Milwaukee’s Pickleball Scene Grows: Milwaukee County Parks has officially opened new pickleball courts at West Milwaukee Park, marking the park as only the second location in the county system to offer dedicated pickleball courts.
Revamping the Courts
The six new courts replace aging tennis courts on the park’s south side, which had been left unused for over a decade. Village of West Milwaukee President John Stalewski explained that the courts were long overdue for a refresh, describing their previous state as “empty, with paint flaking away and no nets in sight.”
“It took a long time and a bit of work to get us to where we are now,” Stalewski said, recognizing the years of effort and collaboration behind the project.
The revitalization was set in motion after Stalewski and the village board worked with Milwaukee County Parks to find a new use for the neglected space. Once used as an impromptu “dog run” by locals, the courts were given a fresh purpose when former County Supervisor Peter Burgelis secured $40,000 in funding in the 2023 budget to resurface them.
Community Celebration and a Themed Ribbon Cutting
At Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley marked the occasion with flair, donning a yellow jumpsuit as a tribute to Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon, or perhaps to Bruce Leeroy from the 1985 film The Last Dragon. He highlighted that the new courts represent the county’s commitment to offering “modern, inclusive, and popular recreational options.”
The event also celebrated Milwaukee-born director Michael Schultz, who directed The Last Dragon, adding a cultural connection to the day’s festivities.
A Growing Community for Pickleball Enthusiasts
West Milwaukee Park joins Froemming Park in Franklin as one of the few county-operated parks to host dedicated pickleball courts. While many players across the city have had to adapt to tennis courts—where the net is higher and boundaries wider—West Milwaukee’s new courts offer a sport-specific layout and are free for public use until the end of the season.
District Supervisor Sky Capriolo, who currently represents the area, expressed her appreciation to the partners and community members who made the new courts possible. In 2025, both Froemming and West Milwaukee courts will transition to a reservation system, though they will still be available on a first-come-first-served basis for free play.
News in Brief: Milwaukee’s Pickleball Scene Grows
Milwaukee County Parks celebrated the grand opening of new pickleball courts at West Milwaukee Park, marking the location as only the second park in the county system to offer dedicated courts. Village of West Milwaukee officials and community members gathered as County Executive David Crowley cut the ribbon, donning a costume inspired by martial arts legend Bruce Lee.
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