Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks board notes train, Quarry Park master plan, parkland-dedication review and Seaward Trail reconstruction
Summary
Parks staff gave several operational and planning updates at the March 10 meeting, including that the Menomonee Park amusement train is being prepared for a May opening and that the city is starting a Quarry Park master-plan process.
Board staff provided a series of operational and planning updates at the March 10 meeting.
Train operations and longer-term amusement options: Parks staff said the Menomonee Park amusement train is being readied for service in May with in-house repairs to cars and a mix of contracted work and purchases. Staff also reported preliminary conversations with community partners and potential funders about a possible future land-based train option; no firm commitments or timelines were provided.
Quarry Park master plan: Staff said the site faces constraints from a former landfill and methane-gas issues and that a neighborhood association has obtained neighborhood funding to begin a master plan. The city will work with Rettler Corporation, DNR staff and engineering staff to define what is feasible on the site before drafting recommendations.
Parkland-dedication and fee-in-lieu updates: Planning and parks staff are continuing work to update the subdivision ordinance's parkland-dedication and fee-in-lieu provisions and are studying the potential of an impact fee to help fund neighborhood parks. Staff said turnover in the planning division slowed initial work but that a consultant is advancing a proposal that will come to the Parks Board for review.
Seaward Trail reconstruction: Staff reported Seaward Trail (the drive along the west side of the zoo toward the boat launch) is in poor condition and is in design with engineering staff for reconstruction funded in the 2024 CIP. The project would include the roadway and zoo parking area; staff said UW-Milwaukee archaeology staff have done test digs and the design will limit excavation to avoid potential archaeological issues. Staff expect to put the project out to bid with mid-August construction start and completion aimed before October events at the zoo.
Ice-season and program notes: Staff said ice-fishing events and the zoo lagoon skating rink had strong attendance this year and that ice conditions allowed approximately seven weeks of skating, a notable increase from recent years.
