Seeds Fund History
Through Seeds investments, Milwaukee Parks Foundation supports improvements across the Milwaukee County Parks system, with an intentional focus on parks that rank high on Milwaukee County Parks’ Equity Index. Seeds investments are made throughout the year directly from Milwaukee Parks Foundation to Milwaukee County Parks, with significant resident and County leadership input. To date, MPF has invested more than $500,000 in our Seeds strategy. We aim to grow this strategy as our organization grows.
Word map of 400+ strategic plan conversations thanks to Meaningful Marks
Seeds Focus Areas
Seeds investments contribute to the long-term sustainability of our County Parks System. By investing in system-wide solutions, MPF plants seeds that can be enjoyed for years to come. The 2023 Focus Areas for these investments were developed from 400+ resident conversations and additional conversations with Milwaukee County leadership. The 2023 focus areas for fundraising and grantmaking are Youth Enrichment, Capital Projects, and Environmental Sustainability & Justice.
Youth Enrichment
Projects that enhance how young people interact with, and benefit from, our parks system — including but not limited to: baseball, basketball, aquatics, playgrounds, and programming.
Capital Projects
Projects that enhance the physical infrastructure of our parks. Especially with safety, security, and community usage in mind. Examples include: park lighting, pathways, and community center enhancements.
Environmental Sustainability & Justice
This focus area responds to environmental inequities such as disproportionate tree canopy, needed improvements for natural areas and waterways, and supporting a more equitable and sustainable trails system.
All Seeds investments are made to primarily benefit parks in areas with a history of disinvestment. MPF utilizes Milwaukee County Parks Equity Index to guide our decision-making.
Seeds Project Spotlight
Community Center Fund
More than $20,000 has been invested in Milwaukee County Parks’ two community centers: Kosciuszko Community Center and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Investments thus far include flooring replacement, bleacher repair, and equipment purchases for boxing and karate programming.
Basketball Court Refurbishment
With over $50,000 committed, refurbishment was completed on 22 Milwaukee County Parks’ basketball courts in 2022. Click here for media coverage on the partnership. Additional investments are planned for basketball courts in 2023.
Check out this video by the Bucks
Parks System Capacity
Thanks to a $275,000 contribution from the Fund for Lake Michigan and Molson Coors, Milwaukee County Parks is positioned to hire a special projects manager and forestry coordinator. These roles will manage additional important County projects and increase tree canopy, especially in Milwaukee’s neighborhood parks.