The long-neglected natural and built environment on Milwaukee’s near south side – the Kinnickinnic (KK) River, Pulaski Park, housing stock, streets and sidewalks, etc. – reflects the neighborhood’s historical decline. This, however, is changing, beginning with the $350 million dollar Kinnickinnic River Flood Management Project by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) in which the river’s concrete banks are being replaced with a wider, more natural channel to considerably lower flood risks and enhance the river’s aquatic and terrestrial environment.

The river’s restoration is the cornerstone of the Department-led KK River Corridor Neighborhood Plan and the Pulaski Park Neighborhood Stormwater Plan, two ambitious, multi-layered plans that incorporate community-driven recommendations to transform the surrounding community and residents’ quality of life.  The plans call for:

• Implementing green infrastructure such as permeable pavement, rain gardens and bioswales throughout the community, which will reduce runoff and mitigate pollutants before they reach the river.
• Restoring the 26-acre Pulaski Park, including a 100-year old park pavilion and native habitat
• Identifying and developing recreational opportunities
• Providing bilingual environmental education and stewardship training for residents
• Supporting economic development and housing infrastructure improvements