New park opens in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The City of Milwaukee opened a new park in the Menomonee Valley on Thursday morning, May 16th. It is named "Three Bridges Park." That's because the park is accessible via three bike/pedestrian bridges – located at 37th and Canal Streets, 33rd Court, and behind the Mitchell Park Domes – which connect the Valley to the surrounding neighborhoods.

The park is located just east of Miller Park, beneath the 35th and 27th Street Viaducts. It's a former railroad yard that is being transformed into a 24-acre park.

The park will be part of the Hank Aaron State Trail and will serve as the new "outdoor classroom" for the Urban Ecology Center's Menomonee Valley branch. It includes 24 acres of native vegetation, great vistas of the city, access to the Menomonee River, a mile trail, community gardens, and public art.

Officials say 777 name suggestions were submitted for the park. A selection committee comprised of project partners and leaders from nearby neighborhoods vetted the submissions. The name, Three Bridges Park, will go before the Common Council and Natural Resources Board in coming weeks for official approval.