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Tourism commission discusses infrastructure priorities, budget and summertime event updates
Summary
Commissioners reviewed the commission’s budget breakdown, a worksheet of infrastructure priorities including a proposed Riverwalk lighting plan and Old Settlers Park redesign, and heard staff reports on Classic Green, the mud run and AquaPark attendance; the commission accepted the financial report and approved minutes from May 6, 2025.
The West Bend City Tourism Commission on Tuesday reviewed a worksheet of priorities that included downtown infrastructure projects, a proposal to tier future major grants and next steps for a hotel–convention-center study, and accepted the commission’s financial report.
Commissioners discussed a list of suggested infrastructure projects centered on downtown: downtown restrooms; Old Settlers Park redesign following removal of the gazebo after a vehicle accident; a Riverwalk lighting master plan; community wayfinding (including consideration of digital signboards); expanded holiday decorations; and safety features such as event bollards. The commission’s worksheet noted $75,000 budgeted for tourism‑friendly infrastructure in the current calendar year and an “admin special purpose” budget line of $377,000 that allocates funds for grants and partner entities.
Chair and Commissioner Kirk said outreach to tourism partners — including the Chamber, Moen, and the Downtown West Bend Association — found broad support for the seasonal event promotional grants and interest in a possible tiered major-grant model. The proposed tiered approach discussed as a future option would reduce a first-year major grant from $20,000 to a three-year ramp (year 1: $10,000–$15,000; year 2: $7,500; year 3: $2,500) to limit one‑year risk if an event does not continue.
Commissioners also discussed updating the city’s hotel–convention‑center study, noting staff turnover and inflation since the study’s original completion in 2022–23. John Fellows, director of community development, and the incoming city administrator (starting in August) were identified as stakeholders to be briefed; commissioners asked staff to obtain a cost estimate for any consultant update and, if needed, return in September for approval to contract the work.
Staff reports covered recent and upcoming events. Jacob, a tourism staff member, said last weekend’s Classic Green John Deere collectors event drew substantial out‑of‑state and international attendees, and the department operated a booth at the Ziegler Building. He reported 1,790 registrants so far for an upcoming mud run, noted Global Fest was two weeks away and that staff were preparing for July 4 events and a full‑day promotional photo shoot. Jacob also said visitors had booked rooms in neighboring communities (Saukville, Grafton, Menomonee Falls) for recent events.
Commissioners and staff reported AquaPark’s opening week produced very strong revenues and attendance; staff described the opening-day weather and revenue as among the highest in recent decades.
The commission approved the minutes of the May 6, 2025 tourism commission meeting and accepted the financial report as presented. The meeting briefly recessed into closed session under Wisconsin Statute §19.85 and then reconvened into open session.
