Marquette University dedicates Norris Park, an off-campus green space for student sports and public use at Kilbourn Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets, on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Ald. Bob Bauman and Marquette president Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., will speak at the event.

Marquette leased the land last year for the public park northwest of campus for 25 years and worked with student government and the City of Milwaukee over the past seven years to plan and renovate the space, including removing asphalt, planting native trees and installing new turf, lighting, fencing and security cameras.

"I give credit to student government and Marquette administration for their ability to help transfer student ideas," said Dan Calandriello, MUSG president in 2006-07. "While student leaders change, issues don't change until they're solved."

Several neighborhood community groups, including the Milwaukee Center for Independence and the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, also plan to use the park.

"The transformation of a deteriorating former playground into the green space of Norris Park required cooperation from government, education and community development," said Rana Altenburg, Marquette's vice president for public affairs, "Marquette thanks all partners for their contributions to this vital project."

The Norris Park dedication will feature games, refreshments and musical performances by Repertoire, Something to Do and Jam Ak Jam, and a variety of student groups.