MILWAUKEE — A volunteer group has launched a campaign to build Milwaukee’s first universally accessible and inclusive playground, named “Stella’s Playground,” at Kilbourn Reservoir Park in the Riverwest neighborhood.
The initiative was inspired by 9-year-old Stella Schneider, who is battling a cancerous brain tumor diagnosed in 2023. One day, after receiving treatment, Stella went to her favorite park in the Riverwest neighborhood. However, when she arrived, she remarked, “This park is not for me,” referring to her walker and highlighting the lack of accessible playground options in the city, according to a release.
“We can’t fix everything for her. We don’t have that magic wand that we’ve been looking for this whole time. But this is something we can fix. This is something we can do,” said Stella’s mom, Rese Schneider. “We can build a playground that is inspired by Stella.”
The campaign officially launched on Wednesday, May 7, which is also Stella’s 9th birthday, with an event at Kilbourn Reservoir Park. The park holds a special place for the Schneider family—especially Stella and Rese, who have "spent evenings racing to the playground, trying to catch the sunset."
The playground is being developed in partnership with the city of Milwaukee. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has expressed support for the project, calling it “an important milestone for Milwuakee” that will ensure “children of all abilities have a place to play, connect, and feel included.”
The city has committed $200,000 in previously allocated funds for improving accessibility in city parks. The playground design will incorporate elements inspired by Stella’s favorite things: dragons, the color purple, and imagination.
WATCH: Local family launches campaign for Milwaukee's first inclusive playground
Play by Design, a company specializing in inclusive playgrounds, has been engaged to help with the design process, which will include input from local residents, Stella’s classmates, and other stakeholders.
District 6 Alderwoman Milele Coggs has also endorsed the project, describing it as “a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together to make every child feel seen and supported.”
The family is hoping to raise $2 million to rebuild the park and hopes to break ground in 2026.
If you’d like to donate, click here.
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