WAUWATOSA, WI – Milwaukee County Parks will join The Ability Center, community leaders, donors, and supporters to celebrate the groundbreaking of Moss Universal Park, an 18-acre recreational space designed to provide people of all ages and abilities with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
The groundbreaking will mark the beginning of construction and an important milestone in the ongoing effort to bring the vision for Moss Universal Park to life. The $22 million project is being advanced through a capital campaign led by The Ability Center, with fundraising continuing as the project moves forward.
The park is named in honor of the late George French Moss, a Wauwatosa resident whose philanthropic spirit and $3 million lead gift helped launch the capital campaign for the project.
Moss Universal Park represents a significant step forward for accessibility and inclusion in Milwaukee County. A key strategic goal for Milwaukee County Parks is to innovate and expand accessible facilities throughout its park system beyond what is required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The goal is to create truly inclusive experiences that welcome and serve people of all abilities.
“Moss Universal Park represents the kind of future we want for Milwaukee County Parks, where people of all ages and abilities have opportunities to recreate, connect and experience the outdoors together,” said Guy Smith, Executive Director of Milwaukee County Parks. “This groundbreaking will be an exciting milestone, but there is still work ahead and fundraising needed to fully realize this vision. We are grateful for The Ability Center, the Moss family, donors and everyone who has helped move this project forward, and we look forward to continuing that partnership as Moss Universal Park becomes a reality.”
“This groundbreaking is brought to you by way of George French Moss whose love and generosity for his community became a love story,” said Damian Buchman, Founder of The Ability Center. “His philanthropic spirit created the park’s namesake, and so many possibilities by providing a lead gift kicking off a Capital Campaign as we take it to the finish line. This groundbreaking is so much more than a celebration. It is a reminder to all who visit that this will be a most memorable walk in the park.”
When completed, Moss Universal Park is envisioned as a first-of-its-kind destination for inclusive recreation, featuring adaptive and accessible amenities designed to serve people across ages and abilities. Plans highlighted by The Ability Center include adaptive play equipment, a universal ballpark and sensory-safe playgrounds, among other innovative recreational features.
While the groundbreaking will represent an important milestone, fundraising for the capital campaign remains ongoing. The Ability Center continues to seek support from donors, organizations and community partners to help fully realize the vision for Moss Universal Park.
Through the partnership between Milwaukee County Parks and The Ability Center, Moss Universal Park has the potential to become a transformational recreational destination for Milwaukee County and an example of how public spaces can be designed from the outset to welcome everyone.
The groundbreaking will take place Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Moss Universal Park, 10300 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wauwatosa.
About Milwaukee County Parks
Milwaukee County Parks is dedicated to enriching the lives of the community by providing safe, enjoyable, and affordable recreational opportunities while preserving the natural and cultural resources of the parks. Spanning over 15,000 acres, the Milwaukee County Park System includes more than 150 parks and parkways, over 100 miles of trails, numerous community centers, golf courses, botanical gardens, beaches, and hundreds of playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic areas. Committed to sustainability, health, and equity, Milwaukee County Parks continues to strive towards a vision where everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy the benefits of green spaces and recreational facilities.
Additional Details
- For interview inquiries, please fill out our Media Request Form.
- To read more about the Moss Universal Park visit their website at: www.universalpark.org
- For more information: Contact: dbuchman@tacwi.org or gvalenti@tac.org
