Upgrades Coming to Craig Counsell Park in Whitefish Bay

New surfaces are coming to Craig Counsel Park in Whitefish Bay

Upgrades are coming to Craig Counsell Park in time for the spring baseball season!

The Village of Whitefish Bay, in partnership with the MMSD Green Solutions Program, has been working on projects to improve both stormwater management and accessibility at the Craig Counsell Park, located at 6321 N Lydell Ave, Whitefish Bay.

Currently, construction crews are installing fresh porous asphalt and pervious pavers near the baseball diamonds. These eco-friendly surfaces are designed to absorb rainwater, preventing it from running off into storm drains and reducing the risk of flooding.

This project has an impressive capacity to hold over 30,000 gallons of stormwater, significantly reducing the amount of water entering the sewer system. That’s a major win for sustainability and helps protect local waterways!

Beyond environmental benefits, these upgrades will also improve ADA accessibility, making it easier for all spectators to enjoy games at Craig Counsell Park.

Stormwater runoff is a major issue in urban and suburban areas. Traditional pavement forces rainwater to flow into storm drains, which can overwhelm sewer systems and contribute to pollution in local lakes and rivers. Porous surfaces help by naturally absorbing and filtering water before it reaches the drainage system (see photo from the village below).

The MMSD Green Solutions Program funds projects like this across southeastern Wisconsin to enhance stormwater management and green infrastructure. Whitefish Bay has been proactive in implementing these kinds of solutions to improve local parks and public spaces.

Improvements coming to Whitefish Bay parks

This project was first proposed in the Village’s Capital Improvement Plan and funded in part through the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) Green Solutions Program. The Village Board secured funds through MMSD’s Green Infrastructure Partnership Program.

The improvements will focus on replacing the existing red granite pathways in spectator areas, which can become difficult to navigate during wet conditions. The project is also designed to connect underground storage systems to the adjacent storm sewers, improving overall drainage efficiency.

Planning for the upgrades has been underway for several months, with 90% design plans already completed. Construction is expected to wrap up just in time for spring baseball season.

The 2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) priority projects for Whitefish Bay include Craig Counsell Park drainage improvements, Klode Park tennis/pickleball court resurfacing, Klode Park outdoor exercise equipment, and tree planting in parks, with the Craig Counsell Park project being the first to move forward.

Coming up, Cahill Park playground equipment is also set to get major upgrades.

Whitefish Bay has also made other park and recreation improvements in recent years, including:

• Klode Park upgrades, including renovated tennis courts and a new playground.

• Lydell Community Park enhancements, featuring new athletic fields and drainage improvements.

• Richards School playground updates, adding modern play structures and better accessibility.

Play Ball!

Craig Counsell Park is a hub for youth baseball in the area, named after former Milwaukee Brewers player and manager Craig Counsell, who grew up in Whitefish Bay. It’s home to countless little league games, making these improvements a game-changer for local families.

The good news? This project is expected to wrap up just in time for the spring baseball season! That means players, families, and fans will be able to enjoy improved pathways, better seating areas, and a park that’s more resilient to heavy rain.

Whether you’re catching a little league game or just stopping by the park, these updates will make a noticeable difference. For more parks in the area, see our comprehensive guide to Milwaukee North Shore parks.

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