Building Description
Riverside Park, a historic Milwaukee County park designed by American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, is home to the Urban Ecology Center’s first branch. The Urban Ecology Center of Riverside Park stewards one of the most active parks full of community at play and native species at work.
What started as a trailer in the park is now a 20,000 square foot building established in 2004 packed with sustainable features such as a solar power station that produces 55,000 kilowatt-hours each year, with the architect being Joel Kruger of the Kubala Washatko Architects. The community nature center, which serves as a role model for green infrastructure and is the founding branch of the UEC, offers a birds eye view of the 40-acre park and riverway. From an observation tower overlooking the 44 acre park to a hidden slide entrance, this eco-friendly marvel is filled with surprises.
Visitor Experience
Engage in a variety of self-guided activities: choose your own adventure! Learn about green building features on a self-guided sustainability tour. Grab a trails map, birdie bingo card, or plant ID booklet and head out in the park to enjoy the wonders of nature right here in the city. Enjoy a book and the breeze for a while on our observation deck and tower. Dont forget to take a ride down the slide before you go!
Address
1500 E Park Pl
Saturday Hours
10 am - 2 pm
Sunday Hours
Not Open
Photography
Photography allowed, Videography allowed
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible
