18-Acre Universally Inclusive Park In Wauwatosa Begins Construction

WAUWATOSA, WI — Work began on Tuesday to replace a Milwaukee County park in Wauwatosa with a $10 million universally inclusive space that features a challenge course, family fitness areas, a clubhouse with sensory rooms, trails, baseball fields and more spread across 18 acres.

Wednesday's groundbreaking for Moss Universal Park's first phase of construction came on the 33rd anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act, according to a news release from planners. The first phase is set to develop the baseball fields, playground, parking lot and clubhouse by summer 2024, while the second phase will bring universal paths, fitness and play "pockets," and a challenge course by summer 2025, according to a news release from park planners.

Once complete, the park formerly known as Wisconsin Avenue Park is meant to offer a range of recreation and amenities for people of all ages and abilities. The Ability Center partnered with IMPACT Parks to design the "multi-generational, universally inclusive and accessible space," a news release said. When the park is finished, visitors will be able to find fitness pockets, a half-mile of inclusive trails and more. Free adaptive equipment will also be provided on a seasonal basis for people to ride bikes and cross-country ski, according to the news release.

“We know more than 25 percent of households in Milwaukee County have at least one family member who has a disability, and of 15,000 acres of Milwaukee County parks, there are currently no universally inclusive parks,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in a news release. “Those families have lacked an equitable opportunity to partake in play, recreation, and other physical activities. I want to thank The Ability Center, my colleagues at the County Parks and all those who are making Moss Universal Park a reality – your efforts to transform this space into a universally inclusive park brings us one step closer to creating a more equitable county.”

Guy Smith, the executive director for Milwaukee County Parks, said the park "will be a beacon of universal accessibility, fostering a sense of belonging for individuals of all abilities. We are grateful to be part of this significant milestone that promotes equity, inclusion, and embraces diversity."

CEO of The Ability Center Damian Buchman said the park will amplify his organization's earlier efforts alongside Milwaukee County to improve accessibility at Bradford Bead, Veterans Park and Red Arrow Park. The group was founded 14 years ago and has worked to lead an "inclusive recreation movement in greater Milwaukee unlike any other in the country," according to the news release.

The renaming of the park from Wisconsin Avenue Park to Moss Universal Park comes from the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors voted to recognize a $2.5 million donation from the George F. Moss Foundation Trust.