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Neighbors and board push back on proposed Pius High School lease for Dyer Playfield
Summary
Residents and board members urged Milwaukee Public Schools to retain public control of Dyer Playfield after Pius High School signaled interest in a long-term lease; MPS staff said no lease terms have been finalized and that the district’s facilities master plan must guide future land-use decisions.
The Milwaukee Public Schools committee on accountability, finance and personnel on Oct. 23 heard extended public comment and staff briefing on a request by Pius High School to lease Dyer Playfield, a city-owned recreation site operated by Milwaukee Recreation through MPS.
Superintendent Brenda Casella told the committee that the city owns Dyer Playfield and that Milwaukee Recreation has operated and programmed the site for decades. She said the district has not been provided specific lease terms and that ‘‘MPS would not consider a new lease agreement’’ while the district’s long-range facilities master plan is underway and must inform any land-use commitments.
Pius representatives urged collaboration. Jack Herbert, identifying himself as representing Pius, said the school ‘‘is committed to being a thoughtful and responsible neighbor’’ and welcomed continued conversations to ensure shared benefits for students and the community.
Multiple neighbors and frequent users urged the district to keep the playfield under public management. Lynn Greb, a Honey Creek Parkway resident, said turning the site over to a private institution ‘‘would set a precedent that runs counter to the district's equity framework’’ and that even with assurances of public use, ‘‘private decision making inevitably shapes who benefits.’’ Former MPS employee Sue Saller and nearby homeowner Warren Jones described regular community use—tennis, pick-up games, Special Olympics—and warned that restricted access would reduce the park’s value to neighbors. Jones called the proposal a ‘‘land grab’’ and said a lease that limits access would turn an amenity into a nuisance.
Brian Litzey, chief of family, community and partnerships for Milwaukee Recreation, told the committee that Dyer is designated a neighborhood playfield and that the department intentionally limits large programming to avoid neighborhood impacts. He said revitalization generally involves a year of community engagement and that full redevelopment can span roughly three years from design through construction.
Director Herndon said the matter ‘‘hit me like a ton of bricks’’ and criticized what she described as limited prior coordination between the district and the city; she added she was opposed to a 100‑year lease mentioned by members of the public. No lease was approved at the meeting: staff said terms remain preliminary and MPS will monitor discussions with the city and Pius.
Next steps: the district’s facilities master plan will continue to guide deliberations and staff said they will keep the board informed as more information becomes available.
