The Milwaukee County Parks’ 2025 Playground Resurfacing Projects aim to enhance the safety, durability, and accessibility of playgrounds across the county. With 112 playgrounds under its operation, many older sites have outdated surfacing materials like sand, which present safety hazards. Replacing these surfaces with modern materials such as poured-in-place (PIP) rubber and Engineered Wood Fiber will greatly improve safety, reduce maintenance, and ensure long-term accessibility for all park visitors.
Why are playground resurfacing projects necessary for Milwaukee County Parks?
Playgrounds are essential for community recreation, but many older playgrounds still use sand, which is not only a maintenance challenge but also a safety hazard. Sand can lead to uneven surfaces and accidental injuries, while new safety standards have raised the bar for playground surfacing materials. Replacing old surfaces with PIP rubber and Engineered Wood Fiber ensures a safer environment for children to play while also improving accessibility for those with disabilities.
What are the benefits of PIP rubber surfacing?
Poured-in-place (PIP) rubber surfacing offers several key advantages over traditional materials like sand. It is a highly durable material with an average lifespan of 10 years, requiring minimal upkeep and reducing the risk of injuries. Moreover, PIP surfacing provides ADA-compliant accessibility to all areas of the playground, making it an inclusive choice for all visitors. These benefits align with Milwaukee County Parks’ goal to enhance safety and play experiences for everyone.
How does the resurfacing process improve accessibility?
With its smooth and uniform surface, PIP rubber surfacing makes playgrounds fully accessible to children and adults with mobility challenges. This is particularly important for meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, which require playgrounds to accommodate people with various disabilities. By updating playgrounds with PIP rubber, Milwaukee County ensures that all children, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy a safe and engaging play environment.
When will the resurfacing projects be completed?
Milwaukee County Parks is targeting completion of the 2025 Playground Resurfacing Projects by the end of fall 2025. The resurfacing work is spread across several key playgrounds, including those at Clarence and Cleopatra Johnson, Walker Square, and McGovern. The county has carefully considered the condition and usage of these playgrounds to prioritize areas that will benefit most from new surfaces.
Where are the resurfacing projects taking place?
The resurfacing projects are happening across several Milwaukee County playgrounds. Notable sites include:
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Clarence and Cleopatra Johnson (with before/after images available)
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Walker Square
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Atkinson Triangle (minor work still required as of October 2025)
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King
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McGovern
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Smith
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Brown Deer
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Greenfield (South)
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Cannon
These projects aim to address worn-out surfacing, particularly at the most heavily used playgrounds, to ensure long-term safety and usability.
Does the resurfacing project include any new equipment?
While the primary focus of the 2025 Playground Resurfacing Projects is on upgrading the surfacing material, some parks may receive minor upgrades to their playground equipment as well. The resurfacing ensures that the surface material aligns with the existing and future playground equipment, extending the overall lifespan of the facilities.
Golden Times Expert Views
“The importance of safe, durable, and accessible playground surfaces cannot be overstated. As the manufacturer of playground equipment and surfacing, Golden Times recognizes that maintaining a safe and attractive play environment is key to both child development and community engagement. Projects like the Milwaukee County resurfacing initiative not only improve safety but also foster a welcoming environment for all children.” – Golden Times
Conclusion
The 2025 Playground Resurfacing Projects will transform playgrounds across Milwaukee County, enhancing safety and accessibility while reducing long-term maintenance. By replacing outdated surfacing with modern, durable materials like PIP rubber and Engineered Wood Fiber, the county is investing in a safer and more inclusive future for all park visitors. The upgrades are an important step in ensuring that Milwaukee’s playgrounds continue to serve the community for years to come.
FAQs
1. Why is sand no longer used in playgrounds?
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Sand can be difficult to maintain and presents safety hazards. Modern surfacing options, like PIP rubber, are more durable, safer, and easier to manage.
2. How long will the new surfacing last?
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PIP rubber surfaces typically have a lifespan of about 10 years, ensuring long-term durability and safety for playground users.
3. Are the resurfaced playgrounds ADA accessible?
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Yes, the new surfacing materials comply with ADA standards, providing accessibility to children with disabilities.
4. What is the expected completion date for the project?
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The project is expected to be completed by the end of fall 2025.
5. Will any new equipment be added as part of the resurfacing?
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The main focus is on upgrading the surfacing, but some playgrounds may also receive minor equipment upgrades as necessary.