The Lincoln Creek Parkway is located at the north end of the outer loop of two concentric, connected, oval-shaped chains of parkways that form the Milwaukee County Parks. First conceived in 1923 and known as the “Emerald Necklace,” the parkways were designed by landscape architect Charles Whitnall. As with many of the parkways, Lincoln Creek did not truly begin to develop until the New Deal of the 1930s brought Works Progress Administration (WPA) funding and labor to Milwaukee. The WPA and ity of Milwaukee approved a project to improve the Lincoln Creek Parkway in November 1935. Parkway construction began at that time and lasted for several decades.

Initial parkway development focused on flood control since major water and ice jams threatened the area. Workers diverted, straightened, and deepened the creek; constructed masonry retaining walls; and added storm sewers. They also built bridges including those at N. Teutonia Avenue and N. 35th and W. Congress Streets. By 1950 ownership of the Parkway transferred from the City of Milwaukee to Milwaukee County. During the post-World War II era the Milwaukee County Park Commission’s focus shifted from land acquisition and flood control to development of scenic parkway and recreational facilities. These included street improvements, bike and pedestrian trails, sports equipment, and work in Meaux Park on the eastern end of the Parkway.

The Parkway reflects the aims of the Milwaukee County park commissioners who advocated developing a parkway system to relieve urban congestion, provide a hygienic landscape, provide outdoor recreational spaces, increase adjacent property values, and control flood-prone watersheds. The Parkway also maintains a strong association with local federal-aid work relief.