Council OKs One‑year Partnership With Milwaukee Sports & Social to Activate Liberty Heights Park

The Common Council approved a resolution authorizing a partnership with Milwaukee Sports & Social to operate adult recreational leagues at Liberty Heights Park and granted the city attorney discretion to draft a one‑year contract that defines fees, scheduling priorities and maintenance responsibilities.

Presenter Bill [last name withheld], who identified himself as founder and president of Milwaukee Sports & Social, described the organization’s activity in the region: organized adult leagues for multiple sports (pickleball, tennis, sand volleyball, kickball and others) and periodic free community events such as a proposed “Liberty Heights Park night.” The presenter said the group averages more than 2,000 players across partner parks per week during peak season and proposed light operational support from city public works: primarily use of courts, portable equipment and minimal raking or grooming for sand volleyball courts that the operator would supply and staff.

Neighborhood association leaders supported the idea at the public meeting. Tasha Cowup, president of the Liberty Heights Park Neighborhood Association and a nearby resident, told the council the proposal “would be really positive for our neighborhood and for the city as a whole” and said active programming helps parks feel safer. Several aldermen cited public‑safety and economic benefits from bringing additional people to the park and nearby businesses.

Contract details and timing: the operator said the spring season begins the week of May 4 and asked for an early decision; council members said they need contractual terms before committing to long‑term arrangements. The council voted to authorize a one‑year contract drafted by the city attorney, with the expectation of returning in winter 2025 to consider a longer‑term agreement if the pilot is successful. The city attorney described items he would negotiate: fees, permitted sports, hours, conflict‑resolution and maintenance obligations; engineering/public works would estimate any grounds or lighting costs.

Why it matters: the partnership aims to increase park activity and weekday/evening use without committing significant city resources. Council members emphasized that DPW would not be asked to perform extensive ongoing setup work and that any DPW involvement or lighting costs would be addressed in the contract.

Council action: the Public Works Committee recommended approval and the full council approved the resolution, delegating authority to finalize a one‑year contract.

Ending: Staff will work with the operator to finalize contract language; if successful, the program may be renewed or expanded following a seasonal review.

Speakers quoted: Bill [last name withheld] (Milwaukee Sports & Social), Tasha Cowup (Liberty Heights Park Neighborhood Association), Alderman Turner (sponsor), City Attorney Cale Decker (contract counsel).