Doyne Park - Milwaukee, WI
Doyne Park is a 35-acre public park located in the heart of the Story Hill neighborhood in Milwaukee. History tells that the park is named for John Doyne, former, and first, Milwaukee County Executive, who fought to keep the Milwaukee Braves baseball team in Milwaukee. For over 40 years, the park has served the neighborhood, with features like a children's play area, basketball court, a soccer field, and a very popular 9-hole golf course.
In recent years the parks department has opted to close the golf course, though alternate features have not yet been decided on. The park is built on top of an old landfill that was in operation up until 1976, therefore there are some limitations, as the soil cannot be penetrated (a landfill gas control system was installed in 1998). The county parks department has held meetings and taken suggestions of ideas for updates to the park. There is measured disappointment from locals on the demise of the small golf course.
I spent an early summer afternoon hiking the mown trails among the hills and grasses at the park, along with some of the paved trail that also connects with the multi-use Oak Leaf Trail. The trails were easy to maneuver, and naturally scenic. Trees, wildflowers and grasses waving in the breeze, and butterflies, dragonflies and birds hovering overhead. Lots of tree sparrows, cardinals, robins, and cedar waxwings, too.
The park winds along the Menomonee River, and a rustic, narrow, walking trail does as well. Though half of it is closed while river revitalization projects are being done. The location of the park, and the size of it, makes for a great neighborhood recreational space. I'll be watching to see what decisions and changes are made. In my mind, it's a diamond in the rough. Worth a visit for an afternoon hike now, a quick game of hoops, or to burn a little energy off on the children's playground. It's a public park with a lot of potential, and I hope to see it achieve that.
Dogs are permitted in the park, on-leash, and must be cleaned up after.
Hours: Daily 6am - 10pm
Fees: None
Parking: lot available just a short distance in from the entrance along Wells Street
Location: 5300 W. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee County)
For more information click here.
In recent years the parks department has opted to close the golf course, though alternate features have not yet been decided on. The park is built on top of an old landfill that was in operation up until 1976, therefore there are some limitations, as the soil cannot be penetrated (a landfill gas control system was installed in 1998). The county parks department has held meetings and taken suggestions of ideas for updates to the park. There is measured disappointment from locals on the demise of the small golf course.
I spent an early summer afternoon hiking the mown trails among the hills and grasses at the park, along with some of the paved trail that also connects with the multi-use Oak Leaf Trail. The trails were easy to maneuver, and naturally scenic. Trees, wildflowers and grasses waving in the breeze, and butterflies, dragonflies and birds hovering overhead. Lots of tree sparrows, cardinals, robins, and cedar waxwings, too.
The park winds along the Menomonee River, and a rustic, narrow, walking trail does as well. Though half of it is closed while river revitalization projects are being done. The location of the park, and the size of it, makes for a great neighborhood recreational space. I'll be watching to see what decisions and changes are made. In my mind, it's a diamond in the rough. Worth a visit for an afternoon hike now, a quick game of hoops, or to burn a little energy off on the children's playground. It's a public park with a lot of potential, and I hope to see it achieve that.
Dogs are permitted in the park, on-leash, and must be cleaned up after.
Hours: Daily 6am - 10pm
Fees: None
Parking: lot available just a short distance in from the entrance along Wells Street
Location: 5300 W. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee County)
For more information click here.