Milwaukee downtown dog park sets Sept. 5 groundbreaking ceremony. Opening expected by year's end

A groundbreaking for downtown Milwaukee's long-planned dog park has been set for Sept. 5.

That likely means an opening by the end of 2024.

The dog park will be at 103 W. Clybourn St. between North Plankinton Avenue and the Milwaukee River − with much of that site beneath Interstate 794. It will take around four months to build.

Milwaukee Downtown Business Improvement District and the Historic Third Ward Business Improvement District are leading the project.

Excitement for the park has been growing, said Matt Dorner, Milwaukee Downtown BID economic development director.

“Businesses of all sizes, philanthropic partners and thousands of residents have pledged their support for this vital amenity," Dorner said, in a statement. "While fundraising efforts continue, their enthusiasm for the project has brought us to this exciting juncture.”

The 22,000-square-foot park will include separately fenced areas for small and large dogs, water stations, upgraded lighting and other pet amenities, as well as prominent donor recognition and opportunities for community programming.

Fromm Family Pet Food is the project's title sponsor.

Dog park next to Foxtown Landing development

Fromm owner Tom Neiman is developing the three-story 28,000-square-foot Foxtown Landing brewery, distillery and restaurant at 412-420 N. Plankinton Ave., an adjacent parcel south of the dog park. A new river walk will connect Foxtown Landing and the dog park.

"We are thrilled to be the title sponsor of the Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park,” Nieman said.

“As a family-owned business committed to the well-being of pets, we believe this new amenity will enhance the quality of life for both dogs and their owners in the community," he said. "We’re delighted to be part of the upward momentum taking place in the greater downtown area."

Other supporters include the Milwaukee Admirals, Berghammer Construction, Veolia and Off Leash K9 Training LLC. Public sector partners include the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Milwaukee County and the City of Milwaukee.

“The Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park area will be revitalized to meet the growing demands of our residents, employees and guests,” said Paul Schwartz, executive director of the Milwaukee Public Market and the Historic Third Ward BID.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. on Sept. 5.

Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram , X and Facebook .

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee downtown dog park sets Sept. 5 groundbreaking ceremony. Opening expected by year's end