Milwaukee County Parks

West Allis is located in Milwaukee County and as such is part of the Milwaukee County Parks Commission which aims to form a "green belt" or series of scenic drives and parks encircling the county.* The park system is a source of great pride and enjoyment, not only for these communities but also for visitors to Milwaukee.

There are numerous family friendly activities promoted by the parks of the Milwaukee County Parks Commission:

Milwaukee might just be the veritable birding paradise with over 100 bird species that call Milwaukee County home and over 150 others that pass through it during the spring and autumn migrations. Those who consider bird watching as a wonderful way to pass the time or a life-long passion should check out the birding events at the Wehr Nature Center. These events include Bird Fest, Spring Stroll, Great Backyard Bird Count, International Migratory Bird Day, Federal Junior Duck Stamp Display and Christmas Bird Count.

Milwaukee County Parks Commission has also developed the Oak Leaf Birding Trail, which is a road map that bird watchers can follow from one parkway to another, where they can part their cars along a drive, get out with the map and checklist in hand and wait to see what bird species await them.

Man’s best friend is also welcome to join in the family fun in non-restricted areas of the parks, provided that they are leashed and that their owners are responsible for picking up after them. Dog Exercise Areas have also been designated, where dogs with permits are allowed to run off-leash.

Community Centers

Community Centers in Milwaukee County also offer a variety of fun activities for family provided that they obtain the requisite membership status. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center features an auditorium, conference room and multi-purpose room and Kosciuszko Center offers Adult and Youth fitness programs as well as arts and crafts and recreational activities.

Gardens and Nature

The Horticulture and Nature Division of the Milwaukee County Parks Commission boasts of the rich experience that naturalists will encounter in their parks:

Boerner Botanical Gardens features specialty gardens such as the Annual Garden, Arboretum, Bog Walk, Daylily Walk, Herb Garden, Peony Garden, Perennial Borders, Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Shrub Mall and Trial Gardens. In addition, quality dining experience can be had at Boerner Botanical Gardens, with catering services exclusively provided by the Bartolotta Catering Company. Events are also regularly held at Boerner Botanical Gardens, such as concerts and weddings.

A visit to the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory is an experience that rivals that of traipsing around the world to get a glimpse of a desert oasis, a tropical jungle and floral gardens. A special light display caps it all off. Weddings are also welcome at the Conservatory, its natural beauty providing the breathtaking backdrop to the momentous occasion.

The Wehr Nature Center offers refreshing and energizing activities and seasonal events for the family. Programs for children, teens and adults are also offered.

Sports Facilities

Sports enthusiasts will be glad to know that Milwaukee County Parks Commission also offers facilities for archery, baseball, basketball, boxing, cricket, disc/Frisbee, football, golf, hockey (ice or in-line), horseshoes, ice skating, kickball, lawn bowling, little league, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, tobogganing and sledding and volleyball.

Ski trails, biking trails, recreational trails and hiking trails are available for those who enjoy activity surrounded by the beauty of nature. In addition, water-based recreational activities such as kayaking, canoeing, boating and fishing lure thousands to these spots for some family fun under the sun.

Source:
* http://county.milwaukee.gov/HistoryoftheParks16572.htm