The Milwaukee Public Market, in response to a proposal by Milwaukee County Supervisor Martin Weddle, announced Friday it would provide up to $5,000 as a matching grant should the Milwaukee County Board approve the proposal to provide equipment and youth chess classes this summer at five parks: Washington, Lincoln, McGovern, Mitchell and Sherman.

Each year, the Market makes a grant to a group or organization working to provide health and educational services to local youth. Past recipients have included Children's Outing Association, Milwaukee Public Library, United Community Center and Milwaukee Christian Center.

"Summer chess is a great way for young people to learn new skills and make more use of our great county park system," said Paul Schwartz, operation and communications manager for the public market. "We share Supervisor Weddle’s assessment that the game of chess can enhance a child’s intellectual maturity, and we hope this grant money will encourage the county board to strongly consider his proposal."

The market will match, dollar for dollar, other donations up to $5,000, which is estimated to be half of the money needed for the summer youth program.