Valley Park

Location and Overview

Found in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Valley Park is a cozy urban oasis perched right on the eastern bank of the Menomonee River. While modest in size at just 1.5 acres, this little green space represents a welcome breathing space for locals, especially those living in the Pigsville neighborhood just steps away.

A Park Reborn

This wasn't always the serene spot you see today. Valley Park has quite the backstory, having once blended into the industrial landscape that dominated the area. The park got a new lease on life in the late 1990s and early 2000s when the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) included it in a substantial flood management overhaul.

The $12 million project created a system of levees and floodwalls that now protect 133 nearby homes - a much-needed solution after the troublesome flooding events of 1997 and 1998.

What You'll Find

What Valley Park lacks in size, it makes up for in thoughtful features. You can stroll or cycle along the walking and biking paths that hug the riverside, offering both scenic views and convenient connections to the larger trail network throughout the Menomonee Valley.

If you've got kids in tow, the playground provides a fantastic spot for them to burn off energy while you take a moment under the shade of mature trees that dot the landscape, creating a peaceful retreat from city life.

Nature in the City

Beyond just being a place to play and relax, Valley Park plays an important ecological role in Milwaukee's urban environment. Situated along the Menomonee River, it functions as a green corridor that supports local wildlife and contributes to the city's broader efforts to maintain biodiversity within its urban boundaries.