Staff recommend Waukesha’s $246,954 CDBG allocation, prioritizing ADA playground surfacing, public art and senior services

City staff recommended distributing $246,954 in 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds with 85% ($209,911) directed to facilities projects and 15% ($37,043) for social programs, and said they will forward an allocation resolution to the City Council for approval.

The recommendation—which staff said reflects county and HUD entitlement rules that limit program spending—would fund ADA surfacing work at two playgrounds, façade and awning grants, a landmarks paint-and-repair pool of grants, and public-art projects. On the programs side staff recommended fully funding a senior activity coordinator position, topping up a combined Swim, Park & Play summer program, and continuing support for a part‑time adaptive inclusion specialist who works at before/after-school and summer sites.

A city staff member presenting the allocation overview said the total available for 2026 is $246,954 and that 85% of that must be used for facilities, yielding $209,911 for projects and $37,043 for programs. The presenter said the total amount requested across projects and programs was about $306,000, and staff adjusted the recommended amounts to fit the available entitlement.

Melissa Lipska, Parks and Forestry Operations Manager, said the parks ADA funds are intended for pour-in-place rubber surfacing at Buckner Park and Greenway Terrace playgrounds. "It's the pour in place rubber surfacing. That ensures that, at any given time, we are 100% compliant with ADA as far as the surfacing goes," Lipska…