Summerfest – Northwestern Mutual Community Park
Design a kid-friendly, accessible + safe environment open to the public
The new Northwestern Mutual Community Park is Wisconsin’s premiere accessible playground for families and children who visit the Henry Maier Festival Park. A guiding priority of the design was to offer inclusive play for children who may experience a variety of challenges.
Inspired by the color wheel, the main playground is organized into sections of play equipment suitable for children ages two to five years old moving up to those five to twelve year olds, with each section having equipment colored to that section of the color wheel.
The original Children’s Theater Stage was converted into a toddler play area and a new, more accessible stage was built next to it. Surrounding the play area are walking paths through some trees as well as shaded benching for parents to rest on while their children play.
The new family service building located on the site provides a variety of amenities including accessible family restroom facilities, nursing mother stations and sensory rooms which provide a calming escape from the vibrant Summerfest grounds.
Other Summerfest projects include:
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
BMO Harris Pavilion
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
Miller Lite Oasis + Summerfest Store
North Gate + Uline Stage
South Gate
Summerfest - Master Planning and Miscellaneous Projects
U.S. Cellular Stage
- Renovation | Addition
- Milwaukee, WI
- 2022 Mayor Award