Kilbourn Reservoir Park

Kilbourn Reservoir Park is a 35-acre public park located in the Riverwest neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the intersection of North Avenue and Humboldt Boulevard. The park sits on land donated to the city in the 1870s by former Milwaukee mayor Byron Kilbourn.

The park's most distinctive feature is its elevated terrain, which offers panoramic views of the Milwaukee skyline. This hill was created by a former 21-million-gallon underground drinking water reservoir that operated from 1873 to 2004. After the reservoir was decommissioned and removed in 2006-2007, the site was redeveloped into the current park while maintaining its characteristic hill shape.

The park's design incorporates both recreational facilities and natural landscaping. The northern section includes flat areas for sports and play, while the central and southern portions feature the prominent hill. Landscaping throughout the park includes a mix of trees, shrubs, and prairie grasses, which enhance stormwater absorption and reduce maintenance needs.

Kilbourn Reservoir Park serves as a popular gathering place for local residents, offering a variety of outdoor activities and community events. Its elevated position not only provides scenic views but also creates natural slopes used for activities like sledding in the winter months.