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Parks & Rec reports busy summer: Aqua Park, skate-park proposals, Wingate work and 2,382 registrants at Dirty Ninja Mud Run
Summary
Parks and Recreation reported strong attendance and revenues at the Aqua Park, a large community turnout for the Dirty Ninja Mud Run (2,382 registrants; estimated 8,000–10,000 attendees), upcoming Wingate Park construction on Aug. 9 and several other summer programs and improvements.
City Parks and Recreation staff told the Common Council July 21 that the department is running a busy summer season with record revenue at the Aqua Park, pending skate-park design proposals, Wingate Park construction scheduled for Aug. 9, and large community events drawing thousands.
Director Mike Yensch (referred to in the meeting as Director Yensch) and staff described several items: the Aqua Park will hold an adults-only event Aug. 1 with tickets limited to 140; skate-park design proposals are due in August; and Wingate Park construction begins Aug. 9 with volunteers assembling at 8 a.m. for site work followed by concrete, asphalt and mulch. LLC Nature Playground Landscapes is completing landscaping installation at the nature playground; West Bend Sunrise Rotarians will plant on July 26; and there are plans to convert an adjacent shed to an open-air shelter.
Councilors and staff praised the recent Dirty Ninja Mud Run for its organization and cleanup. Staff reported 2,382 registrants for the event; the mayor's remarks estimated total attendance, including family members and spectators, "probably had about 8,000, anywhere up to 8,000 to 10,000 people in Regner Park last Saturday." Staff also said Aqua Park revenue had already exceeded last year's revenue by mid-June.
Parks staff said they are seeking design proposals for a skate park and stressed the importance of volunteers and interdepartmental cooperation for large events; construction and maintenance needs will combine paid staff and volunteers. Staff also noted the department is preparing the 2026 budget and capital-improvement planning while anticipating a forthcoming new leader for the department to help with that process.
No formal council action was recorded on Parks and Recreation items beyond receiving the reports; staff indicated a full packet with in-depth TID and parks financial detail is available for council review.
