On April 1, Neighborhood House of Milwaukee proudly celebrated the official ribbon cutting of our new playground, marking a meaningful investment in children, families, and the broader community. The morning began with a warm welcome as guests, partners, and supporters gathered to enjoy light refreshments, connect with one another, and take in the new space before the formal program began. Attendees then transitioned to the playground area, where opening remarks highlighted our organization’s mission and the vision behind creating a safe, engaging outdoor environment for children to learn, grow, and play.

The program featured remarks from Executive Director Jon Janowski, and Mayor Cavalier Johnson, each emphasizing the importance of investing in early childhood development and creating accessible, high-quality community spaces. Mira Ketzler from Impact100 Greater Milwaukee also shared her perspective on supporting projects that strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunities for families. The playground, made possible through generous support from Impact100 Greater Milwaukee and the Trainer Family Foundation, reflects a shared commitment to fostering environments where children can build confidence, develop social skills, and engage in healthy physical activity.

The celebration culminated in the ceremonial ribbon cutting, where community leaders, partners, and several Neighborhood House children joined together for the official countdown. The moment was filled with excitement and pride, symbolizing not only the opening of a new play space but also the power of collaboration. Following the ceremony, children eagerly explored the playground, bringing the space to life, while guests enjoyed networking, media interviews, and photo opportunities. This successful event marked the beginning of a vibrant new chapter—one that will serve hundreds of children each year and continue to strengthen Neighborhood House’s impact for generations to come.

Maple Sugar Season: A Sweet Sign of Spring

This year’s Maple Sugar season was one to remember—full of surprises, learning, and a whole lot of sweetness. Despite a topsy-turvy season marked by unseasonal warmth one week and blizzard conditions the next, our community came together to celebrate this timeless tradition. In total, 350 students and 10 families participated, collecting an impressive 367 gallons of sap, which was carefully boiled down into approximately 9 gallons of rich maple syrup.

A key part of the experience was learning about maple trees themselves—because not just any tree can give us that sweet gift! Students and families explored how to identify the right trees, focusing on sugar maples and their distinct characteristics: opposite branching patterns, bark texture, and the classic leaf shape many recognize from the Canadian flag. Participants practiced observing tree size and health, learning that only mature, healthy trees should be tapped to ensure sustainability.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for—tap, tap, tap for the sap, sap, sap! With guidance, students helped drill, set spiles, and listen for that first satisfying drip. It was a hands-on lesson in patience and care, showing how each drop adds up to something special.

Beyond the numbers, Maple Sugaring offered something deeper—a chance to witness the quiet but powerful transition from winter to spring. As participants learned, the maple sugar season is brief and guided by nature. Once temperatures rise consistently and tree buds begin to open into leaves, sap flow slows and eventually stops. The trees no longer need to share their stored sugars, as energy shifts to new growth.

Nature itself gave us signs of this seasonal shift. Overhead, Turkey Vultures returned, soaring alongside eagles, signaling warmer days ahead. In the wetlands, early spring life began to emerge—bluebirds, mourning cloak butterflies, and vibrant patches of marsh marigolds. One of the most fascinating discoveries was skunk cabbage, among the first plants to bloom. Students were amazed to learn that this unique plant generates its own heat, melting surrounding snow so its deep red calyx can push through frozen ground to share nectar and pollen.

Participants explored these wetlands firsthand, deepening their understanding of how ecosystems respond to changing weather patterns. They also discussed the importance of precipitation and how climate change is affecting natural systems, including maple sap production.

The experience was both educational and hands-on. Students tasted fresh sap and Neighborhood House’s own maple syrup, discovering the transformation from tree to table. They also learned how Indigenous woodland communities traditionally harvested sap and boiled it down—a practice rooted in respect for the land. Families even had the opportunity to carry sap using a yoke, echoing the methods of the past.

Wildlife encounters made the experience even more memorable. A pheasant darted across the landscape, seeking refuge, and a woodcock burst into flight, startling and delighting the group as they made their way through the wetlands.

This season of Maple Sugaring was more than a program—it was a celebration of renewal, resilience, and connection. From the first drip of sap to the final taste of syrup, each moment reminded us that spring is not just coming—it is here. It is also a season of hope, bringing sweet renewal to the land and to every person who experienced the magic of maple sugaring.

Neighborhood House to Celebrate New Playground with April 1 Ribbon-Cutting

Neighborhood House of Milwaukee will celebrate the installation of its new playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 1 at 9:30 a.m. at the Neighborhood House campus, 2819 W. Richardson Place in Milwaukee. The new playground was made possible through generous support from Impact100 Greater Milwaukee and the Trainer Family Foundation.

The playground creates a safe and engaging outdoor space where children enrolled in Neighborhood House programs can play, learn, and grow. Designed to encourage physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play, the new equipment will serve hundreds of children who participate in the organization’s Early Childhood and youth programs each year.

“We are incredibly grateful to Impact100 Greater Milwaukee and the Trainer Family Foundation for investing in our mission to inspire discovery in children and families so they become lifelong learners and confident leaders,” said Jon Janowski, Executive Director of Neighborhood House of Milwaukee. “This new playground creates a vibrant outdoor environment where children can build friendships, develop physically, and simply enjoy being kids.”

Community leaders expected to attend include Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Robert Bauman, representatives from Impact100 Greater Milwaukee, Neighborhood House board members, staff, families, and supporters.

Event Details
What: Playground Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
When: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.
Where: Neighborhood House of Milwaukee, 2819 W. Richardson Place, Milwaukee

Community members and media are invited to attend and celebrate this exciting addition to the Neighborhood House campus.

Spectrum News recently spoke to two NH teens, Ellament and Mya about their time at NH and experiences in the summer program. Hit the link below for the full story.

Thanks to a generous grant from Impact100, as well as the support of our dedicated donors through our 2024 Gala Fund-a-Need, we are ready to build a new playground! The image above is a rendering of what the Playground Project (ages 3 and up) will look like: new field turf surface, brand new accessible and age-appropriate equipment, raised garden beds and new green spaces. The Playground Project is more than just a playground — it is a transformation of our backyard that will benefit every child at Neighborhood House of Milwaukee now and for many years to come.

Groundbreaking for this project is set for mid-September, and the goal is to have the Playground Project completed by the end of October 2025. When completed, Neighborhood House plans to have a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new playground — more details to come!

On June 11, Neighborhood House of Milwaukee was honored to host Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s City of Milwaukee ‘Hello Summer’ Kickoff event. In its third year, the goal of this annual event is to raise awareness about the importance getting youth and teens involved in summer programming. Parents and children are encouraged to take a look at the ‘Hello Summer’ website to see at all of the fun activities youth can sign up for and engage in over the summer break. In addition to Mayor Johnson, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey B. Norman, District 3 Police Captain Raymond Bratchett and representatives from UNCOM (United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee), OCWS (Office of Community Wellness and Safety) and Safe & Sound were in attendance. Neighborhood House of Milwaukee is happy to be featured on the website as an organization offering various programs and activities for all ages throughout the summer months, as well as throughout the entire year.