2 Wisconsin Cities Rank High On National List Of Local Park Systems

A national group that backs “livable communities” has released annual rankings for park systems in the nation’s 100 largest cities, including Madison and Milwaukee.

Officials with the Trust For Public Land said that Madison has the 12th best park system in the country. That’s down a little from last year’s ranking.

But TPL spokeswoman Alexandra Hiple said the change might be due to other cities improving rather than Madison slipping. Hiple said almost all Madison residents have great access to parkland — and more.

“Madison gets full marks in basketball hoops, dog parks and playgrounds, which are three of the six recreational amenities that we score on. So, that’s something to be proud of. That’s great,” Hiple said.

She said Madison could do better at providing indoor recreation and senior centers.

The Trust for Public Land said Milwaukee has the 17th best park system, moving up four spots from last year’s rankings. Hiple said the great majority of Milwaukee residents have good access to parks.

“The Trust for Public Land believes everyone should live within a 10-minute walk to a high-quality park. Eighty-nine percent of Milwaukee residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park, and that also crept up a little compared to last year. Last year, they had 88 percent,” she said.

Hiple added there needs to be more dog parks in Milwaukee.

The full rankings also has local park data for other cities around Wisconsin and the U.S.