Tank Park

A Piece of Green Bay History

Located on Green Bay's west side between Third Street, Fifth Street, and Tenth Avenue, Tank Park carries a rich heritage dating back to the late 19th century. Originally part of C.L.A. Tank's Fifth Addition to Fort Howard, the land was gifted to the City of Fort Howard in 1891 by Madame Tank herself - with just one stipulation: it must forever remain a public park for everyone to enjoy.

This green space has worn different identities over the years. First known as Union Park, it got its current name after the historic Tank Cottage found a temporary home here in 1908. The cottage served as a charming little museum until 1975 when it moved to its permanent location at Heritage Hill State Historical Park.

Growing with the Community

The late '70s and early '80s brought major changes to Tank Park. In a smart urban planning move, nearby Greenwood Avenue was closed off, creating a more expansive, unified area shared between the park and Tank School. The transformation included adding tennis courts where Tank Cottage once stood - trading historical housing for recreational swings.

What You'll Find Today

If you're visiting with kids on a hot summer day, the splash pad is bound to be your first stop. Reconstructed in 1996, it's a magnet for families looking to cool off without committing to a full beach day. The joyful squeals of children running through water sprays have become part of the park's summer soundtrack.

The playground here is impressive too, featuring multiple climbing structures and slides that particularly appeal to the 5-10 age group. Thanks to an NFL grant in 2010, the play area received significant upgrades that have made it even more of a neighborhood favorite.

One of the park's standout features is its distinctive open shelter, which got some TLC in 2008 and 2009. The renovation added a charming cupola with railing at the top - a small architectural detail that adds character to this community gathering spot.

Natural Comfort

What makes Tank Park especially pleasant are its mature trees creating that perfect balance of sunshine and shade. When the summer heat kicks in, you can always find a cool spot to relax under the natural canopy.

The well-maintained picnic areas offer clean, comfortable spaces for everything from family lunches to casual meetups with friends. Combined with the basketball court and other amenities, Tank Park manages to be both a peaceful retreat and an active recreational space.

If you're a history buff appreciating its heritage, a parent seeking playground adventures, or someone just looking for a quiet spot to read, Tank Park provides a welcome green space within Green Bay's urban landscape.