7 Shocking New Updates From The City Of Green Bay Parks And Recreation For Summer 2025

The City of Green Bay Parks and Recreation & Forestry Department is undergoing a massive transformation in 2025, rolling out major new projects, comprehensive master plans, and an impressive lineup of updated summer programming. As of late December 2025, the focus is heavily on implementing the new 2025-2029 Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, which directly impacts everything from new park development along the Fox River to the expansion of essential community services. This article dives into the most current and essential updates, ensuring residents and visitors have the freshest information on recreational opportunities. The department's commitment to enhancing the quality of life is evident in its forward-thinking initiatives, which aim to increase leisure time and recreational opportunities for all age groups. From the expansion of the Green Bay Conservation Corps to a significant investment in creating a city-wide dog park plan, Green Bay is solidifying its reputation as a vibrant, outdoor-friendly community.

The City of Green Bay Parks, Recreation & Forestry: A 2025 Profile

The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department (P.R.F.) serves as the backbone of Green Bay's community and environmental health. It is responsible for maintaining a vast network of outdoor spaces and facilities, ensuring they are accessible and safe for public use year-round.

Department Overview and Scope

• Total Parks Maintained: The department manages a system that includes 69 parks, 1 nature area, and 15 greenways, offering a wide variety of characteristics and amenities.
• Mission Focus: The P.R.F. is dedicated to providing diverse recreational opportunities, managing urban forestry, and preserving the city's natural resources.
• Key Facilities: The department oversees major attractions like the Bay Beach Amusement Park, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, and numerous recreational trails, including the popular Fox River Trail and Baird Creek Greenway.

Strategic Vision: The 2025-2029 Open Space Plan

The City of Green Bay Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan 2025-2029 is the guiding document for all major initiatives. This comprehensive plan outlines the general strategies for fulfilling recommendations to meet the growing demand for leisure time and recreational opportunities. It emphasizes community engagement, sustainability, and equitable access to high-quality recreational spaces. This plan is driving the current wave of development projects across the city.

Major New Projects and Master Plan Updates for 2025

Several high-impact projects are making headlines in 2025, demonstrating the city's investment in state-of-the-art facilities and community-driven development.

1. New Riverfront Park and Dog Park Development

A significant new riverfront park is taking shape along the Fox River, near South Broadway. This project is set to complete its first phase of recreational amenities in 2025, with a much-anticipated dog park being a key feature. This new public space will transform a previously underutilized area into a vibrant hub for outdoor activity, offering stunning views and new opportunities for waterfront recreation.

2. The Bay Beach Amusement Park Inclusive Playground

One of the most exciting additions for families in 2025 is the new inclusive playground being built at the iconic Bay Beach Amusement Park. This project aims to provide a play space that is accessible and engaging for children of all abilities. It is expected to open by Memorial Day weekend 2025, just in time for the peak summer season at the home of the Zippin' Pippin' Roller Coaster.

3. St. John's Park Master Plan Update

The City is actively engaging the community in a comprehensive master planning process to update the design of St. John's Park. This initiative seeks community vision for what amenities should be included, ensuring the park's future meets the needs of its neighborhood residents. This direct community input is a cornerstone of the 2025-2029 plan.

4. Green Bay Conservation Corps Roving Crew Program

The Green Bay Conservation Corps is expanding its impact with the launch of a new Roving Crew Program. This initiative is designed to partner with various community groups to enhance park maintenance, trail upkeep, and overall environmental stewardship throughout the city's green spaces.

Must-Do Summer 2025 Programs and Events

The summer of 2025 is packed with free and low-cost programs designed to keep residents of all ages active and engaged. These are the top programs to mark on your calendar.

5. The Return of the 'Fit in the Parks' Program

The nationally recognized health and wellness initiative, "Fit in the Parks," is returning for 2025. This highly successful program offers free, drop-in fitness classes at various Green Bay parks throughout July and August. The 2025 schedule is set to begin on Monday, July 14, and welcomes all fitness levels, making health and wellness accessible to everyone in the community.

6. The Parkee (Playground) Program

A staple of Green Bay summers, the Parkee Program (also known as the Playground Program) is scheduled to open its sites on June 10, 2025. Parkees will be on-site Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing supervised, structured, and fun activities for children throughout the summer break. This program is a vital resource for families seeking affordable summer childcare and recreation.

7. Summer Meals Program in City Parks

In partnership with the Food Service Department, the Summer Meals Program is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2025, at various city parks and community partner locations. This essential program ensures that children have access to nutritious meals even when school is out, linking food security with recreational opportunities in the heart of the community.

Exploring Green Bay's Premier Park Destinations

While new projects capture the headlines, the existing park system continues to be a major draw for both locals and tourists, providing endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Iconic Green Bay Parks and Trails

• Pamperin Park: Located on the outskirts of Green Bay, this sprawling outdoor paradise is a reader-favorite, known for its tranquil rolling hills, lush woods, and comprehensive recreational facilities, including multiple playgrounds.
• Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary: A critical component of the P.R.F. system, this sanctuary offers a unique nature area for wildlife viewing, education, and peaceful trail walking, distinct from the nearby amusement park.
• CityDeck and Admiral Flatley Park: These downtown green spaces are central to the city's urban recreation, offering public access to the Fox River waterfront and serving as key locations for community gatherings and events.
• East River Trail and Fox River Trail: Green Bay is a hub for recreational trails. The East River Trail and the extensive Fox River Trail offer miles of paved pathway for biking, running, and walking, connecting neighborhoods and natural areas across the city.

The City of Green Bay Parks and Recreation & Forestry Department is clearly focused on a dynamic and expansive year in 2025. By following the recommendations in their new Open Space Plan, the department is not just maintaining its current assets, but actively building a more inclusive, healthy, and engaging public space network for the future. The combination of new infrastructure, like the riverfront dog park and the Bay Beach inclusive playground, with vital community programs ensures that Green Bay remains a premier destination for outdoor activity in Wisconsin.

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