Experience Downtown Blog

Paws Under the Freeway: First Downtown Dog Park Opens Under I-794

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In the heart of Milwaukee’s downtown, a one-of-a-kind dog park has taken root for our four-legged friends! Located at 103 W. Clybourn Street, along the Milwaukee River, beneath I-794, and just steps away from the Historic Third Ward, the new MKE Dog Park officially opens to the public on Thursday, August 21, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Yappy Hour that was held on Wednesday, August 20.

This much-anticipated project delivers more than 23,000 square feet of community space, including fenced-in exercise areas for small and large dogs, water stations, and a new Riverwalk segment for enhanced accessibility. So, whether your pup loves to roam, have a lazy lounging session, or make furry friends, the space has something for everyone – paws and all!

What is the Downtown Dog Park?
Brought to fruition by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 and BID #2, the goal of the project was to provide an amenity to the ever-growing list of dog owners, while promoting community, livability, and enhancing gateways into the heart of the city. The project was first publicly discussed in 2020, and after years of planning, it broke ground on September 5, 2024 with immense support from the Milwaukee community, including title sponsor Fromm Family Foods, public officials, leaders in business and thousands of donors.

Features of the Dog Park
Designed with comfort and safety in mind, the 23,000-square-foot MKE Dog Park provides an enjoyable, fully enclosed off-leash area for furry buddies to socialize and exercise! Featuring separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, security lighting, water stations, pet turf with washing stations, and other pet amenities, the site transforms the underutilized space into a place full of vibrancy!

Hours
The new MKE Dog Park operating hours will be Monday-Sunday, 6 AM to 10 PM. Similar to other Milwaukee County facilities, the new downtown location requires a County dog park pass that can be purchased on their website.
To learn more or to donate to the project, visit www.mkedogpark.com.

The Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park sponsors to date include: Fromm Family Pet Food, the Milwaukee Admirals, Berghammer Construction Corporation, We Energies Foundation, BMO, Off Leash K9 Training, Tito’s Vodka, HAWS, Hempel Real Estate, Veolia, 3rd Street Market Hall, Ogden Company, 333 Water, Pritzlaff, Charlee Bear, Community Bark Bay View, Gardner Builders, Hintz Giuffre CPAs, Munson Fence & Paving, Healthpeak, St. Paul Fish Company, The Explorium Brewpub, VOTRUST, Fund for Lake Michigan, Milwaukee Urban Forestry Fund, GRAEF and Milwaukee Public Market. Additional sponsors continue to be sought to support the continued reinvestment and ongoing maintenance and operations of the facility. The project is led by Historic Third Ward BID #2 and Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21.