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Parks division shifts course after BRIC change; Old Settlers playground replacement scheduled after Oktoberfest
Summary
Parks staff told the committee the federal BRIC grant program has been eliminated, prompting a shift to a phased Kemper Center shoreline restoration; Old Settlers Park playground removal will begin the Monday following the county’s Sept. 6 Oktoberfest.
Parks staff told the Public Works Department Committee that the federal BRIC grant program has been eliminated and that the county will pursue a phased approach to Kemper Center shoreline restoration and repairs.
The county is shifting to a phased plan and is working with the consultant who prepared the original plans to isolate a first phase that can proceed with smaller funding requests. Parks staff also said they are preparing facility condition assessment work and plan specifications for chapel repairs with a goal of having designs ready by late summer and bids out by October.
On play areas, staff said Old Settlers Park’s existing playground will be removed the Monday after the county’s Oktoberfest (Oktoberfest scheduled for Sept. 6 this year) to avoid disrupting summer concerts and to allow time for installation of new surfacing and safety testing. The new playground will use accessible poured‑in‑place surfacing and include features such as transfer stations and accessible pathways to improve ADA accessibility.
Parks staff described grant activity for the salmon rearing pond in the City of Kenosha, noting the county and city submitted applications to two programs, including a $50,000 Urban Waters/5‑Star grant intended to meet the project’s funding goal. The county also referenced smaller, local grant efforts such as a Rotary Club request and said the city will pursue additional grants like a Lowe’s Hometown grant and National Coastal Resilience Fund applications.
Staff provided staffing counts for summer operations: on the west side beaches and parks they reported 18 lifeguards, three fee collectors, one assistant beach manager, eight short‑term maintenance staff and three long‑term maintenance staff; east side parks are reported as fully staffed. Parks staff said orientation is scheduled for May 17.
Why it matters: the BRIC funding change requires project restructuring; playground replacement and shoreline work have schedule and accessibility implications for park users.
Ending: staff asked supervisors to help promote seasonal hiring and noted partner cities and clubs are part of the grant strategy for the rearing pond.
Quotes and attributions in this article come from attendees recorded in the committee transcript.
