Milwaukee Chess Park

Support MKE Chess Park at Kilbourn Reservoir Park - a place for Strategy, Community & Growth

A partnership with MKE City Parks

Why a Chess Park?

Milwaukee needs a dedicated outdoor chess space that fosters strategic thinking, community engagement, and inclusivity. Chess is more than just a game—it builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and social bonds across cultures and generations. 

Why this matters:

  • Statistics: on the benefits of chess for mental agility, social connection, and youth education. 
  • Lack of dedicated chess spaces in Milwaukee. 
  • Equity in public spaces: How the park will address accessibility and inclusion. 

Image credit: NYC Parks/Daniel Avila

Kilbourn Reservoir Park

Kilbourn Reservoir Park is the ideal location, offering scenic views, accessibility, and the perfect atmosphere for a vibrant chess community. 

Kilbourn Reservoir Park - Site Area

  • Cozy & Shaded Seating Areas – Comfortable seating with ample greenery. 
  • Plenty of Chess Tables – At least 10 tables for casual and competitive play. 
  • One-on-One & Group Play Options – Tables designed for both individual games and spectator-     friendly areas. 
  • Highly Visible Location – Easy access in a popular park with high foot traffic. 
  • Family-Friendly & Inclusive – A welcoming space for all ages and skill levels. 
  • Bike Parking & Accessibility – Convenient amenities for all visitors.

Community Impact

  • Promotes Social Connection – A space where players of all backgrounds can gather.
  • Supports Youth & Education – Chess improves focus, patience, and decision-making skills.
  • Encourages Healthy Public Spaces – Activating an underutilized park area.
  • Fosters Local Engagement – Opportunities for chess tournaments, workshops, and mentoring.

Community Profile

The Riverwest, Harambee, and Brewer's Hill neighborhoods adjacent to the park have a dense and diverse population.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, 1,563 people live in the census block of Kilbourn Reservoir Park.  Use the map and explore the community profile with data from the most recent decennial census. 

Walkability

According to the 2020 Census, over 19,000 people live within a 20 minute walk to the Chess Park site. This area includes 9 schools, with many more just beyond the 20 minute zone.

Click and explore the map to see the details about the schools and walk zones.

Notable Chess Parks Around the Country

Images below from Lincoln Park and Hudson Park in Chicago and Chess Pocket Park in St. Louis

Images below from Fern Street Chess Park in West Palm Beach, Santa Monica Chess Park, and Washington Square, NY

Notable Chess Parks Around the Country

Use the map to explore how other cities have created chess parks in some similar locations around the country

How you can help in Milwaukee

Be a part of this visionary project! Your support will help bring the MKE Chess Park to life. Please consider giving your input at our survey below or donating to the project.

Donation Tiers 

$25+ - Recognition Letter as a supporter of MKE Chess Park.  

$500+ – (The above) and Your name on the donor recognition plaque.

$3000+ – (All the above) and Sponsor of a chess table with a personalized nameplate. 

$5,000+ – (All the above) and Major donor recognition & sponsorship opportunities.  

$25,000+ – (All the above) and naming rights.  

Any Amount – Every contribution makes a difference!