Photographs by Kelly Grant Moore (KGM) and Eddee Daniel (ED)
Welcome to Clinton E. and Bernice K. Rose Park! Or simply Rose Park, as it is usually referred to. Every neighborhood should have a neighborhood park. Rose Park is a small but well-loved park situated in the Harambee neighborhood of Milwaukee. Located on the corner of West Burleigh Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, the 9-acre park provides amenities for every part of the community. There is a playground that includes a wading pool, known as the Tot Lot, for the kids. There are basketball courts and a lighted softball diamond for the athletes. The Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center offers numerous recreational and educational programs for the community’s older generation. And there is green space for the whole neighborhood to enjoy.
Aerial view with softball diamond in the foreground, senior center in the background. ED
The current services and features provided in the park are bolstered by a long and varied history. This location has been a park since 1866 and has the majestic trees to prove it. Originally known as Schuetzen Park, it was home to a beer garden and rifle range. The next incarnation of the location was an amusement park—including a roller coaster—known as Pabst Park. In 1921, the City of Milwaukee acquired the land and created James A. Garfield Park, named after the 20th president of the United States. Garfield Park included a playground and tennis courts as well as a pavilion with a dance floor!
Clinton and Bernice Rose Senior Center. ED
The park became a part of the Milwaukee County Park system in 1937, and was renamed Clinton E. Rose Park in the 70s. Clinton E. Rose was a county supervisor as well as park commissioner. When the senior center was built in 1982, it was also named for him. More recently Mrs. Rose’s name was added to honor her service as a County Supervisor and overall contributions to the community.
A mural depicting athletics and other recreational activities on a park retaining wall. KGM
Rose Park has one more fascinating connection with the area’s history. The Negro National League formed in 1920 during the time when baseball was segregated. The Milwaukee Bears baseball team joined the league in 1923. They played home games at a field called Athletic Park, which was located about four blocks west of Rose Park. Later called Borchert Field, it was obliterated by the construction of Interstate 43, which now passes over that location. Rose Park is home to the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s plaque dedicated to the Milwaukee Bears players and their brief history.
Mark Lisowski, a member of Friends of Rose Park, led a tour. Here he is with the Milwaukee County Historical Society plaque dedicated to the Milwaukee Bears of the Negro National League. KGM
We are highlighting Rose Park in The Natural Realm because the Friends of Rose Park received the Friends Group of the Year award from The Park People, which oversees all of the Friends groups in Milwaukee County Parks. The award meant that Rose Park was chosen as the location for the Park People’s annual meeting, during which some of the photos were taken. Congratulations to this well-deserving organization that cares for and promotes this beautiful neighborhood park.
A group tour of the park was conducted as part of The Park People’s annual meeting. KGM
Basketball courts are well used by all ages. ED
Park tour in front of the Rose Senior Center. KGM
Friends of Rose Park Mark Lisowski, Sheila Carter and Julien Phifer. KGM
Don’t forget to use our Find-a-Park map to find a neighborhood park near you!
Kris Gould is a writer and landscape and nature photographer based in Wisconsin. Kelly Grant Moore is a Marketing/Communications specialist at The Park People. Eddee Daniel is a board member of Preserve Our Parks. The featured photo at the top of Rose Park is by Eddee Daniel. Milwaukee County Parks Department is a project partner of A Wealth of Nature.
