Waukesha parks board recommends 2026–2030 Community Investment Program; highlights fleet replacements, Mineola and Prairie projects

The Waukesha City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board voted unanimously Aug. 25 to recommend that the Finance Committee consider the proposed 2026–2030 Community Investment Program, a $5.1 million package that the department said is split roughly between borrowed funds and alternative revenues such as impact fees.

Board members advanced the recommendation after a staff presentation that focused on 2026 projects and on a fleet replacement plan that parks staff and the city fleet manager said is intended to reduce breakdowns and maintenance costs.

The Parks Department presentation, led by park staff member Melissa, reviewed 2026 fleet items including replacement pickup trucks with plows and salters, a garbage packer truck used five days a week during peak season, three forestry bucket trucks, small utility “gator” vehicles used on trails and at events, mowers and a backhoe with a new articulated grapple. John Weinkoff, the city fleet manager in Public Works, reviewed specifications and replacement rationale for several items. Melissa told the board, “If there are questions that I can't answer or don't have the immediate response to, I can get more facts and details and get back to you on those too.”

Board members pressed staff on repair histories and seasonal staffing. One…