13-05-2025
Milwaukee playground, pedestrian mall project at southside school
The Brief
A new playground and pedestrian mall is planned for a space near Nativity Jesuit Academy on Milwaukee's south side.
The project is expected to cost roughly $1.4 million.
It will replace 180 feet of pavement with green space for kids and the public to congregate.
MILWAUKEE - Recess at a school on Milwaukee's south side is about to get better with a green space in the works. It will also be open to the public.
What we know
The new playground will be built at Nativity Jesuit Academy near 29th and Greenfield Avenue. Plans call for the new playground as well as a pedestrian mall.
Vanessa Solis is the president of the school. She said the donated $1.4 million project will remove roughly 180 feet of pavement. Crews will shut down S. 29th Street to create a space for students and the public.
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Coming in fall 2025, breaks between classes will go from concrete to community green.
What they're saying
"That's going to have a soccer field, some basketball courts," Solis said. "So it's going to be a lot safer."
Parents are thrilled about the plans since the area is known for speeding.
"There's cars that are trying to leave while kids are playing here. I think this is something that was needed and good in the area," said Ana Cecilia, a parent.
Some neighbors told FOX6 News off camera that they are concerned the project will create more traffic around the school; potentially making it tougher for emergency vehicles to get by.
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But others said they are focused on the benefits.
"There has never been a playfield in our neighborhood like this. I think it would be a good safe space for kids," said Teca Acosta Gonzalez, who lives in the area.
The Source
The information in this post was provided by officials with Nativity Jesuit Academy as well as neighbors who live nearby.
