| 9/14/2026 | 0 |
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
| ADOPTED
Minutes note: Appeared Rese Schneider, Robert (Bob) Schneider (Parents of Stella Schneider)
Appeared Kayla Schultz, MKE Parks Program Coordinator, DPW
Appeared Joseph Kaltenberg, MKE Parks Program Coordinator, DPW
Appeared The Project Team Architects
Staff planner Tim Asking detailed the proposed changes to the comfort station, which has been unused for some time. The plan involves renovating it into accessible bathrooms and a potential concession stand.
Facade changes to the comfort station will be minimal, primarily focusing on reopening windows and widening two south-side windows to create accessible doorways.
The project includes the addition of picnic shelters placed at a one-foot distance from the comfort station to prevent roof splash-back on the original half-timbering.
The commission discussed using a lower roof pitch for these shelters to keep more of the historic timbering visible.
The playground design features a "dragon" theme, inspired by Stella, a local child who became disabled after a brain tumor resection. Her parents, Rese and Bob Schneider, shared how her experience highlighted the lack of truly inclusive play spaces in Milwaukee.
Kayla Schultz, City Parks Coordinator, explained that the team met with over a dozen disability advocacy groups, including the Audio Braille Literacy Enhancement and Centers for Independence, to ensure the park
is universally accessible.
Joe Kaltenberg, City Parks Manager, noted that while all parks meet minimum ADA standards, this project aims to be a national model for inclusion by focusing on universal design rather than just adaptive equipment.
The physical playground components are being designed by KOMPAN, the world’s largest playground manufacturer, while Kahler Slater Architects is managing the site endeavor.
The playground will cover approximately 25,000 square feet of playable surface and include a switchback trail to the top of the hill to replace the existing steep path.
The commission specified that the proposed steel slab doors should be replaced with a more historically appropriate design, such as a five-panel door.
The City of Milwaukee contributed an initial $200,000. Through the efforts of Stella’s parents and partners like Kahler Slater, RA Smith, and Mortenson, approximately $1.5 million has been raised toward a $2 million goal.
Ongoing fundraising will continue via MKE Plays and MKE Parks to close the remaining budget gap.
Local neighbors, including Katherine Hannah, Christine Privetti and Nicole Heinle, expressed concerns regarding the scale of the development and its impact on the neighborhood.
Residents raised questions about parking, noting that the area already struggles with congestion during concerts and events.
Joe Kaltenberg, City Parks Manager clarified that there is no plan for off-street parking, but the city intends to create dedicated accessible on-street spots near Meineke and Fratney St.
Neighbors also voiced worries about the maintenance of the bathrooms and the park, citing past issues with trash and safety.
Mr. Kaltenberg assured them that the City of Milwaukee Parks, under the Department of Public Works, has the capacity to manage the site and that the potential concession stand could generate revenue for ongoing maintenance.
Regarding site preservation, Mr. Kaltenberg emphasized that the park's topography will be preserved, and the team is adding trees to maintain the natural, shady environment that neighbors value.
Following the discussion, the commission moved to approve the project with the staff's recommendations, and the motion passed unanimously.
| Pass | 6:0 |
Action details
|
Meeting details
|
Video
|