Universal Ballpark, on America’s first Universal Field. For the first time, families of ALL abilities will be afforded the opportunity to play everywhere, with everyBODY, throughout an entire park. It’s an honor to work with the Milwaukee County Parks, and we’re incredibly grateful for the DNR’s visionary support,” said Damian Buchman, Founder & Executive Director AFAR, Inc dba The Ability Center.
###