Parks staff outline 21 projects for 2025 including cabin remodels, playgrounds, tree plantings and swim-pond dredging

Parks staff told the commission on March 27 that 21 projects are planned for the remainder of 2025, ranging from building remodels and playground replacements to extensive dredging at the Regner swim pond and continued planning for a large new park.

Major items described by staff included: - Ridge Run White Family Cabin Remodel: On schedule for use beginning May 10; work includes door and window replacement, chimney repairs, a gas fireplace insert, interior pine paneling and a new exterior wood deck. Most funding for this project comes from an anonymous donation; parks operating funds will cover roof replacement. - Painting and maintenance contracts at the Marin Center and barn: Staff reported the Marin Center contract at just under $28,000 and the barn estimate at about $12,000. - Tree Surety/Planting Program: A contractor will plant 209 trees across the city (81 free citizen requests; 52 for 2024 road reconstruction; 23 for new neighborhoods; 53 in city parks). Staff cited a total planting budget of roughly $79,000 and a planting contract of just over $60,000, including $25,000 from a 2024 DNR Urban Forestry grant. - Regner Labyrinth Garden accessible parking: Project out to bid with a budget of $34,000 and construction planned as early as August with a 90-day contract window. - Parks Forestry Workshop roof replacement: Budget estimate of $54,000 funded from the 2025 building maintenance budget. - Camp Lodge final improvements: Budgeted at $40,000 for final-phase interior and systems upgrades. - Wingate Park Playground replacement: Budgeted $110,000; play equipment costs just under $70,000. Staff said the department received a manufacturer grant of roughly $48,000. Installation was scheduled for Aug. 9 with a neighborhood volunteer build planned. - Nature Playground, Quest Creek Field 3 scoreboard and other smaller projects: Quest Creek Field 3 received a scoreboard donated by the West Bend Athletic Association; the scoreboard was installed and will be wired for the season. - Security camera installations at Riverside Park, the Riverwalk alley and other vandalism-prone sites: Staff described camera placements for improved restroom and alley security. - Regner swim pond dredging and Aqua Park work: Contractor equipment on site; staff said they plan to dredge to depths of about 14–15 feet, remove 15,000 cubic yards of sediment and add about 3,500 cubic yards of sand. Staff listed line-item costs for Aqua Park elements: BMCI contract portion $197,300 (with contingency), inflatables and life jackets $146,000, electrical work $15,750, miscellaneous $10,000 and concrete anchors $3,250. Staff presented funding sources including park impact fees ($233,000 allocated), a $30,000 donation from Westbury Bank, $50,000 from Friends of Park and Rec, $30,000 from the summer lunch program balance, $20,000 from Sunrise Rotary and proceeds from a surplus sale that yielded $11,200. - Skatepark: Staff said location approved and the next steps are completing an RFP, selecting a designer/builder in 2025 and ramping fundraising and policy work. - Concession stand floor and cosmetic work: CertiPro contracted to apply polyurea and paint at a cost of $9,137 from park operating funds. - Downtown Riverwalk and restroom planning: Staff described hiring an architect for pedestrian-bridge lighting, potential festoon lighting downtown and outreach to property owners about possible public restrooms; Riverwalk floodplain constraints were cited as a reason earlier restroom options were infeasible. - Ice Age Trail and related parking/trailhead improvements: Staff working with Kunkle Engineering to estimate costs; possible small trailhead parking and floating boardwalk options at Ridge Run were discussed. - Parkside O master planning and All-Abilities playground: Parkside O (an 80-acre parcel) was identified as a future priority for master planning; staff noted maintenance and staffing considerations and said they will seek common council commitment before major development. The All-Abilities playground has completed design drawings and specifications but requires updated cost estimates before construction.

Staff requested the commission serve in a review role for an upcoming combined Park and Open Space Plan and the city's comprehensive plan update; staff said they plan to issue an RFP for both projects together.

Why it matters: the portfolio covers both near-term capital work (playgrounds, concession stand, roof repairs) and multi-year initiatives (Parkside O master planning, skatepark and all-abilities playground) that will influence park access, maintenance costs and fundraising priorities. Staff flagged funding sources and several donor and grant commitments that reduce net project costs.

No commission vote was required for the informational project update; staff will return with bids, RFPs and contract actions as projects move toward procurement.