Volunteers build new playground on one Saturday at Merrill Park

Common Council President Michael J. Murphy (left) and Alderman Robert J. Bauman (center) participate in construction and dedication of a  new playground at Merrill Park, 461 N. 35th St. (N. 35th and W. Michigan), on Saturday, September 12, 2015. More than 200 volunteers, including many from partners Marquette University High School and the Merrill Park Neighborhood Association, helped construct the new playground on Saturday. President Murphy, a champion of upgrading play spaces for Milwaukee children (and the founder of the MKE Plays play space transformation initiative), said the project both enhances the play experience for children and promotes neighborhood collaboration. Alderman Bauman said he is pleased that the project will help transform the playground into an “active and welcoming neighborhood gathering place for families.” At the dedication of the playground held that afternoon, Murphy and Bauman were joined by Mayor Tom Barrett, local leaders, volunteers and residents of the Merrill Park neighborhood.