Reinvesting in Tiefenthaler
While PEAK is often known for it’s scenic summer camp location, a new announcement by the County Executive could be greatly changing the Milwaukee park that PEAK calls home.
In late February, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley visited the PEAK office, situated in Tiefenthaler Park, to announce a new investment. Tiefenthaler, along with Walker’s Square parks, will be receiving around $500,000 for revitalization efforts. Currently, Tiefenthaler has basketball courts, a playground, some walking paths, a grass volleyball court, and a large field for outdoor activities. The investment could look to improve the park with new turf, paint, and a renovation of the waiting pool, which is currently isn’t functioning.
Crowley, like many participants at PEAK, grew up frequently visiting Tiefenthaler. To him, it’s a moment he’s proud to be a part of, giving back to a part of the community he’s from. The value of community is apparent in this reinvestment, as county board chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson said during the announcement, “When people have a place to relax and engage with other community members, we foster a sense of belonging that contributes to the overall health and vitality of our neighborhoods.” The investment in our community spaces and emphasis on the health of our neighborhoods couldn’t align more with the values here at PEAK.
Erin Fischer, Executive Director at PEAK, talked about the alignment between Milwaukee County and Peak, saying, “PEAK has been aiming to be a really positive presence withing the community and really activate and create vibrant spaces, but there is only so much under our jurisdiction. We can work really intentionally with strategic partners to fully create the vibrant park space that Midtown park goers, our young people, and all Milwaukee people deserve,”.
The news doesn’t just impact PEAK because of the shared vision of creating community, but because of the tangible differences it could make to our work. “Having different spaces to explore within our park is a great opportunity… to make sure that [young people] know spaces are for them everywhere,” explained Director of Youth Programs, Maddy Wilson. Maggie Kellogg, the Manager of Youth Programs, went further by describing how a revamped Tiefenthaler Park could play a role in connecting our young people in Day Camp to the young people in Community Camp, further building the sense of community around PEAK.
While no concrete plans are known right now, keep an eye on Tiefenthaler as construction is expected to start this Spring, with some major changes open to the public by this Summer.
