Open-access wireless internet now available at 10 Milwaukee parks

By: CBS 58 Newsroom

Posted: Apr 29, 2021 11:32 AM CDT

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett announced ten parks adjacent to City buildings are offering open-access wireless internet from 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. in underserved communities across the city.

.@MayorOfMKE talks new plan for free WiFi in ten Milwaukee parks. Mayor Barrett says the pandemic highlighted the need for available internet in underserved communities pic.twitter.com/ciEVH0LMsK
— Brendan Cullerton (@BCullerton) April 29, 2021

According to a news release, the project, at a cost of more than $100,000, was funded by CARES Act dollars and is a partnership between the City’s Information Technology Management Division and other city agencies.

Mayor Barrett shared more on the announcement at a news conference Thursday, April 29.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made affordable and reliable internet access a necessity for our residents working and schooling from home,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “Now, in addition to free Wi-Fi access at public buildings like libraries and schools, individuals in underserved areas can look to our parks as other locations to get online.”

The public can access free wireless internet at the following Milwaukee parks by connecting a device to the “City of Milwaukee WiFi” network:

Fondy Farmer’s Market, 2200 W. Fond Du Lac Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53205
Reiske Park, 1640 S. 24th St., Milwaukee, WI 53204
Galena Play Area, 3002 W. Galena St., Milwaukee, WI 53208
Reservoir Park, 801 E. North Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53212
Popuch Park, 8500 N. Granville Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53224
Cawker Play Area, 2929 N. 30th St., Milwaukee, WI 53210
Florist Play Area, 5969 N. 84th St., Milwaukee, WI 53225
Lincoln Playfield, 300 W. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207

And, later this year Wi-Fi service will be added at two more parks as park improvements are made:

Melvina Play Area, 3840 N. 29th St., Milwaukee, WI 53216
Zillman Park, 2180 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207

The news release from Mayor Barrett's office says, since 2003, the City has provided free wireless access at Pere Marquette and Cathedral Square parks downtown. At the time, Milwaukee was only the second U.S. city providing free web service in public areas.